Old Wives' Tales

Old wives' tales are stories which are passed down from generation to generation. The term "old wives' tale" comes from the idea that older women are often wiser because of their life experiences. Many cultures look up to elders of their community, especially when it comes to information about life issues. And in some societies, older women offer healing services and general advice to the community.

Some old wives' tales are examples of harmless ignorance. But some old wives' tales are dangerous because they can lead you to make poor choices. So always find out the truth.

Here are eleven old wives tales:

1. Every normal female has a girl ovary and a boy ovary.
2. In every normal male, one testicle produces sperm that make boy babies and the other testicle produces sperm that make girl babies.
3. A woman cannot get pregnant if she has sex with a man while standing up.
4. A woman cannot get pregnant the first time she has sex.
5. A man cannot get a woman pregnant if he pulls his penis out of the woman's vagina before he ejaculates.
6. You can tell by looking at someone if they have a sexually transmitted infection.
7. You will always know if you have a sexually transmitted infection.
8. You cannot get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex.
9. A woman who has never had sex is not a virgin if she uses tampons.
10. A woman will not get pregnant if she showers or douches immediately after intercourse.
11. Once a male has an erection, he must have intercourse, or he can be harmed by not ejaculating sperm.

Each of these eleven statements is completely untrue.  Unfortunately, these absurd notions are circulated among both adults and adolescents.  If you encounter anyone spreading this misinformation, make sure they have the truth.

John 8:32
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Share the health.

Deborah White, MD, MBA