The history of sex is often more likely to produce laughter and horror than it is to turn you on. Humans have been finding ways to explain various elements of sexuality since the dawn of recorded history and while some has proven to be worthwhile advice, other bits of so-called information are now just comedy fodder. Learning about these myths can help people to understand why sex education is so important as well as giving us all some insight into how mankind has evolved in the bedroom.

1. Masturbation = Madness

Perhaps the most well-known “fact” from the past regarding sex is the public attitude about masturbation and what it could do to you if left unchecked. Over the course of history, masturbation has been claimed to cause everything from depression to blindness. The Victorian era is most commonly associated with anti-masturbation devices such as cages for the penis, rings with spikes that prevented erections and a host of other intimidating ‘therapeutic’ devices. These remained in use and surprisingly popular well into the 1920s with advertisements promising a happy marriage, clearer skin and more energy for men who could resist the evils of self love. Today we know that masturbation can be a part of a healthy sex life and that regular masturbation can actually help top prevent prostate cancer, combats depression and can be used to improve sexual performance.

2. Testicles Weigh You Down … Literally

The ancient Greeks had something of an obsession when it came to sex. Greek scholars spent a great deal of time trying to understand how the penis and testicles worked, though they didn’t give nearly as much attention to the inner workings of the female form. Nevertheless, their work did help to form a better understanding of male sexuality but that doesn’t mean they got everything right. Aristotle, for example, firmly believed that testicles had a direct bearing on a man’s voice. He noted that as boys age, their testicles descend as does their voice. The correlation led him to believe that the testicles were connected to the vocal cords internally – a belief that became “medical fact” for many years.

3. Sex Can’t Be Taught

Because of the prudish attitudes about sex across many cultures, it has often been believed that sexual performance is simply a natural gift and if you don’t have it, then you’re doomed to a life of mediocre bedroom antics. The truth, of course, is rather different. Today we know that sexual technique is something most people absolutely need to learn and, in some cases, they need to learn it over and over again. Honing a sexual routine doesn’t mean you’re done – many times a change in partner means a change in how you perform. Luckily, these days there are plenty of DVDs, videos and even in person classes which can help boost your performance.

4. Women Don’t Want Casual Sex

These idea that men want casual sex while women want a relationship is one of the most enduring myths and is still taught as “fact” by some. While sex within a committed relationship can be appealing to both men and women, recent studies have shown that women aren’t likely to shy away from a No Strings Attached sexual encounter provided it’s consensual, takes place in a safe place and is with a partner who knows how to make the most of his time. One study conducted by a University of Michigan researcher found the real difference wasn’t in the level of commitment but with what women expected in terms of achieving orgasm. Women may not care if you hang around for breakfast, but you’d better know how to perform if you expect to be asked back.

5. Once You Get Older, Sex Matters Less

This myth may be a simple by-product of people not really wanting to think about their grandparents getting it on. The idea that sexual interest wanes with age does have some basis in fact, but that doesn’t mean you lose your libido as you age. While some decrease in libido is to be expected, there are plenty of people who experience little or no decrease in sexual interest. For others who do experience a decline in libido, supplements and other treatments can help to boost their sexual desire and keep them happy between the sheets well into their senior years.