Misconceptions/Myths Associated with Growth and Development

Females:

• Large buttocks are an indicator of high sexual activity. (This is a false correlation.)

• Smaller breasts are inherently more desirable. (Beauty standards vary and this is subjective.)

• Sexual intercourse can relieve menstrual cramps. (While it might offer temporary relief for some, it’s not a reliable solution and is a misconception.)

• Menstrual cramps are a sign of infertility. (Cramps are a common symptom of menstruation and not indicative of infertility.)

• The vagina is a hollow space where objects can get lost. (The vagina is not an endless cavity.)

• Pregnancy is only possible after a girl has menstruated for a year. (Fertility begins with ovulation, which can occur before or shortly after the first period.)

• “Safe days” are a reliable method of contraception. (The rhythm method is unreliable due to cycle variability.)

• Thin hips are considered more attractive. (Body ideals are culturally and personally influenced.)

• Menstrual flow is inherently unhygienic and smells bad. (Menstrual blood is not inherently dirty, and odor is usually due to hygiene practices or products used.)

• Uncircumcised girls are constantly restless and sexually aroused. (Circumcision status has no bearing on constant arousal levels.)

• Starting menstruation implies prior sexual intercourse. (Menarche is a biological event, not related to sexual activity.)

• Hip enlargement is solely caused by sexual activity. (Hip growth is a natural part of adolescent development and fat distribution.)

• Menstrual flow breaks the hymen and causes loss of virginity. (The hymen can be broken in various ways, and menstruation is unrelated to virginity.)

• Small breasts mean insufficient milk production for breastfeeding. (Breast size is not an indicator of milk production capacity.)

• Girls are never seen as children and are always considered mature. (This denies the developmental stages of girlhood and adolescence.)

• Breasts enlarge simply by being touched by men. (Breast growth is hormonal and not stimulated by touch.)

• A woman who doesn’t give birth is like a barren mule. (This is a derogatory and inaccurate comparison devaluing women without children.)

• Every woman becomes fertile during the rainy season. (Fertility is not seasonally dependent.)

• One should have children at a very young age. (Optimal childbearing age is a complex issue and not solely determined by youth.)

• Sexual intercourse cures skin problems like spots and pimples. (This is a false and unscientific claim.)

Males:

• A larger penis size is always better. (Penis size is not directly correlated with sexual satisfaction for partners.)

• An erection means sexual activity is necessary. (Erections are normal physiological responses and do not mandate sexual activity.)

• Boys without beards are not yet considered men. (Beard growth varies and is not the sole marker of manhood.)

• Only boys with hairy chests are attractive. (Attractiveness is subjective and not determined by chest hair.)

• Girls are exclusively attracted to tall, masculine boys. (Attraction is diverse and not limited to specific physical traits.)

• Boys can only impregnate girls at age 18. (Male fertility begins at puberty, not age 18.)

• Big toes indicate a large penis size. (This is a false and unfounded correlation.)