# Debunking the Biggest Sex Myths Spreading on Social Media
Key Highlights :
Social media has become a popular platform for exchanging information and advice, but unfortunately, not all of it is reliable. When it comes to sexual health, it’s important to receive information that’s factual, helpful, and backed by research. We asked medical experts to debunk the most popular sexual myths spreading on social media, such as washing the inside of your vagina, using home remedies to treat a yeast infection, taking Mucinex to increase fertility, using yoni pearls to detox the vagina, and drinking pineapple juice to change the taste of your vagina.
## Washing the Inside of Your Vagina
When it comes to taking care of your sexual health, it’s important to receive information that’s factual. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about the best way to take care of your vagina. Dr. Claudia Pastides, MBBS, general practitioner and director of medical accuracy at Flo, tells Lifehacker that 36% of women wrongly believe that you should regularly wash the inside of your vagina.
“Washing inside the vagina can disrupt the natural pH and ultimately lead to vaginal infections and discomfort,” she explains. “The vagina is self-cleaning, so there’s no need to do this.”
## Using Home Remedies to Treat a Yeast Infection
TikTok is full of home remedies for treating a yeast infection, but Dr. Irina Ilyich, gynecologist and medical advisor, says these can end up doing more harm than good.
“While some people may swear by inserting a garlic clove into their vagina or adding vinegar to their bathtub, there’s no scientific proof supporting that home remedies such as yogurt or garlic can help treat a yeast infection,” she tells Lifehacker. “If you are unsure of the best way to treat a yeast infection, it’s best to visit a medical professional so they can do an examination and swab test. Pelvic exams aren’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but they are the best way to get the right diagnosis and get started on the path to a full recovery.”
## Taking Mucinex to Increase Fertility
There’s a popular myth on TikTok that taking Mucinex can increase fertility, but Dr. Allison Rodgers, OB-GYN and medical advisor, says this isn’t true.
“Medicine that helps with the mucus in your respiratory tract is not shown to have the same effect on the mucus in your cervix,” she tells Lifehacker. “While there is a case report about sperm motility from 1982, there’s no credible, reliable research showing that there is an increased chance of pregnancy with Mucinex.”
Rodgers suggests women who wish to get pregnant take folic acid and prenatal supplements and reduce toxins such as nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and cannabis, as well as eating healthy. “This means choosing wholesome foods, such as leafy greens, fresh fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil, which are incredibly beneficial for your fertility,” she explains.
## Using Yoni Pearls to Detox the Vagina
Yoni pearls, usually advertised as a vaginal detox or vaginal cleanse, contain multiple herbs in ‘pearl’ form. According to the manufacturer, it’s recommended to use them by inserting them into the vagina.
“The efficacy and safety of these products have not been evaluated and confirmed by FDA-approved research,” Ilyich explains. “There is no scientific evidence that these pearls might be helpful. Moreover, studies showed that using intravaginal products for controlling odor, lubricating the vagina, preparing for sex, cleansing the vagina, enhancing sexual pleasure, and preventing STIs were associated with injuries, bleeding, infections, and unhealthy changes in the vaginal microbiome.”
Ilyich says that your vagina doesn’t need to be detoxed or cleansed. “It is a self-cleaning system that works perfectly well, especially if you are not trying to improve it by inserting any ‘improving agents,’” she says.
## Drinking Pineapple Juice to Change the Taste of Your Vagina
There’s a myth on TikTok that drinking pineapple juice can change the taste of your vagina. Dr. Claudia P. Mosca, OB-GYN and medical advisor at Flo, says this isn’t true.
“Every vagina has its own natural and totally normal taste, but there’s no data to show increasing your intake of sweet fruits will alter the taste or smell of your vagina,” she clarifies. “There’s no evidence to suggest you can change the smell or taste of your vagina based on what you consume. Also, there isn’t any need to do so. A healthy vagina’s scent and taste is not overpowering, and if it is, there might be an underlying infection that needs medical attention.”
## Taking Caffeine to Increase Orgasm Intensity
Some people on TikTok have claimed that taking caffeine can increase orgasm intensity, but Mosca says this isn’t true.
“Creating a good sexual experience depends on many factors, and for people with vulvas, finding what works and exploring different stimulation in the whole area — clitoris, vulva, vagina perineum, and anus — alone or with a partner is key
