50 Great Myths of Human Sexuality

There exists a wide range of misconceptions concerning human sexuality, many of which are certified by self–appointed “experts” and passed on as the absolute truth; some of which are even taught in schools. Some of these misconceptions are so misleading as to be dangerous while others can cause needless worry and anxiety. 50 Great Myths of Human Sexuality seeks to dispel commonly accepted myths and misunderstandings surrounding human sexuality. Authors Schwartz and Kempner provide an enlightening, fascinating and challenging book that covers the fifty areas they believe individuals must understand to have a safe, pleasurable and health sex life. Encompassing heterosexual and same–sex relationships where possible, these include myths surrounding pre–marital sex, masturbation, sexual diseases, fantasy, pornography, contraception, and understanding emotions such as jealousy, body image insecurity, passionate love and sexual aggression and how they affect sexual health and happiness. Based on their collective years of experience working in the field of human sexuality, the authors provide an enlightening, fascinating and challenging book for students learning about human sexuality, and an engaging introduction for general readers interested in questions about the human behavior, sexuality, and gender diversity.

Pepper Schwartz is Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington. She is also Senior Fellow on the Council on the Contemporary Family, on the board of the University of Minnesota Sexual Health Center, and Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Ph.D. in Sexual Studies at the Institute for Integral Studies in San Francisco. She is the author of 20 books, including The Getaway Guide to a Great Sex Weekend (2012), The Normal Bar: The Surprising Secrets of Happy Couples (2013) and Dating After 50 for Dummies (Wiley 2014). She is the recipient of numerous national awards and Past President of The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. Martha Kempner is a writer, consultant, and sexual health expert. She has authored numerous publications for young people, parents, educators, and policymakers, and currently serves as the staff writer focused on sexual health for RH Reality Check, an online news source dedicated to reproductive health and rights. Martha has a Masters degree in human sexuality from New York University.