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Don't Put That in There!: And 69 Other Sex Myths Debunked

Aaron E. Carroll,

Rachel C. Vreeman

3.44 · Rating details · 221 ratings · 59 reviews

People have more access to medical information than ever before with an abundance of printed and online resources, and yet we still believe "facts" about our bodies and sexuality that are just plain wrong. Don't Put That in There! takes on these myths and misconceptions, and exposes the truth behind some of those weird and worrisome things we think about our bodies, such a ...more

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Paperback, 230 pages

Published July 1st 2014 by St. Martin's Griffin

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May 16, 2019 Scott rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fic

Is it possible to write a review of a book like Don't Put That in There!: And 69 Other Sex Myths Debunked without making a single double entendre? Can you review a sex book with the number ‘69’ in the title without a single bad pun or weak gag related to the act of intercourse? I think not, and in the spirit of this book I will place ten terrible euphemisms, entendres and allusions throughout this review, for your reading pleasure.

Anyway, onto Carroll and Vreeman’s book.

This book may not rock yo Is it possible to write a review of a book like Don't Put That in There!: And 69 Other Sex Myths Debunked without making a single double entendre? Can you review a sex book with the number ‘69’ in the title without a single bad pun or weak gag related to the act of intercourse? I think not, and in the spirit of this book I will place ten terrible euphemisms, entendres and allusions throughout this review, for your reading pleasure.

Anyway, onto Carroll and Vreeman’s book.

This book may not rock your world (1). It may not make the Earth move (2). What it will do is give you some valuable insights into the weird and varied world of human sexual relations, and some of the current research into why people do stuff, how they do it, and the consequences of all that doin’.

Each section is generally a few pages, and reading each will take you around... three minutes (3). This makes it a great public transport book – you can read a section between one-two stops - providing you aren’t worried about others judging you on your choice of reading material.

Speaking of worries, Don't Put That in There! discusses many areas of sex and sexuality that people fret about. Maybe you’re worried anal sex will give you haemorrhoids (it won’t, but it can aggravate what’s already there) or that Gardasil might make your daughter promiscuous (it won’t – the research has been done, even though it really shouldn’t have been an issue in the first place) or perhaps that your partner may fall pregnant using the withdrawal method (the numbers are in: she will!). There’s some meaty (4) stuff in here, and this book answers these and many, many other questions about human sexuality, and deals with numerous urban myths that have built up around sex.

However, while there are more than enough sex factoids in Don’t Put That in There! to arouse (5) your interest, the individual sections aren’t girthy enough to completely satisfy (6). I often felt like I was reading an extended listicle, where I was teased (7) with some fascinating information then left frustrated at the premature completion (8) of each segment.

Put simply: this is an interesting read, but it doesn’t go into a great deal of detail and ultimately reads like a collection of sex-ed columns from a quality newspaper. Each individual section is worth reading, but overall this book is one brief Netflix and Chill (9) after another rather than a lasting commitment to holy matrimo… oh forget it. I can’t take any more of my own awful lines.

Three big bright shining stars (10) out of five.

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May 08, 2014 Sharon L rated it really liked it

Wanna read more reviews? visit my blog The Accidental Reader

Well,

Written in a funny approchable way, Don't Put That In There! debunk all sorts of sex myths I never had.

Maybe, that came out a little wrong.

So let's start at...well, I'm not sure.
What made me want to read this book was sheer curiousity as to what myths there are regarding sex? Beside the funny name and the cover promised something that while being informative will also be easy to read.

Was that promise delivered? YES!

There are ...more

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Jul 05, 2014 Jenni rated it liked it

Shelves: goodreads-first-reads

I won this through a Goodreads giveaway- not my usual kind of book, but the title was amusing and I generally approve of any work that aims to demystify the human condition.
I must be honest, I'm not sure who was the intended audience for this work. You have to hope that most adult Americans are past the stage of believing that masturbation causes hairy palms or blindness, so I initially assumed this was intended for the teenaged reader or the young adult who has learned the basics of sex ed but I won this through a Goodreads giveaway- not my usual kind of book, but the title was amusing and I generally approve of any work that aims to demystify the human condition.
I must be honest, I'm not sure who was the intended audience for this work. You have to hope that most adult Americans are past the stage of believing that masturbation causes hairy palms or blindness, so I initially assumed this was intended for the teenaged reader or the young adult who has learned the basics of sex ed but still has some unanswered questions. Yet the book talks about using your new knowledge at cocktail parties and so on, which suggests the audience is expected to be more adult?
Regardless, I would still recommend this most heartily for a younger reader- we can probably all recall being told some pretty wild stuff about sex at school by our peers (my personal favorite? That you could get pregnant if you got sperm on your hip, because the skin is especially thin there) and this could be a helpful tome for anyone seeking to navigate the murky waters of adolescent misinformation.
Furthermore, the chapters are concise and easily digestible, usually about 3-5 pages each. As an older reader, and one with a cultural-studies type bent, I actually wanted more info on how certain myths got started and how they were debunked, but again this format is highly suitable for a younger seeker of knowledge. The tone of the book is both candid and reassuringly balanced- the inherent risks involved with sex are made clear, but the authors don't attempt to moralize intercourse and emphasize the pleasures of safe, consensual sex.
As to where the information comes from, I would have appreciated some more footnoting. However, the studies talked about are given fully within the appendix.
My major criticism of this book is that it reads slightly dry, especially after the first section. Obviously you don't need (or, I'd guess, especially want) too much imagery on this subject, but some informational diagrams or data graphics would have broken up the text nicely and reinforced the "good science" the authors are building on.
In short, this is a serviceable and approachable way to dispel some of the concerns about sex that can arise through rumor and exaggeration. It probably won't answer more involved or specific queries (as always, you should probably talk to an actual physician about those) but might be especially useful to older children and younger adults.

...more

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Jul 04, 2014 Free_dreamer rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-copies

***4.5 stars***

A non-fiction book about sex in our time, where everybody knows everything about sex? That's got to be completely redundant, right? Well, no! This book offers a great insight into those countless myths, and not only about the act itself. The myths range from absolutely nutty like "You don't get pregnant when you do it standing upright" to those well known myths you've always wondered about like "Black men are the most well endowed out there!" and ones that you most probably though ...more

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Jun 03, 2019 Juli marked it as nopesauce

gonna be honest that i'm checking out after reading the line 'but believe it or not porn isn't science' i feel like a lot of times trying to be humorous is just coming off as talking down to ...more

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Jul 29, 2016 Andrew rated it liked it

Shelves: relationships

After reading their first book Don't Swallow Your Gum!, I was so excited about a research-based book that I finished Don't Put That In There! in two days, but in the end I was disappointed because it failed to leave up to the introduction: "We're showing you, through data, "why we think an idea is a myth."

They argue that women want sex as much as men (pg. 147) by citing statistics that man and women have vaginal sex at similar frequencies. Given that the population studied having vaginal sex was After reading their first book Don't Swallow Your Gum!, I was so excited about a research-based book that I finished Don't Put That In There! in two days, but in the end I was disappointed because it failed to leave up to the introduction: "We're showing you, through data, "why we think an idea is a myth."

They argue that women want sex as much as men (pg. 147) by citing statistics that man and women have vaginal sex at similar frequencies. Given that the population studied having vaginal sex was probably heterosexual, this is a tautology: each time a woman has sex, she is having sex with a man who is having sex with a woman. Also, they ignore statistics that gay men have more sex than heterosexual men, and lesbian couples have sex less frequently than heterosexual couples. Next, they ignore the explanation that women may have sex for reasons besides sexual urges such as pity sex, charity sex, and peace-inducing sex. Therefore, this "myth" is not busted, and while many of the other sections seem to have reasonable evidence, it puts the whole book under suspicion.

The authors also overstate the results of studies. For example they try to support the case from evidence that leaving socks on during sex, or doing whatever else promotes comfort, is good for sex. Not only do they not cite an experiment, which is the only way to prove a cause-and-effect relationship like that wearing sex increases the chance that a woman will orgasm, they cite an casual observation in a study with a different focus. Sure, the premise seems plausible, but this book is supposed to be supported by good research.

While the brevity of each section makes the book a quick and easy read, sometimes they are too concise. For example, on page 59 they state monogamy is bad for women's sexual desire, but surely some monogamous couples manage success. They ignore alternative explanations such as the presence of stresses that may be correlated with the tenure of a marriage such as children and declining health, and they ignore that in their first book they bust the myth "singles have much better sex lives than married people" (page 75).

The book does well to promote "safe" sex through condoms but never mentions permanent surgical methods to prevent pregnancies that have superior success rates, and they understate the strategy of monogamy to prevent STIs.

While Drs. Carroll and Vreeman may be excellent pediatricians and good doctors, in this book they did not prove themselves experts on human sexual behavior. ...more

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Aug 19, 2014 Amanda rated it it was ok

For the most part, I liked this book and felt that the information contained in this book was accurate. However, the authors did spout quite a bit of their own personal beliefs, especially about anal sex and their approval of it. When discussing the myths, the authors would defend their opinions and would only hesitantly admit something that went against their beliefs. Otherwise, they would neglect to mention information previously discussed in the book about their current topic. An example of t For the most part, I liked this book and felt that the information contained in this book was accurate. However, the authors did spout quite a bit of their own personal beliefs, especially about anal sex and their approval of it. When discussing the myths, the authors would defend their opinions and would only hesitantly admit something that went against their beliefs. Otherwise, they would neglect to mention information previously discussed in the book about their current topic. An example of this was with anal sex. The authors did have to relectantly mention htat anal sex is almost always going to give one an STD or one of many types of disease and cancer, but when it acutally came to discussing the risks of anal sex the authors were quick to say that anal sex doesn't have any risks for these nasty illnesses unless it is done without a condom. This statement contradicted previous information stated in the book and made the authors seem unbelieveable and likely to ignore the correct information in the quest to rationalize their beliefs. Because of these personal opinions I find it hard to believe much of their assumptions and information described in the book. Another problem that I had with this book was that the authors would not imphasize the importance of certain information or warnings when they felt that it wouldn't be politically correct to do so. An example of this was in the information they provided about whether or not it is healthy to stick foreign objects into either the vagina, anus, or ureathra. The authors glossed over the facts about it not really being healthy and about the number of problems and infections that doing this would cause. Instead the authors said that if you want to it should be okay (not that it really would be okay, there is a difference), and they endorsed putting whatever you want to up there so long as it's "clean." Overall, even though there was some good information in this book, the authors' opinions and viewpoints really put me off reading it and believing the information included in it. ...more

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Jun 06, 2014 WriteKnight rated it liked it

Shelves: profl-personal-dev, first-reads

3.5 of 5 stars – Helpful, Easy-to-Read Info about Sex.
(I'm excited to have won this as a Goodreads First Read – so thanks!)

Don't Put That in There!: And 69 Other Sex Myths Debunked is a good book for those, like I was, curious to find out about all the myths and the actual facts behind them.

Not only was Drs. Aaron Carroll’s and Rachel Vreeman’s intent to debunk myths, but also to do it in an easy-to-read, understandable way. In this they succeeded, although at times it seemed a little repetitive ...more

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Jun 02, 2014 John Adkins rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014, kindle, net-galley

"Don't Put That in There" is an amusing and informative romp through all of the questions that you, I, and everyone else have always wondered but were afraid to ask (and even more afraid to Google). From classics like whether size matters the G-spot to helpful advice on piercings and shaving and on to more risque topics including anal sex and the toys and other aids topic that forms the title of the book, nothing is considered taboo.

Those readings this work for practical answers to questions in ...more

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May 23, 2014 Kristen rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

Disclaimer: I received this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

Ever wonder if the size of a man's feet indicate anything other than his shoe size? Are oysters, chocolate or bananas really aphrodisiacs? Can you catch an STD from a toilet seat? If you've ever wondered about the answers to these questions, "Don't put that in there!: And 69 other sex myths debunked" is the book for you.

Written in a fun and readable way, the book answers these and 66 other questions by examining the availa ...more

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May 25, 2014 Brandy rated it liked it

I received my copy today from the publisher in return for sharing my thoughts on this book. It's a fairly brisk read and a somewhat fun book after having read another book on such a topic as sex and the human anatomy. There are a few reasons why I wasn't able to rate it higher than three stars. For one, the authors' usage of "very, very" and "many, many, many" repeated so often that it became distracting. The first few chapters even seemed like a repetition in the use of the same sentences they ...more

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Jun 18, 2014 HeavyReader rated it liked it

Recommends it for: folks who don't know much about sex

Shelves: sex-nonfiction, first-reads

I just found out that I won this book in a First Reads drawing. I am SUPER excited to read this one. I haven't read a good nonfiction sex book in a long time.

UPDATE: I enjoyed reading this book. It is accessible and gently humorous.

This book would be good for any person, about age 15 and up, who doesn't know much about sex but wants to learn.

The authors write in a way that makes this book easy to read by an older teen or adult. There aren't a lot of big words or medical terms. The writing is n ...more

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May 07, 2014 Taylor rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, arc-and-net-galley

I received a free ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It was a very quick read. You could skim through sections or even look at specific questions if you do not was to read the book all the way through. It was organized in a very reader friendly manner. As for the information, most of the myths seemed pretty obvious. For example, you can get pregnant in water or using the pull out method. No shock to me there. I guess some people might be shocked by ...more

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May 08, 2014 Ryan rated it it was amazing

Great information, great topic, great books. What makes this book great is that it reads like your having a conversation with your girlfriend who just happens to be a doctor. It does not read like some heavy non-fiction tomb that makes you want to pull your eyes out. It covers all the things you would talk about in everyday life (if you talk about sex in your everyday life) and debunks myths, admits when there is not a definit answer, and tells you when something is real and not a myth. Overall ...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Rachel rated it really liked it

Shelves: giveaways, 2014, first-reads

I consider myself pretty well educated when it comes to sexuality and sexual health, but I definitely felt like I learned a lot from this book and found the bite-size chapters very fun and approachable. I can always appreciate any book with such a sizable reference section, and the authors clearly did their research.

Also, I think the authors should be commended for their inclusion of all couples, not just heterosexual pairs. They model openness and lack of judgement, and I appreciate that they ...more

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May 21, 2014 Stacie rated it liked it

Shelves: 2014, non-fic, psychology, netgalley-read

Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Let's talk about sex baby, let's talk about you and me...oops, sorry Salt n Pepa...Anyway...This book was a fun read. Each "chapter" was a basically an entry on a different sex myth. They covered myths about men, women and then just sex in general. The authors wrote the book in an easy to read and relateable way. Would have been a great bathroom read but I read it in one sitting in an afternoon. Definitely makes for great conversations. ...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Stay Fetters rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

Very fascinating book all about sex myths. It make me laugh, cry, cringe and well duh!
I did learn somethings while reading this. Very informative. Some of these myths are extremely outrageous and hilarious. Most of the chapter titles will make you laugh out loud.
My favorite parts are how to actually measure the length of a penis (that was eye opening and cringeworthy) (yikes), anal sex can give you cancer ( teehee) and losing tampons while they get sucked into an abyss. Wow, just wow.
Towards t ...more

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Nov 13, 2013 Shannon rated it really liked it

This is he 3rd book by these authors I've read (go check out Don't Swallow your Gum & Don't Cross Your Eyes) and quite obviously from the title, its debunking sex myths. Some were silly & obvious but many were quite interesting. My favorite that I don't understand may be that wearing a bra does not prevent sagging. I enjoy Dr. Carroll anytime he's on Stand Up with Pete Dominick on Sirius XM and this book did not disappoint. ...more

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May 10, 2014 Anino rated it it was amazing

*** ARC received from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review/***

Being a Sociology major, I liked this book because it an informative guide that just about anyone could clearly comprehend.

Not only was it easy to read, but it was thought-provoking and funny as well.

Giving this one 5 stars.

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May 23, 2014 Sharlena rated it liked it

3.5 stars. Easy to read, straight forward info. I would have liked a bit more scientific research cited but that may be due to my own background/ profession (and there is some evidence to bust the myths). Solid info that should be accessible for all. Comprehensive sex education should cover most of this info too!

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Jun 02, 2014 Heather rated it really liked it

This is a really entertaining book. It has some education mixed with humor. I think this would be a really good book to give younger teens, because hopefully adults don't still believe you can't get pregnant standing up and some of the other crazy myths. I do think this would help answer a lot of questions that teenagers have but are too embarrassed to ask. ...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Heather Porter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own

Disclaimer: I received this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

Hilarious and informing!!!! I absolutely love this book!!!! I learned a lot about my body, and my husbands. Some info I knew, and some I did not, some I found comical and some I found terrifying. I am super glad that I read this book and got some wisdom to pass along to my friends!

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Jul 23, 2014 Christie rated it liked it

Shelves: picked-up-because-of-cover, nonfiction

Picked this book up after watching Aaron Carroll on a Mental Floss video and wanted to know more about all the myths. I knew most of what was covered in this book, but did learn some interesting things. The book is humorous, but I liked that everything was well-researched and there was quite the bibliography included. Fun book to read and share.

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Dec 18, 2014 Batsheva rated it liked it

Shelves: science, non-fiction

I mostly checked this out because of the cover. An entertaining and educational books of questions-and-answers about sexual health. Not so many surprises, but written in an accessible and engaging manner by two public-health-minded pediatricians. No, you are unlikely to get chlamydia from a toilet seat, but remember that sex you had? Yeah.

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May 13, 2014 David rated it it was ok

Shelves: non-fiction

I think this would have been more appropriate for a teen audience rather than an adult one...but then again, I suppose many adults weren't given proper sex-ed. It kinda lacked substance. I can see it being on the coffee table at a proctologist's office. ...more

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May 23, 2014 Dawn rated it it was amazing

I won this book here on Goodreads! It is a wonderfully put together, short chaptered read. They use great humour with fact to answer a lot of those awkward questions, especially those new to the whole shebang, although there are also some things in here for the seasoned set as well.

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Jun 03, 2014 Domonique rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

A informative and at times funny book. Most of these sex myths, both for men and women, were crazy. Some were downright ridiculous and I can't people would believe some of them, but I enjoying reading and learning. ...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Natasha874 rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

Informative and laugh out loud funny!
I truly enjoyed this book of Q&A about sexual health. Fast and easy read. Will definitely recommend to friends.

Received from St. Martin's Press via Goodreads first-reads. ...more

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Jun 05, 2014 Christine Mondy rated it it was ok

Ok, honestly, I scanned through the book. I found most of the book was stuff I already figured, so it was kind of boring to me. And I had hoped they debunked the "racial penis profiling" but they didn't lol. ...more

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Sep 10, 2014 Tracy rated it liked it

Quick little snippets that debunk some of those myths we've heard over the years. All layman's language, not entirely scientifically-based but they do make mention of the odd case study group involving anywhere from 3 to 2000 people. ...more

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