#Mythbusting

A growing body of research is shedding light on long-held misunderstandings about female sexual health, debunking myths from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to challenges surrounding menopause. These findings, many led by hospitals and research institutions in Asia, highlight the critical need for education and open discourse—issues that are especially relevant in Thailand, where taboos around sex education and women’s health persist.

In a recent 2024 study by Singapore’s KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), over half of participating women aged 21–45 admitted they could not identify symptoms of common female sexual health conditions, despite acknowledging the importance of awareness and education. Alarmingly, only 43% said they would seek medical help if they encountered such issues. Compounding the problem, a parallel survey of healthcare professionals treating women of reproductive age found that more than 8 out of 10 lacked awareness of screening tools, and only around 1 in 10 felt confident diagnosing or managing female sexual health complaints (CNA Lifestyle).

Pelvic floor health—once a neglected topic in both medical curricula and public awareness—is in the spotlight again as leading physicians urge a rethink of common misconceptions. According to recent insights from international specialists, as highlighted in a May 2025 report from The Guardian, the pelvic floor’s crucial role in a wide spectrum of physical wellbeing is too often misunderstood by both patients and practitioners, potentially leaving millions—including Thais of all ages—in the dark about effective prevention and care strategies (The Guardian).

A wave of new research is overturning long-held beliefs about the power of parenting in shaping who we become as adults, with renowned psychologist Michael W. Eysenck’s latest book, “Rethinking Psychology: Finding Meaning in Misconceptions,” spotlighting the ways genetics, more than parenting styles, influence adult personalities. The findings, detailed in a recent report by the Times of India, are likely to spark important conversations in Thai families and among educators who have long assumed nurturing—rather than nature—was the primary driver of children’s lifelong temperaments and mental health Times of India.

A wave of new research is questioning long-held beliefs about the importance of cooling down after exercise, suggesting that its physiological necessity may be overstated for most people. While personal trainers and fitness routines in Thailand and around the world have long emphasized the cool-down as a key component of any workout, recent evidence shows its benefits might be more limited than commonly assumed, prompting a shift in how fitness enthusiasts and everyday Thais might approach their exercise routines (New York Times, 2025).

A major new study has brought to light an enduring problem both globally and in Thailand: despite the growing influence of neuroscience in education, persistent misconceptions—so-called “neuromyths”—continue to misinform the way teachers, especially those in early childhood education, understand and apply brain science in their classrooms. The research, published on April 22, 2025, surveyed over 520 early childhood educators in Australia, revealing that many still believe debunked ideas, such as the necessity of catering to “learning styles” or the notion that students are either “left-brained” or “right-brained” thinkers. Experts warn these myths are not just harmless misunderstandings, but may actively undermine effective teaching and learning—an issue with clear implications for Thai educators and policymakers ScienceAlert.