Young couple laughing in bed with condomThese days it seems talking about sex is one of our very favourite pastimes and 'how to' programmes are a regular feature of late-night TV.

But according to a government poll, when it comes to safe sex, us Brits are under some serious misconceptions.The survey, commissioned by the Department of Health, involved 2,000 people aged 16 to 50 and revealed some uncomfortable truths about our views on safe sex.

For example, 11 per cent believe that a woman is unable to get pregnant if the deed is performed standing up (which may explain some of those drunken alleyway dalliances).

Apparently 19 per cent were unaware that a period is no barrier to pregnancy and the same number believe the withdrawal method is foolproof.

And when it comes to contraception, we're not as clued-up as we'd like to think either.

Around one in five people are happy to chat about sex but without saying what is really on their mind, while 62 per cent are likely to find humour in the discussion.

Scarily, 77 per cent of people were happy to give a pal advice on sexual health without being fully aware of the facts while 37 per cent would never discuss contraception.

Sex and relationships expert, Dr Pam Spurr told the Independent: "In spite of our love of talking about sex and relationships, the survey suggests it's our lack of knowledge that is causing confusion.

"I'm encouraged to see that we've overcome a long-held aversion to talking about sex, but we've still got some way to go before we swap jokes and banter for the open, honest and informed conversations about sexual health and relationships that most of us would like."

It seems we're not quite as Sex and the City as we'd all like to think.