A common misconception associated with the series (and Spock in particular) is that Vulcans only have sex once every seven years. However, pon farr is not coincident with the sex lives of Vulcans, and they are able to have intercourse without the affliction, and thus more than once every seven years. "Star Trek: The Original Series" writer and continuity story editor D. C. Fontana explains that "pon farr" is not the only time that Vulcans feel sexual desire or engage in sexual activity: