Regardless of sex education levels or increased coverage in books and magazines, numerous myths about pregnancy and contraception persist, seemingly passed down through generations. The fundamental fact is this: Women of reproductive age (from adolescence to menopause) who engage in unprotected intercourse during their monthly fertile window—the days before and after an egg is released from one ovary—can become pregnant.
1. A woman cannot get pregnant the first time she has sex.
This is a common myth among teenagers. She absolutely can get pregnant. There is no "trial run" in sexual intercourse.
2. Women cannot get pregnant during their period.
While the chance of conception is low during menstruation, pregnancies do occur during this time.
3. If a man masturbates until ejaculation shortly before intercourse, his sperm count will be reduced enough to prevent pregnancy.
False. The remaining sperm count is still sufficient to cause pregnancy.
4. If a woman jumps up and down after intercourse, she won't get pregnant.
After unprotected intercourse, jumping or any physical activity cannot reduce the risk of pregnancy. Whether the woman is standing or lying down when ejaculation occurs, sperm can reach the entrance to the uterus—the cervix—within 90 seconds of ejaculation.
5. Taking a hot bath before intercourse reduces the risk of pregnancy.
Hot baths have absolutely no contraceptive effect.
6. A woman must reach orgasm during intercourse to become pregnant.
False. Pregnancy is possible during unprotected intercourse regardless of whether the woman reaches orgasm.
Seven. Women who swallow semen during oral sex will become pregnant.
This is not true. Swallowed sperm cannot reach the uterus.
Eight. If the penis is not fully inserted—meaning the man ejaculates on the woman's external genitalia rather than inside the vagina—the woman will not become pregnant.
This is incorrect. Sperm can enter the vagina and continue moving toward the uterus.
9. Douching after intercourse—using water, soapy solution, or liquids like warm cola to rinse the vagina—can flush out sperm and prevent pregnancy.
Douching is not an effective contraceptive method and can cause vaginal infections.
10. Girls who haven't started menstruating cannot get pregnant.
She can become pregnant. During puberty, girls may begin ovulating before their first period.
11. If a woman urinates immediately after her partner ejaculates inside her, she won't get pregnant.
This is ineffective. Urine exits through the urethra above the vagina and won't flush away sperm.Editor's Recommendations 1. Repeated Abortions Lead to Infertility: Proper Contraception is Key Obstetricians and gynecologists report a sharp increase in abortion procedures following Valentine's Day each year. "Most patients are unmarried young women, some having undergone multiple early pregnancy terminations. This phenomenon deeply saddens us as medical professionals."Read Full Article
2. Is Contraception Still Necessary During Pregnancy?
Many wonder: Is contraception needed during pregnancy? While I believe it's generally unnecessary, women engaging in sexual activity between the 4th and 7th months of pregnancy should use condoms. This isn't for birth control but to prevent uterine contractions triggered by semen, which can cause abdominal pain and miscarriage. Read Full Article