There are probably some old wives’ stories you’ve heard about getting pregnant while having sex. Following are a few prevalent pregnant myths:
a. If you have intercourse while standing, you cannot become pregnant.
b. If this is your first time being married, you cannot become pregnant.
c. After having sex, you cannot become pregnant via jumping jacks. Every statement above is untrue. It is important for both men and women to dispel these beliefs about sex and pregnancy in order to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STDs).
Let’s go over what you already know about human reproduction first. Recall that sperm are incredibly tough creatures. They are made to move from the male, or point A, to the female, or point B. With an independent will, sperm only care about getting to the female’s egg. They use all necessary means to do this. They can even endure for several days inside the womb.
Myths About Pregnancy: Should You Cross Your Legs or Your Fingers?
“If I don’t ejaculate inside the vagina, you won’t get pregnant” is one pregnancy myth that a lot of teenagers hold onto. or “If I pull out, or just put it in a few times, you won’t get pregnant.”
False. It may surprise you to learn that pre-ejaculation exists. It’s a liquid that leaks from the penis prior to ejaculation. Sperm are present in this fluid, and they will stop at nothing to reach the egg. Pregnancy is possible if there is any semen near the penis and it comes into contact with any part of the vaginal region.
Some couples strive to limit their sexual activity to “safe” times throughout the female’s monthly menstrual cycle, a strategy known as the “rhythm method” of birth control. Regretfully, there is still a significant chance of becoming pregnant (13%). Because you’re still engaging in unprotected sex, there’s also a chance that you could get an STD.
There are a lot more myths about sex and pregnancy out there. These are a handful of the most typical:
Pregnancy Myth: Having intercourse while standing up keeps you from becoming pregnant.
In actuality, no. Pregnancy is a possibility with any position of vaginal intercourse.
Pregnancy Myth: Girls won’t become pregnant if they perform “jumping jacks” following sex.
In actuality, no. You can hop around all you want, but as soon as one sperm touches an egg, a pregnancy is inevitable.
Pregnancy Myth: Girls won’t become pregnant if they don’t experience an orgasm.
In actuality, no. The ability of a female to orgasm has no effect on the fertility of an egg.
Pregnancy Myth: Having sex in the water keeps you from becoming pregnant.
In actuality, no. once more untrue! Your chance of becoming pregnant increases with any sperm interaction with the vagina. Sperm can survive for several minutes outside the body if the water temperature is right.
Pregnancy Myth: If a girl has intercourse while she is on her period, she cannot become pregnant.
In actuality, no. Once more, false. Recall that a sperm can live within a female for as long as one week.
Pregnancy Myth: I won’t become pregnant if I dick or wash my vagina after a sexual encounter.
Actually, not at all. Recall that the sole purpose of sperm is to fertilise eggs. Not even thorough washing after intercourse can keep you from getting pregnant.
What About Birth Control and Teen Sex?
Speak with your parents and your doctor about birth control if you are or plan to become sexually active. Birth control is available in various forms such as tablets, injections, uterine devices, patches, and subcutaneous time-release drugs.
There are various varieties of condoms. Additionally, the best have spermicides, which lower the chance of getting pregnant. Additionally, the best method for limiting the spread of some STDs, but regrettably not all of them, is to use condoms.
There is still a chance of pregnancy and STDs even with the greatest hormonal birth control methods, like pills or the patch, and even when they are used in conjunction with condoms. Refusing to have sex is the only definite way to avoid becoming pregnant or contracting a disease.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): What Are They?
Sex can expose you to a sexually transmitted infection in addition to being pregnant.
STIs are transferred through intercourse. Human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, the pathogen that causes AIDS) are among these illnesses. Up to 3 million teenagers are thought to have a sexually transmitted illness every year. Between the ages of 15 and 24, teens and young adults account for at least 50% of all new STI cases.
Oral or anal intercourse carries an additional risk of STI transmission. Certain sexually transmitted infections can cause difficult-to-treat infections, scarring, infertility, and uterine or cervical cancer, among other major health consequences.
Among young women, one of the main effects of gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is the most frequent cause of infertility because it can result in fallopian tube scarring, which stops eggs from passing through to the uterus. But occasionally, sperm can still get through the obstruction and fertilise these eggs. An ectopic pregnancy—a potentially fatal pregnancy that develops outside of the womb—is the result.
While there are certain STIs that can be cured, others, like HIV and herpes, cannot.
Teenage Sexual Activity’s Burden and Unplanned Pregnancies’
Young fathers and mothers bear heavy difficulties as a result of teen pregnancy. Research indicates that teenage girls who become pregnant typically have less options to complete their school. Many people leave school early to care for their kids.
Recall that getting a STI or becoming pregnant are easier than you may imagine. If you plan to engage in sexual activity, make sure you follow safe sexual practices and discuss the risks with a trusted person. For private advice on birth control and STIs, consult a family planning clinic or your general care physician.