Myths

Myths

There's a lot of incorrect information out there about sex and pregnancy.  Here are some common myths and some honest, factual information:

1. I can't get pregnant if I pee after having sex.

FALSE: During sex, if pre-cum or cum enters the vagina, there is a chance that you can get pregnant. Once the sperm are in the vagina, the only way to make sure you don't get pregnant is by taking emergency birth control (“the morning-after pill” or “Plan B”). The only way to prevent pregnancy 100% is by not having sex.

2. I can't get pregnant if I douche or wash out my vagina after having sex.

FALSE: Douching or forcing fluid into the vagina may actually push the sperm farther in and increase your chance of getting pregnant.

3. I can't get pregnant if I stand on my head or jump up and down after I have sex.

FALSE: There is no position that will prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Once the sperm have entered the vagina, there is a chance that you could get pregnant. The only way to make sure that you don't get pregnant after you’ve had sex is by taking emergency birth control. The only way to prevent pregnancy 100% is by not having sex.

4. I can't get pregnant the first time I have sex.

FALSE: Any time you have sex and male fluid (pre-cum or cum) gets in or near the vagina, there is a chance you could get pregnant. It can be the first or the last time you have sex. It doesn't matter what position you are in or whether or not you or your partner has an orgasm. You can even get pregnant before you've had your first period. The only way to prevent pregnancy 100% is by not having sex.

5. I can't get pregnant if I have sex during my period.

FALSE: There are certain times during the cycle of your period when you are more likely to get pregnant than others. The most likely time is after ovulation, which occurs about 14 days before your period. However, there is still a possibility of getting pregnant during your period, especially if your periods are short or irregular. The only way to prevent pregnancy 100% is by not having sex.

6. I can't get pregnant if he pulls out.

FALSE: When a young man gets excited he can secrete some fluid (pre-ejaculate or pre-cum) before he actually cums. He cannot tell when this happens. Since this fluid may contain sperm, it is possible to get pregnant even if he pulls out before he cums.

7. I can tell if someone is a virgin.

FALSE: There is no way to tell whether or not a person has had sex before. Every young person is made differently and therefore no one looks exactly alike down below: Behind the fig leaf. You cannot tell if someone is a virgin by the way he or she looks, by the size of a young woman's vagina, if she bleeds during sex, or whether or not he or she has an orgasm. Even doctors cannot tell for sure.

8. I can get a sexually transmitted infection from kissing.

FALSE: It is very, very unlikely. Sexually transmitted infections occur when there is contact with infected fluid or sores. Most infections are spread through sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, or anal).

9. I can't get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex.

FALSE: Most sexually transmitted infections are passed by contact with infected fluid or sores so it is definitely possible to get infections when your mouth touches another person’s private parts. This is true for anal sex as well. Your partner may not even know he or she has an infection because he or she has no signs or symptoms. The only way to prevent sexually transmitted infections 100% is not to have sex. If you are going to have sex (oral, anal, or vaginal) it is extremely important to use protection every single time.

Heard any other ones?  Go to Ask a Teen Doc to get the truth.