Sex & relationships health centre

Can I get pregnant if…? Sex and pregnancy myths

You've surely heard some old wives' tales about strange ways to prevent getting pregnant. Here are some common pregnancy myths:

• You can't get pregnant if you have sex standing up.
• You can't get pregnant if it's your first time having sex.
• You can't get pregnant if you do star jumps after sex.

Now, put a huge cross through each of these statements. They are FALSE. Pregnancy myths and "remedies" have been passed down through the ages. Whether you're a boy or a girl, make sure you know the truth about these sex and pregnancy myths so you can protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

First, let's review your knowledge of human reproduction. Remember that sperm are very resilient organisms. They are designed to go from point A (the male) to point B (the female). Sperm have a mind of their own, and all they want to do is reach the female's egg. They do this by any means necessary. They can even survive in the womb for a number of days.

There are many sex and pregnancy myths out there. Here are a few of the most common. Some of them might be funny, but it's always surprising what some people believe:

Can I get pregnant if he pulls out? Can I get pregnant if he only inserts his tip?

One pregnancy myth many teenagers believe is "if I don't ejaculate inside the vagina, you won't get pregnant". Or "If I pull out, or just put it in a few times, you won't get pregnant".

Wrong. Did you know there is such a thing as pre- ejaculation? It's fluid that seeps out of the penis before the boy ejaculates. This fluid contains sperm, and the sperm are going to do whatever they can to get to the egg. If any semen is present around the penis and it comes in contact with any part of the vaginal area, there is a risk of pregnancy.

Some couples use the " rhythm method" of contraception, where they try to have sex only during "safe" periods of the female's monthly menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, there is still a high risk of pregnancy. There is also a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infections (STI), since you're still having unprotected sex.

Having sex standing up prevents you from getting pregnant.

False. Having vaginal sex in any position carries the risk of pregnancy.

If a girl does star jumps after sex, she won't get pregnant.

False. You can jump up and down all you want, but if one sperm makes contact with one egg, someone's pregnant.

If a girl doesn't have an orgasm, she won't get pregnant.

False. Female orgasms don’t affect whether an egg can be fertilised.