Debunking Myths About Getting Pregnant
There’s a lot of advice out there about how to prevent pregnancy, but not all of it is true. It’s important to know the facts so you can make smart choices. Let’s bust some common myths about preventing pregnancy.
Myth 1: You Can’t Get Pregnant the First Time You Have Sex
Some people think you can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex. This is not true. If you have unprotected sex, you can get pregnant any time, even the first time. Pregnancy can happen whenever sperm meets an egg.
Myth 2: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period
Many believe that having sex during your period means you can’t get pregnant. While it’s less likely, it’s not impossible. Sperm can live inside your body for up to five days. If you ovulate soon after your period ends, you could get pregnant.
Myth 3: The Pull-Out Method Always Works
Some think that pulling out before the man ejaculates is a good way to prevent pregnancy. But this method isn’t very effective. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and it’s hard to pull out in time. About 22 out of 100 couples using this method get pregnant each year.
Myth 4: Douching After Sex Prevents Pregnancy
Some believe that douching (rinsing the vagina) after sex can prevent pregnancy. This is a myth. Douching does not remove sperm and can actually push sperm further into the reproductive tract, making pregnancy more likely.
Myth 5: You Can’t Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding can delay the return of your period and ovulation, it is not a sure way to prevent pregnancy. You need to be exclusively breastfeeding, the baby must be less than six months old, and you should not have had your period yet. Even then, it’s not guaranteed.
Myth 6: Certain Positions or Activities Prevent Pregnancy
Some believe that certain positions during sex or activities like jumping up and down after sex can prevent pregnancy. This is false. Gravity and physical movements do not stop sperm from reaching the egg.
Myth 7: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Have Sex Standing Up
There’s a myth that having sex standing up prevents pregnancy. This is not true. Sperm can swim against gravity to reach the egg, no matter what position you are in during sex.
Myth 8: Natural Family Planning Doesn’t Work
Natural family planning (NFP) can be effective if done correctly. NFP involves tracking your menstrual cycle to know when you are fertile and avoiding sex on those days. It requires careful tracking but can work well if followed accurately.