True or False? Common Myths & Misconceptions about Sex & Pregnancy
True or False? There are so many common myths & misconceptions about sex & pregnancy. For a lot of women, understanding about sex and pregnancy comes from tv, classes at school, and vague conversations from peers or older siblings. As a result, a lot of what we know is a collection of half-truths and myths. This can lead to not properly understanding how reproduction works or how STIs can be transmitted.
Here are some common myths and misconceptions.
You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex. FALSE!
Some people believe that you cannot get pregnant the very first time you have sex. This is a misconception, the chance of pregnancy exists every time you have sex, virgin or not.1
You can’t get pregnant while on your period. FALSE!
This is a very common myth about pregnancy. Many women believe that they cannot become pregnant during their menstrual cycle, but the truth is there is a chance of pregnancy.2 Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for about 5 days, so pregnancy after sex may take place. 3
It is impossible to get pregnant from certain sex positions. FALSE!
There is no truth to preventing pregnancy by utilizing certain sex positions, nor will lying in a certain position post intercourse prevent pregnancy. Both concepts are false! Sperm can travel & fertilize an egg regardless of body positions used, remember it can live for up to 5 days after intercourse. 4
You can prevent all pregnancies with condoms & birth control. FALSE!
While prescription birth control & condoms can help prevent pregnancy, no birth control is 100% effective. Pregnancy can occur even when birth control methods are used correctly. It is also worth mentioning that prescription birth control does not provide any protection against STIs. The only way to protect yourself completely from STIs is abstain from sex, or only participate in sex in a mutually-monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. 5
The morning after pill is effective & recommended for everyone. FALSE!
The morning after pill is marketed as a safe way to prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex or if your birth control methods fail during intercourse. Factors that can affect effectiveness of the morning after pill are your weight, how long after intercourse it is taken, and any other medications you may be taking, such as barbiturates or St. Johns Wort. These factors lower the effectiveness of the pill and therefore may make pregnancy more likely to occur. 6
If you are considering taking the abortion pill, we can help you answer some of the most common questions about DIY abortions, at-home abortions, and ordering the abortion pill online. At-home abortions: What do I need to know?
When it comes to choosing to terminate a pregnancy, you should be aware of the risks, side effects, and complications. At BFR Medical, we provide you with the evidence-based research you need to make an informed decision. Schedule your appointment at BFR Medical to get your questions answered by a team of medical professionals.
1 Medical News Today. (2019) What happens when you lose your virginity? Retrieved 5/17/2022 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326122#stis
2 American Pregnancy Association. (2021) Can you get pregnant on your period? Retrieved 5/17/2022 https://americanpregnancy.org/can-i-get-pregnant-if/can-you-get-pregnant-on-your-period/
3 Medical News Today. (2020) How Long does it take to get pregnant after sex? Retrieved 5/17/2022 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-pregnant-after-sex
4 WebMD. (2009) The truth about Sexual Positions and getting Pregnant. Retrieved 5/17/2022 https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/truth-about-sexual-positions-getting-pregnant
5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Retrieved 5/17/2022 from https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/default.htm
6 Mayo Clinic. (2018). Morning-after pill. Retrieved 05/17/2022 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730