My roommate has been successful in a long distance relationship throughout her college career. I’m sure you can imagine what happens when they visit one another every month or so. Let’s just say, they get busy. I would know, my room is right next to hers.
There have been too many times for comfort where we have questioned if we may be adding a new addition to our lovely home. Sitting there, we started talking about all things sex and eventually found ourselves in the land of pregnancy myths. A few came up that I felt we should talk about this week.
Myth 1: Females cannot get pregnant if they have sex during their menstrual cycle. Truth: Women can become pregnant anytime during her menstrual cycle. While females are on their period, it generally means that they are not ovulating, meaning they can’t get pregnant. However, females with irregular or shorter cycles can potentially ovulate during their period. Sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to five to seven days, so if a female ovulates within seven days of having unprotected sex, she could become pregnant.
Myth 2: Females cannot become pregnant if their partner pulls out before ejaculation. Truth: While this is a common method for some, it is not a guaranteed birth control option.
“It is about 75 percent effective, meaning one out every four women using this as her only form of birth control will become pregnant in a year,” Andrea S. Fernandez, MD and section head of general obstetrics and gynecology at the Women’s Health Center of Excellence at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. said.
The reason for this relatively high failure rate is that males eject pre-ejaculate fluid–this fluid can contain at least 300,000 sperm. Keep in mind it only takes one to join an egg.
We all want to believe we are experienced when it comes to sex. However, that is simply not the case with our age group. There is also the risk that in the heat of the moment, he may not pull out in time. Even if it is close and he ejaculates outside of the vagina, sperm can swim, so semen anywhere near the vagina can potentially lead to pregnancy.
Myth 3: Females cannot become pregnant during their first sexual encounter. Truth: This one made me laugh out loud. Sorry, but she absolutely can. A female’s chances of becoming pregnant are always the same, regardless if it is her first sexual experience or not.
While we have focused to debunk popular myths surrounding contraceptives, there are still many more out there. Of course, the only way to prevent pregnancy is abstinence. However, while you are reading this column I think it is safe to assume you are sexually active or are interested in becoming sexually active. If that is the case, I strongly encourage you to speak with a professional about your options for contraceptive methods.
I encourage readers to visit Reproductive Health. They will provide you with a welcoming informative visit treating you with dignity and respect by their highly trained staff.
LRH provides confidential, professional reproductive health care to men and women. They will give you the facts you need to assist you in making decisions about your reproductive health care.
Disclaimer:
While Reverse Cowgirl provides advice and opinions on topics related to sexual health as well as sexuality in general, “Let’s Talk About Sex” is written and edited by non-professionals when it comes to health concerns.
Reverse Cowgirl is a student, like most of her readers, and writes in order to shed light on issues regarding sex in a helpful as well as humorous way. Her columns are not designed to make light of sexual issues, but rather inspire investigation.
For accute health concerns or further questions on sexual health, please visit a health professional.
