Most of us have experienced a pregnancy scare at some point in our lives, whether it was from missing your period one month or having to replay the night over and over to make sure he actually pulled out. Us girls instantly get nervous when it comes to these things. While these are acceptable examples to evaluate, it is important to know there are ways to get pregnant and there are other instances where pregnancy is highly unlikely to occur. Here are 8 myths about pregnancy.
Myth #1: It is impossible to get pregnant the first time you have sex.
A lot of girls think that the first time they have sex, even if unprotected, it is impossible to get pregnant. That is completely false. It is impossible to say that you can’t get pregnant because you really never know. It is always important to take precautions and be protected.
This myth is: FALSE.
Myth #2: You can get pregnant from dry humping.
This is actually a very popular question girls ask. While some girls think it is completely irrational, some girls get concerned. Dry humping is “a non-penetrative sex in which no bodily fluids are exchanged in ways that could cause pregnancy or STI transmission.” If the penis doesn't get inside the vagina and pre-cum doesn't get inside the vagina, there is a very low risk of pregnancy if any risk at all. Dry humping has its benefits without the pressure of having sexual intercourse.
This myth is: FALSE.
Myth #3: You can get pregnant from pre-cum.
Maybe but highly unlikely. While there is not a definite yes or no, it is important to know there is still a risk. Pre-cum is what happens before the actual cum which contains the sperm cells. It is very unlikely that the pre-cum contains sperm cells, since it is “pre” cum. Just always remember to stay protected!
This myth is: POSSIBLE BUT HIGHLY UNLIKELY.
Myth #4: You can’t get pregnant while on the pill.
This is also a frequently asked question. Birth control is a contraceptive that a lot of girls use. Birth control is supposed to help in preventing pregnancy is 99% effective. Even though it is extremely high in preventative measures, it is still important to know the risks. Some women are very fertile and sometimes the birth control pill does not work for them. Every woman is different, it is always important to be knowledgeable and safe, even when on the pill.
This myth is: POSSIBLE.
Myth #5: The 14th day of your cycle is when you are most likely to get pregnant.
Everyone has their own ovulation cycle. Some women who get their period every 35 days might not ovulate until the 20th day. Some women who get their period every 20 days might ovulate earlier than the 14th day. It is hard to say that the 14th day is the exact day in your cycle when you are most likely to get pregnant. It ranges differently for every woman. Research does show that your ovulation period is when a woman is most fertile, but not necessarily everyone’s 14th day in the cycle.
This myth is: POSSIBLE, BUT NOT NECESSARILY.
Myth #6: You can get pregnant even though he pulled out.
Even though he pulls out, there is still a risk of pregnancy. The pull out method can also not be effective; it really is all about timing. If your man knows when to pull out, then there is a lower risk. With this in mind, pulling out does not completely erase the risk of pregnancy.
This myth is: TRUE.
Myth #7: You increase your chance of getting pregnant by lifting your legs in the air after you have sexual intercourse.
While some may believe this to be true, it isn’t necessarily. Some women believe that lifting your legs in the air after sex can help the sperm move easier and faster to your cervix. That may be true, but it does not increase your chances of getting pregnant.
This myth is: FALSE.
Myth #8: You can get pregnant from a swimming pool.
No, you cannot get pregnant from swimming in a pool with someone who ejaculated. Sperm is expected to survive outside the body for only a few minutes, if that. If any sperm does release, the cells die off very quickly. Sperm outside the body, especially in chlorine will not cause a risk of pregnancy.
This myth is: FALSE.
So we can take a deep breath. It is good to be knowledgeable about these myths and the truths of getting pregnant. Make sure to always be safe and stay protected. If you have any concerns or further questions, contact your physician.
Editing Note: This article did not filter through the normal EmpowHER editing and fact checking process. It was checked for spelling and grammar.