When people come to our center for pregnancy testing or consultations, they often share with us stories of how they thought they couldn’t become pregnant or why they thought they were safe. Many people share these misconceptions, which is why we wanted to look at some of the more common myths about unintended pregnancy and sex. If you still have questions or don’t see your answer here, call Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic at 706-322-5024 to get answers.
Myth #1: I Can’t Get Pregnant When I’m On My Period
This is one of the most common misconceptions about sex we hear. Many women think that they cannot become pregnant during their menstrual periods. In truth, it is possible for women to become pregnant during menstruation. The probability is low, but the possibility exists. Also, STDs or STIs (sexually transmitted diseases or infections) can be passed between partners any day of the month — even during menstruation.
Myth #2: Certain Positions Prevent Pregnancy
Some people believe that by having sex in a certain position it’s impossible to get pregnant. A related myth is that you can prevent pregnancy by positioning yourself a certain way after intercourse. Both of these ideas are false. Sperm can travel into your uterus and fertilize an egg no matter what position you are in. In addition, a man’s sperm can stay alive inside your body for up to 5 days after sex, making the position you use irrelevant.
Myth #3: You Can’t Get Pregnant the First Time You Have Sex
Many young women believe that if they are virgins, they cannot get pregnant the first time they have sex. A similar myth is that you can’t get pregnant if you only have sex once or that you have to have sex multiple times in order to conceive. In both of these situations, the truth is that the chance of pregnancy exists any time you have sex, no matter if it’s your first time or not.
Myth #4: Condoms and Birth Control Prevent All Pregnancies
While condoms and prescription birth control can help prevent pregnancy, no birth control method is 100% effective. Pregnancies can happen even when you use birth control correctly. All forms of birth control include information about their failure rates — in other words, the percentage of times they weren’t effective. You should also note that prescription birth control methods don’t provide any protection against STDs or STIs. According to the CDC, the only way to keep yourself completely safe from STDs is to not to have sex, or only have sex in a mutually-monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
Myth #5: The Morning After Pill is for Everyone
The morning after pill is marketed as a safe way to prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex or if your birth control fails. However, the effectiveness of this medication varies depending on factors such as weight, the time it is taken after intercourse, and other medications you may be taking, such as barbiturates or St. John’s Wort. All of these factors lower the effectiveness of these medications and make pregnancy more likely to occur. You should be well informed before taking the morning after pill as there are many side effects and other important medical issues to take into consideration before you decide this is the right choice for you.
Myth #6: Birth Control is Safe and Simple
Birth control is often marketed as a safe way to prevent pregnancy with no downsides or serious side effects. Common side effects of these medications are spotting or bleeding between periods, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. However, there are other side effects that, while less common, can become serious, such as high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. If you are considering these medications, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any other medications you are taking and be informed of any potential risks.
Be Informed
To learn more about pregnancy, conception, and relationships, contact Sound Choices Pregnancy Clinic today. Our caring staff will help you and take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have. All of our services are 100% confidential and offered at no cost to you. Call us today at 706-322-5024 to Request an appointment at our center in Columbus, Georgia. We’d love to meet with you.