Eight Pregnancy Myths Teens Need to Be Aware Of

It’s important to remember that there are many myths out there about pregnancy and contraception. This is why it’s essential to arm yourself with the facts, so you can make informed decisions when it comes to sex and birth control. 

Here are the most common myths having to do with getting or not getting pregnant, that teens need to know and factor into their behavior.

1. You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex.

This is a myth that can have dangerous consequences. While it is true that the chances of getting pregnant the first time you have sex are relatively low, it is still possible to get pregnant if you don’t use birth control. If you are having sex, it’s important to use contraception every time to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

2. You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period.

Another myth with potentially big consequences. While the chances of getting pregnant when you have sex during your period are lower than at other times during your cycle, you can still get pregnant. If you don’t want to get pregnant, it’s important to use contraception every time you have sex.

3. Birth control pills make you fat.

This is a common myth without any evidence to support it. Birth control pills do not cause weight gain. In fact, they can actually help to regulate your weight by preventing fluctuations in hormone levels that can lead to weight gain.

4. You can’t get pregnant if you have anal sex.

This is another myth with hefty consequences. While the chances of getting pregnant from anal sex are relatively low, it is still possible for sperm to enter the vagina and cause pregnancy. If you don’t want to get pregnant, it’s important to use contraception every time you have anal sex.

5. You can’t get pregnant if you pull out before ejaculation.

This is yet another myth with dangerous consequences. While the chances of getting pregnant if you pull out before ejaculation are lower than if you don’t, it is still possible for sperm to enter the vagina and cause pregnancy. If you don’t want to get pregnant, it’s important to use contraception every time you have sex.

6. You can’t get pregnant if you take a shower after sex.

While washing after sex may remove some sperm from the vagina, it will not remove all of it and there is still a chance of pregnancy occurring. The bottom line is that if you don’t want to get pregnant, it’s important to use contraception every time you have sex.

7. You can’t get pregnant if you douche after sex.

Douching will not protect you from getting pregnant, and in fact can make it more likely. Douches are designed to wash away the natural lubrication produced by the vagina during sexual intercourse, which can disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria needed to maintain a well-oiled reproductive system. This disruption can leave women more vulnerable to infections and other health problems as well as make it easier for sperm to reach an egg and cause pregnancy.

8. You can’t get pregnant if you don’t have an orgasm during sex.

The act of sexual intercourse itself, not the pleasure or climax associated with it, is what causes pregnancy. Sperm released from a man’s penis can enter a woman’s vagina and travel up into her reproductive organs regardless of whether she has had an orgasm or not. Therefore, having an orgasm does not reduce your risk of becoming pregnant; only using contraception such as condoms or birth control pills will do that.

A quick summary:

• Learn the truth about sex and pregnancy to avoid dangerous consequences

• Understand which contraception methods are most effective

• Reduce your risk of an unplanned pregnancy by using contraception every time you have sex

• Be aware of misconceptions about birth control, so you can make informed decisions about your sexual health

• Get accurate information on how to protect yourself against unwanted pregnancies.

By understanding how different types of contraception work, as well as the risks associated with not using any form of protection, you can reduce your risk of unintended pregnancy or of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Taking time to learn more about sexual health will help ensure that your experiences remain safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.