As part of teen pregnancy prevention, it is important for sexually active teens to understand the misconceptions and contraception myths surrounding getting pregnant. Many teens are not aware of these contraception myths and the reality of getting pregnant.
In this article, we will take a look at five of the most common contraception myths and the truth behind the misconception to help encourage smart teen sexuality.
Contraception myth #1: You can’t get pregnant the first time having sex.
This is a myth because you can get pregnant anytime you have unprotected sex. You can get pregnant anytime ovulation has occurred. This rumor has existed for years, and many unplanned pregnancies are the result of teens who believed this contraception myth. It doesn’t matter if you are a virgin having sex for the first time, you can still get pregnant.
Contraception myth #2: You don’t need contraception if you are having sex during the “safe” time of the month.
The idea that you can only get pregnant during certain times of the month does have some merit. However, there are no guarantees. Typically women only ovulate during a certain period during their monthly cycle. However, this cycle can fluctuate depending on outside influences and should not be relied upon to ensure you will not get pregnant. The best way to avoid this contraception myth and unexpected pregnancy is to use some form of birth control or contraceptive like a condom and/or spermicide to practice safe sex.
Contraception myth #3: You won’t get pregnant if you use the “pull out” method.
Many sexually active teens believe that if the male partner pulls out before ejaculation, the sperm will not enter the vagina and therefore will not get the female pregnant. However, this is not the case. Often times, there is pre-ejaculatory semen that comes from the penis prior to orgasm. This can enter the vaginal walls and spread to fertilize the woman’s egg.
Contraception myth #4: You can’t get pregnant if you bathe or urinate directly after sex.
Washing, douching or urinating after sex cannot clean out or prevent all of the sperm from entering the body, therefore the woman can still get pregnant, which is why this is a major contraception myth.
Contraception myth #5: A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn’t orgasm.
While it is necessary for the man to orgasm and ejaculate sperm in order to get the woman pregnant by allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg, however, it is not necessary for the female partner to orgasm for this process to be completed.
Remember, the only way to avoid these contraception myths results in getting pregnant is to practice abstinence. However, using contraception correctly can greatly reduce the risk of unwanted or unplanned pregnancy in teens. Using contraception is important and the only way for sexually active teens to practice and engage in safe sex.
Sources: webmd.com