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There are a number of birth control methods that are highly effective in
preventing pregnancy. There is also a lot of misinformation about how to use
birth control, as well as some methods that simply do not work.
Following are some common myths regarding sex and contraception.
1. I’m breastfeeding so I can’t get pregnant.
While breastfeeding tends to postpone ovulation, this is not a guarantee.
Ovulation can occur even when a woman is breastfeeding. The nursing mother
should use birth control if she wishes to avoid pregnancy.
2. You can’t get pregnant if the woman doesn’t have an orgasm.
Pregnancy occurs when a sperm from the man fertilizes an egg from the
woman. While the man must ejaculate to release sperm, it is not necessary for
the woman to have an orgasm to get pregnant. A woman of childbearing age
releases an egg each month as part of her regular menstrual cycle. This occurs
whether or not the woman has sex or an orgasm.
3. I won’t get pregnant if I douche after sex.
Douching is not an effective method of contraception. After ejaculation,
the sperm enter the cervix and are out of reach of any douching solution.
4. I don’t need contraception because we only have sex during the
"safe" time. You’re only fertile one day a month.
Myths such as these most likely arise from a lack of understanding of the
menstrual cycle. There are four major hormones (chemicals that stimulate or
regulate the activity of cells or organs) involved in the menstrual cycle:
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and
progesterone. A delicate balance of these hormones regulates the release of an
egg (ovulation) and — if the egg is not fertilized — menstruation.
While a woman’s
cycle is more or less regular at most times, this balance of hormones can be
disrupted by various factors, including age, stress, medicines, etc.
Therefore, pinpointing the time of ovulation and predicting any
"safe" days can be difficult. Couples who have success with the
rhythm method of contraception must carefully monitor the women’s menstrual
cycles and evaluate symptoms of ovulation, as well as any external factors.
5. I won’t get pregnant if we have sex standing up or if the woman is on
top.
Some people believe that having sex in certain positions, such as standing
up, will force the sperm out of the woman’s vagina. In truth, positions
during sex have nothing to do with whether or not fertilization occurs. When a
man ejaculates, the sperm are deposited well into the vagina. The sperm will,
by nature, begin to move up through the cervical canal immediately after
ejaculation.
6. You can use plastic wrap or a balloon if you don’t have a condom.
Plastic wrap and balloons are not good to use as condoms. They don’t fit
well and can easily be torn during sex. Condoms are specifically made to
provide a good fit and good protection during sex, and they are thoroughly
tested for maximum effectiveness.
7. I won’t get pregnant if my partner pulls out before he comes.
Pulling out before the man ejaculates, known as withdrawal, is not a
foolproof method for contraception. Some ejaculate (fluid that contains sperm)
might be released before the man actually begins to climax. In addition, some
men might not have the willpower or be able to withdraw in time.
8. I won’t get pregnant because this is my first time having sex.
A woman can get pregnant any time ovulation occurs, even if you’ve never
had sex before.
9. I won’t get pregnant if I take a shower or bath right after sex, or if I
urinate right after sex.
Washing or urinating after sex will not stop semen and sperm that have
already entered the uterus through the cervix.
10. The Pill is effective immediately after you begin taking it.
In most women, one complete menstrual cycle is needed for the hormones in
the Pill (oral contraceptive) to work with the woman’s natural hormones to
prevent ovulation. To be effective, the Pill must be taken as directed.
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