We’ve all heard them, the supposed “never fail” secrets of not getting pregnant. But how many of these allegedly fool proof methods of contraception really work?
Let’s take a look at some of the most common theories about DIY birth control:
Myth: If penetration only lasts a few seconds, then a woman can’t get pregnant because the sperm don’t have time to reach the egg.
Truth: False. If the penis comes in contact with the vagina at all, no matter how briefly, there is a risk of pregnancy. The risk may not be as great as in normal intercourse, but there is definitely a risk, as many women have learned!
Myth: A woman cannot get pregnant from a premature ejaculation because there are no sperm present.
Truth: False. Again, any time there is contact between a penis and a vagina, there is a risk of pregnancy. In addition, there definitely are sperm in any sort of ejaculation, pre or otherwise.
Myth: A woman cannot get pregnant if she has sex in the water because the water will wash all the sperm out of the vagina.
Truth: False. Water on the outside of the body will not interfere with the sperm reaching the egg if vaginal penetration occurs.
Myth: A women cannot get pregnant if she doesn’t have an orgasm because this is what releases an egg.
Truth: False. Many, many women have gotten pregnant without having an orgasm. Eggs are released by the ovaries, not by orgasms.
Myth: A woman cannot get pregnant through her clothing.
Truth: This one is probably true. There is no conclusive proof of this either yea or nay, but the chances of a woman getting pregnant through layers of clothing are very slim.
Myth: A sperm dies instantly if exposed to oxygen, like a vampire who gets caught in the sunlight.
Truth: False. A sperm can actually live for 3-5 days in a warm, moist environment such as the female cervix. Once a sperm has dried out, though, it can’t be reconstituted like dehydrated soup.
If you have been relying on any of these methods to prevent pregnancy, then you might want to consider an alternate method of birth control!
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