There are dozens of old wives’ tales about sex and how pregnancy can occur, from the ways sexual positions affect your chances, to the lifespan of sperm cells.  Many people think that even without a condom, there are ways they can avoid becoming pregnant, or that they might become pregnant without even having sex; some of these ideas are true, some partially so, and others totally false.  Keep reading if you want to get the real information on these concerns.Call you doctor if have symptoms of pregnancy or pregnancy questions.

Common questions

What if I was on my period?  You can still get pregnant, as sperm can live from five to seven days inside the vagina, especially if fertile cervical fluid is present.

But, I didn’t have an orgasm?While the increased blood flow and lubrication associated with orgasm might make you think it can increase your fertility, it is only a physical response to stimulation – sperm can still travel through the vagina without one.There is no relationship between orgasm and ovulation; if one did cause the other, then you couldn’t even have your period without having an orgasm first. You had better always beget with your physician whenever you have bleeding during pregnancy.

What happens if I was on top?Sperm are not affected by gravity; they can still travel the vagina and reach your fertile egg.It does not matter if you were on top – if ejaculate enters your body, or ends up near your vagina, you can become pregnant.

What if I was a virgin?It is irrelevant if it was your first time – even if your hymen was intact – it is still possible to become pregnant.As long as there is a fertile egg and sperm can gain access to it – you can get pregnant.

What happens when sperm is exposed to air?  It’s not air in itself that kills sperm; sperm require a moist environment to live in.Sperm can survive as long as it is moist, even if it is not inside the body, as what kills the sperm cells is not air in and of itself; rather, it is becoming dry.

What happens to sperm in a hot tub or pool?For some people, the idea of being in a pool or hot tub that a man may have ejaculated in is a cause for concern.In this case, you should not be concerned – the chlorine of pools and the heat of hot tubs kill sperm on contact.

What if I have sex in water, such as a shower, hot tub, or pool.?  YES.If you have sexual intercourse, and there is penetration, there is a risk for pregnancy, as the sperm have the same access to your vaginal canal and egg as they would if you were having intercourse in a bed.

What do I need to do to avoid becoming pregnant?

A general rule to avoiding pregnancy is to prevent ejaculate from coming into contact with the woman’s body, especially in the zone between the bellybutton and the thighs.Keep in mind that sperm can survive for days at a time, both within and outside the vagina.

To avoid the anxiety about becoming pregnant, as well as be able to enjoy a full, varied sex life, the best choice is to simply use protection (condoms) and/or birth control.

Always contact you MD for any medical advise this is for entertainment only!

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