Pregnancy Myths Part 1

There are numerous myths surrounding pregnancy. Here are some of the most popular and most common pregnancy myths around.

Myth 1: A woman can’t get pregnant if penetration only happens for a few seconds.
Anytime you have intercourse there is a potential risk of pregnancy. Of course, there’s a greater chance of getting pregnant if penetration is occurring at the same time as ejaculation, however there is still a risk of pregnancy even prior to ejaculation and you should always be concerned with transmission of STD’s.

Myth 2: Once sperm comes into contact with air or oxygen, it dies.

Actually sperm can live for approximately 3-5 days. The only time sperm dies is when it is completely dry. But if the sperm is left in a moist and warm environment, such as the cervix of a woman, then it is fully capable of staying alive and eventually making its way to an egg for fertilization.

Myth 3: A woman can not get pregnant from pre-ejaculation.

Although pre-ejaculation isn’t considered actual ejaculation, and it’s only the liquid or fluid that is released before ejaculation, it still contains sperm. And yes, if it comes into contact with the vaginal area, a woman can still get pregnant. This is one of the main reasons why the withdrawal method does not always work.

Myth 4: A woman can not get pregnant if she’s having intercourse in water.

Actually, if a man ejaculates in the vagina while in water, pregnancy can still occur since the water doesn’t actually interfere with the sperm being deposited into the vaginal area.

Myth 5: A woman can get pregnant if ejaculation occurs in water.

This is actually not true. It’s hard to believe that sperm can find its way from the penis, through the water and into the vagina, especially if in a bathtub, pool or hot tub. Chemicals, bubbles and other substances, as well as the temperature of the water make it incredibly hard for sperm to survive more than a couple minutes. Chances are pregnancy won’t occur.

Myth 6: A woman also has to have an orgasm in order to get pregnant.

This is completely false since a woman’s orgasm has zero to do with an egg being ready and available for fertilization.

Myth 7: Pregnancy can not occur when there is no penetration.

Actually, if intercourse is not taking place, but faux sex or dry sex is, there is still a chance of pregnancy occurring if there is skin on skin contact. Anytime a penis comes into contact with the vaginal area, there is a slight risk of conception. Plus, there is also a chance of spreading an STD during dry or faux sex.