MYTHS ABOUT SEX

Myth #1: Everyone at my school is having sex.

FALSE. The average age when people start having sex is 17. And even once people start having sex, most teens don’t have sex very often. In fact, 30 percent of people haven’t had sex by the time they turn 20. So it’s normal to wait until you’re older to have sex.

Myth #2: You can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex.

FALSE. You can get pregnant anytime you have vaginal (penis-in-vagina) sex. If you’re having sex without birth control, you can get pregnant — whether it’s the first time or the 100th time. It’s even possible to get pregnant before you have your first period.

Myth #3: You can’t get pregnant during your period.

FALSE. It’s not common, but it’s possible to get pregnant from sex you had during your period. This is because sperm can hang out in your reproductive organs for SIX whole days, waiting for one of your eggs to come out. It can also be because not all vaginal bleeding is a “period.” Some women have delayed ovulation and because there is a small drop in estrogen with ovulation, some woman can experi- ence bleeding with ovulation and therefore become pregnant.

Myth #4: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex in the water.

FALSE. Lots of babies have been made in pools and hot tubs. You get zero protec- tion from pregnancy by having sex in a pool, bath, or shower. That’s because the sperm are still getting in the vagina during vaginal (penis-in-vagina) sex. HOWEVER, sometimes people are scared of getting pregnant from swimming in a pool that a guy has ejaculated in. That’s not going to happen. Sperm can’t do the backstroke through the pool water, into a vagina, and cause a pregnancy. So if a guy ejaculates near but not on or in a girl in water, she won’t get pregnant.

Myth #5: Douching after sex prevents pregnancy.

FALSE. Squirting water, soda, vinegar or anything else up your vagina after sex won’t prevent pregnancy ... but it could give you an infection. The only thing that will prevent pregnancy is using birth control every time you have vaginal (penis-in-vagina) sex.

Myth #6: You can’t get STDs from oral sex.

FALSE. While most STDs are spread through vaginal (penis-in-vagina) and anal (penis-in-anus) sex, unprotected oral sex can also put you at risk for STDs. Things like HPV, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B can all be spread through oral sex. HIV is less likely to be transmitted through oral sex. Use condoms for oral sex on a penis (That’s what flavored condoms are made for!). And you can use Sheer Glyde dams, cut-open condoms, or plastic wrap for oral sex on a vulva.

Myth #7: You’d know if you (or your partner) had an STD.

FALSE. Most people who have an STD never have symptoms. So just because you and your partner don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean you shouldn’t worry about STDs. People with STDs can pass them to others, even if they feel fine. And if left untreated, some STDs can turn into really dangerous infections and even lead to permanent damage (like infertility). Get tested regularly.