Under 20's » Sexual
Health » Myths
sexual health myths
- Washing after sex prevents AN STI and / or pregnancy.
False - only by using a condom will you help to prevent a pregnancy or a STI.
- If a girl goes to the loo after sex she wont get pregnant.
False - using contraception is the only way to avoid pregnancy.
- You can tell by looking at someone if they have an STI.
False – many STI's have no symptoms. 80% of people with Chlamydia have no symptoms.
- Withdrawal before ejaculation can prevent pregnancy.
When a guy ejaculates, he produces 13 million in his semen. Prior to ejaculation he can leak two million sperm
- A girl cannot get pregnant during her period.
There is no safe time when a girl cannot get pregnant. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days before the NEXT period (which maybe day 14 of a 28-day cycle). However, other factors influence the time of ovulation such as stress, hormones etc.
- Having sex before a girl starts her periods is safe.
Before a girl is able to start her period she needs to start ovulating. The time of a girl's first ovulation cannot be predicted therefore there is no safe time even before a girl starts her periods.
- Sperm can only reach the vagina through intercourse.
Ejaculation on the external genitalia or introduction of sperm through digital contact can lead to sperm in the vagina and therefore the risk of pregnancy.
- As long as I have my monthly bleed on the pill I am not pregnant.
The withdrawal bleed on the combined pill is a result of the withdrawal of hormones and only means that you have stopped taking the pill. It is possible for a pregnant girl on the pill to carry on having monthly periods until she gives birth. The only reassurance a girl has on the pill that she is not pregnant is that she has not put herself at risk e.g. missed pills, been on antibiotics or had diarrhoea and vomiting and not used extra precautions, during and in the 7 seven days following these events.
- You can't get pregnant the first time you have sex.
False – it only takes one time to get pregnant. Many people have become pregnant the first time they had sex.
- You can't get pregnant if you have sex standing up.
False – sperm is very mobile and it doesn’t matter what position you have sex in, unprotected sex can lead to a pregnancy or acquiring an STI.
- You can't get pregnant if you have sex in water.
False – sperm are very good swimmers.
- Oral sex is safe.
Oral sex protects you against you against pregnancy, but most sexually transmitted infections are passed on through oral sex unless a condom is worn (flavoured condoms may add to the enjoyment).
- STIs can be caught from toilet seats.
Highly unlikely but remember hygiene.
- Not having periods is bad for you.
Several methods of contraception are associated with not having periods. Periods are only necessary if you wish to get pregnant. The methods of contraception, which may result in not having periods, are usually hormonal. In these cases, the lining of the womb has not undergone the normal thickening which occurs prior to a fertilised egg implanting in the womb. In these cases at the period time there is no blood or lining to come away. When a girl starts having periods it sometimes takes two or three years to settle into a regular pattern. In addition, if a girl who is not on hormonal contraception stops having regular periods it would be advisable for her to see her GP as there are some hormonal conditions that can cause this. If a girl reaches the age of 17 and hasn't started her periods, she should see a doctor.