Contraception Myths
With 15 forms of contraception to choose from, choosing the one that suits you can take a while. It is important to always speak to your GP or family planning clinic to gain their advice when choosing an effective type of contraception.
If you are not currently using contraception but are sexually active you might want to check out our myth buster below to make sure you’ve got all the facts.
I will not get pregnant if my partner pulls out before he ejaculates
Pulling out before the man ejaculates (cums) inside a woman, is known as the ‘withdrawal method’. Using this method as a way to prevent pregnancy is not an effective form of contraception. Men release a small amount of fluid called ejaculate during sexual arousal. This fluid contains sperm, although a small amount. This may be released during intercourse before the man actually begins to climax.
Having a shower or bath immediately after sex; or if I urinate immediately after sex will prevent me getting pregnant
When a man ejaculates inside a woman, many sperm will pass the cervical entrance and travel towards the uterus; so washing or urinating immediately after sex will not stop the sperm that have already passed the cervix.
I will not get pregnant if I douche after sex
Douching, or rinsing the vagina, after sex with water or another solution is not an effective method of contraception. After ejaculation, the sperm move through the vagina and enter the cervix; they quickly travel to the uterus. Many will already be out of reach of the douching solution. Also you should be careful of rinsing your vagina with any solution as this could lead to an infection.
I do not need contraception because we only have sex during the ‘safe’ time of my menstrual cycle
This attempt of natural contraception is often referred to as the “rhythm method”. It is based around a woman’s ovulation and the hormones involved with ovulation. Successfully predicting “safe” days for sexual intercourse can be difficult as a woman’s ovulation can be disrupted by factors such as stress, medications, health and age. Also research shows that sperm can live in the cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes from 5 to 7 days after ejaculation; this would increase your risk of getting pregnant if you ovulate around this time.
I am breastfeeding so I can’t get pregnant
For many women, whilst they breastfeed, they do not ovulate. This means no eggs are released from the ovaries so there is no chance of them getting pregnant. The hormone that your body makes to stimulate milk production is called prolactin, this hormone also acts to prevent the release of eggs from your ovaries. However, NOT every woman is the same and hormone levels vary from one woman to the other. For some women their ovaries will continue to release eggs despite prolactin production during lactation and thus be able to get pregnant.
I’ve just had an abortion, so cannot get pregnant
Having an abortion does not normally affect your fertility and it is possible for you to get pregnant as soon as you recommence sexual activity.
You cannot get pregnant if the woman does not have an orgasm
The muscle contractions during a female orgasm can assist in sperm being drawn up into the cervix but getting pregnant is not dependent on a woman having an orgasm. If sexual intercourse takes place during the woman’s ovulation then fertilisation can occur. Once sperm is ejaculated into the vagina it quickly travels up towards the entrance to the cervix and the uterus.
I will not get pregnant if we have sex standing up or if I am on top
Your position during sexual intercourse does not prevent you getting pregnant. Sperm is ejaculated into the vagina and will begin to move up towards the cervix immediately.
You can use a plastic bag, cling film or a balloon if you do not have a condom
Using other materials as condoms is not only an ineffective form or contraception but also can increase the risk of infection. Materials such as plastic and cling film can rip easily and balloons may cause soreness and irritation to you and your partner. Condoms are specifically made to provide contraception and protection against STIs as well as being safe and comfortable for the user. Condoms are clinically tested to be 98% effective when used correctly.
I will not get pregnant because this is my first time having sex
A woman can get pregnant any time even if it is your first time having sex.
