Myths and Truths About Preventing Pregnancy

Myth

Truth

The Mountain Dew Myth: Have your boyfriend down a 2-liter of Mountain Dew before sex and it will lower his sperm count, preventing pregnancy.

Truth: The ingredients in Mountain Dew – or other sodas – do not affect a male’s sperm count. So “Doing the Dew” does not prevent pregnancy.

Sex in Water: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex in water

Truth: Pregnancy can occur in water. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a lake, a pool or a hot tub.

Jump Up and Down after Sex: If you jump up and down after sex the sperm will fall out of the vagina.

Truth: Jumping up and down does not cause sperm to fall out. Even if you jump on a trampoline it won’t prevent pregnancy.

The Smartphone App: As long as your app says you’re not ovulating you can’t get pregnant.

Truth: There are many different apps out there that can track a woman’s period and tell you when you are fertile. Your smart phone is smart but not always correct. It does not know your individual body and therefore cannot always accurately predict when you are fertile or not. It won’t prevent pregnancy.

The Pull Out Method: As long as your boyfriend pulls out before he ejaculates there is no chance of getting pregnant. Also known as withdrawal method.

Truth: Two things to keep in mind: 1. There are always fluids being released even before ejaculation takes place. 2. This takes a lot of self-control that most people do not have in the heat of the moment. There are many stories of large families who were all conceived from this method.

The Gravity Myth: In the movie Knocked Up, the main character says if a girl is on top during sex she can’t get pregnant because of gravity.

Truth: Don’t believe everything Hollywood says. Sperm can swim upwards!

The Alcohol Myth: Alcohol kills sperm; therefore you can’t get pregnant.

Truth: Neither drinking nor taking drugs will prevent pregnancy. Taking alcohol or drugs lowers your inhibitions and ability to make good decisions when it comes to sex.

The First Time Myth: You can’t get pregnant your first time having sex.

Truth: If you are ovulating, it doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time or your 101st time having sex, you can get pregnant. The only way to avoid pregnancy is to avoid having sex.

The Douche Myth: You can’t get pregnant if you douche after sex.

Truth: Douching does not prevent pregnancy.

You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period

Truth: Your chances are slim, but you can still get pregnant while you are on your period.