R U Thinking?

When it comes to sex, you hear so many stories that it’s hard to know what to believe. Everyone wants to be an expert on the subject, but the best way to keep safe and get clued-up is to be familiar with the facts.

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

Truth:

• If you have sex and don’t use contraception you could get pregnant – whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it lots of times
• You can get pregnant as soon as you start ovulating – and that happens before you’ve had your first period

Myth: If a guy pulls out before he ejaculates you won’t get pregnant

Truth:

• Sperm is around even before a boy ejaculates in the pre-come that leaks out when he gets excited - and it only takes one sperm to get you pregnant
• Pre-come can also contain STIs, so even ‘pulling out’ could land you with a nasty illness too

Myth: You can’t get pregnant when you’re on your period

Truth:

• If you have sex without using contraception at any time of the month, you could get pregnant
• Sperm can live inside you for up to seven days - so even if you do it during your period, sperm can hang around long enough to get you pregnant

Myth: You can’t get pregnant if you do it standing up

Truth:

• There’s no such thing as a ‘safe’ position if you’re not using a condom or another form of contraception – there are no ‘safe’ places either, including the bath or shower
The best way to protect yourself against unwanted pregnancy and STIs is to use a condom every time you have sex

Myth: Sex doesn’t feel as good if you use a condom

Truth:

• Condoms are made from a very thin material so you can still feel everything - and they can make sex easier because they’re lubricated
• As well as preventing pregnancy, condoms are the only way to protect against STIs like Chlamydia, warts, Gonorrhea and HIV

Myth: You can get pregnant by having oral sex

Truth:

• If you have oral sex, you can’t get pregnant, even if you swallow a lad’s sperm
• BUT - Oral sex can lead to STIs such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Herpes – so it’s safer to use a condom

Myth: Drinking lots of alcohol makes your first time better

Truth:

• When you’re drunk, it’s hard to make smart decisions and alcohol can make you take unnecessary risks - such as having sex before you’re ready, and it will not make the experience any better. In fact you’re more likely to have regrets if you’re drunk when you do it
• You can only have your first time once and always remember to use contraception and use it properly

More myths busted

• You cannot re-use a condom if you wash it out
• You can get pregnant if you have sex in the bath
• You don’t have to have sex every night to get pregnant
• Drinking a lot of milk won’t stop you getting pregnant
• Keeping your eyes closed doesn’t stop you getting pregnant
• You cannot use crisp bags or plastic bags as condoms
• Drinking alcohol before sex won’t stop you getting pregnant
• If a boy doesn’t have sex his testicles will not explode
• Going to the loo straight after sex won’t stop you getting pregnant