This is a question that comes up frequently and isn’t one to be embarrassed about. The advocates and nurses at Options Medical Clinic are a resource for people who have questions and need a trustworthy person to talk to about sexual health and well-being.
So, Can You Get Pregnant Without Intercourse?
Technically, yes. It is unlikely (but still possible) to become pregnant without penetrative intercourse. All it takes for pregnancy to occur is for a man’s semen to fertilize a woman’s egg.
Something that many young people do not realize is that it is also possible to transmit STDs even without intercourse. Alternative sexual activities like skin to skin contact of the genital area, and contact with bodily fluids like semen and vaginal secretions, can transmit an STD even if intercourse did not occur.
Other Conception Myths
Here are other common myths and misconceptions about sex and pregnancy:
MYTH – You cannot get pregnant your first time having sex
Fact: You can get pregnant any time – including your first time.
MYTH – Being on birth control pills for “too long” will delay pregnancy
Fact: Your cycle will be back on track almost as soon as you stop regularly taking a contraceptive pill. In fact, within one year of stopping the pill, 80% of women who want to get pregnant, do.
MYTH – You cannot get pregnant on your period or certain times of the month
Fact: This is a risky gamble. While chances are greatly decreased during certain times of the month, it can be difficult to pinpoint when these moments are. There is no “safe” period during the month – there’s always a risk of pregnancy.
MYTH – You can get pregnant if a man uses the toilet before you
Fact: In order to get pregnant, a man’s sperm has to be able to fertilize a woman’s egg. Even in the very unlikely event sperm ends up on a toilet seat, it cannot live for very long outside the body.
Did I Go Too Far?
This is another question many young women ask. If you’ve recently experienced a new level of physical intimacy, the answer to this question is personal. Take time to consider how you feel after the experience. If you feel upset or anxious about the possible consequences, this might be a good time to reconsider your personal boundaries. Only you can decide what you are ready for, and what’s right for you. Before the situation arises, decide which lines you will and definitely will not cross, and when. Setting these boundaries for yourself can be freeing – you know you won’t have to weigh pros and cons in the moment, because you’ve already got a game plan. Always make sure the person you are with knows how you feel and will respect you and the boundaries you have set.
Someone to Turn To
If you have specific questions about pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, and you feel like you have no one to turn to, we can help. Options Medical Clinic is available to support women and provide support and guidance without judgment. Call 770.924.0864 or text 770.874.2031.