Often times people have some misconceptions about sex, so hopefully this page will help with that.  If you are sexually active, or plan on becoming sexually active, it's important to know the facts.  Remember: There is no such thing as "safe sex" only "safer sex."

Myth: I'm on my period so I can't get pregnant.

Fact: No matter when you have sex, you can still get pregnant.  Sperm can live in you from one day to almost a week - so even if you're on your period the sperm can still be inside you until you ovulate again.  If you decide to have sex while on your period you should still use some form of birth control.  You should always use a condom anyway, to protect yourself from STD's.

Myth: I can't get pregnant because he pulls out.

Fact: If your guy ejaculates inside, or anywhere near your vagina you can still get pregnant.  Even if he pulls out before he actually ejaculates, pre-ejaculation (which is what comes out before the actual climax) can still very well get you pregnant.  Always use some form of birth control - the pull out method is not one of them.

Myth: I can't get pregnant if he doesn't put his penis inside of me.

Fact: If your guy ejaculates anywhere near you when you two are having naked body contact, pregnancy can occur.  It does not necessarily have to be vaginal sex.  So always use a method of birth control, like a condom, which will protect you against STD's.

Myth: I can't get pregnant the first time I have sex.

Fact: Females are actually most fertile as teenagers and in their early 20's.  You can get pregnant anytime you have sex, whether it is your first time or not.  Always use a reliable form of birth control.

Myth: If I washout my vagina after sex, I won't get pregnant.

Fact: This actually won't work, even if you wash with soap, hot water, or use a douche (that can actually help the sperm get higher up quicker).  Sperm swim very quickly and your body is actually made to help them move faster into your cervix, so the only true way of protecting yourself when having sex is to use birth control.

Myth: I can't get pregnant if my hymen doesn't break

Fact: Your hymen doesn't have anything to do with your ability to get pregnant.  Many girls' hymens don't break when they have sex for the first time and on the other hand, a girls' hymen can break from things like riding your bike or horseback riding.  With unprotected sex there is always a chance of getting pregnant.

Myth: I can't get pregnant because he only put it in for a minute.

Fact: It does not matter how long his penis is in your vagina.  If there is vaginal contact, there is a possibility of pregnancy.  Like we talked about earlier, pre-ejaculation is present even if he does not climax.

Myth: I can't get pregnant, we did it in the water.

Fact: The water will not protect you from getting pregnant.  If he ejaculates inside of you (or if his pre-ejaculates inside of you) there is a possibility you can get pregnant.  The water on the outside will not block this from happening.

Myth: I can't get pregnant, I didn't orgasm

Fact: An orgasm has nothing to do with your egg being fertilized by sperm.  You can get pregnant even if you do not climax.

Myth: If I jump up and down after sex I won't get pregnant

Fact: This is an old wives tale that is absolutely not true.  Jumping will not do anything in stopping the sperm from reaching your cervix.

Myth: I can't get pregnant if we do it standing up or if I'm on top

Fact: Positions make very little difference when it comes to getting pregnant. The fact of the matter is, if a guy's sperm enter a woman's vagina, she can get pregnant.

Myth: I can't get pregnant if I do it on my "safe" days.

Fact: Every woman has a different menstrual cycle, so it's virtually impossible to predict when your "safe" days are.  Doing it on your "safe" days (if you think you found them) also may not make a difference since sperm can live inside of you for several days.  If you are going to use this method, definitely use a condom too.

Myth: The birth-control pill is effective as soon as you start taking it.

Fact: Depending on what day of your cycle you start taking your pills and on who you ask it can take up to one menstrual cycle before the pill begins to work.  You should rely on another method of birth control during this time.

Myth: Two condoms work better than one.

Fact: Actually, two condoms will rub together and likely cause a rip so never use two condoms at once.  You should though, use a condom with spermicidal gel on it for extra protection.

So the take home message here: ALWAYS USE PROTECTION. There is no excuse or any other way around not getting pregnant if you're having sex.  And protection may not always work.  For example, I got pregnant using a condom and one of my close friends got pregnant while on the pill.  Using multiple forms of birth control (such as being on the pill and using a condom) can help so that you do not get pregnant. This does not mean 2 condoms at the same time.  You should always know that no matter what, pregnancy comes from having sex, and you should be prepared to deal with that even if you use protection.  The only way to really prevent pregnant is to remain abstinent - which is really the best option for any teenager.