Q & A - Can You Get Pregnant the First Time? Busting Common Myths About Sex
Talking about sex and relationships can sometimes feel tricky, especially for parents who didn’t receive much sex education themselves. This Parent Q&A sheet is designed to help you support your child while learning about common myths around pregnancy, sex, and relationships. Many young people hear false information from friends, social media, or TV, which can leave them confused or worried. This resource gives you clear, easy-to-understand answers to the most common questions, along with helpful conversation starters to encourage open, honest discussion.
The Q&A sheet is designed for home education and is flexible — you can use it all at once, dip in when needed, or come back to it as questions arise. It will help you feel more confident when teaching about sex and relationships, while encouraging your child to think critically about the information they hear from the world around them.
This topic is part of our Info Zone collection. You can read the full topic, once logged in, here: Can You Get Pregnant the First Time? Busting Common Myths About Sex
You’ll also find a full Lesson Plan and a handy Parent Q & A sheet, for this topic, ready to use..
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Parent Q&A Sheet Can You Get Pregnant the First Time? Busting Common Myths About Sex |
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| Tip for Parents | Use these questions and answers to guide conversations with your child. This sheet will help you explain difficult or confusing topics about sex, pregnancy, and common myths. Take your time and adjust the language as needed depending on your child's age and understanding. |
| 1. Can you really get pregnant the first time you have sex? | Yes, you absolutely can. Pregnancy happens when sperm meets an egg. The body doesn’t know if it’s someone’s first time or not. There is no “first time immunity.” |
| 2. Is it true that you can’t get pregnant during a period? | It's less likely but not impossible. Sperm can live inside the body for up to five days, so if ovulation (the release of an egg) happens soon after the period ends, pregnancy can still occur. |
| 3. Does standing up or changing position prevent pregnancy? | No, position doesn’t affect whether someone can get pregnant. Sperm are strong swimmers and can travel regardless of position. |
| 4. Can you tell if someone is a virgin just by looking? | No. There is no physical sign of virginity. The idea that the hymen proves virginity is a myth. It can naturally stretch, tear, or even be absent without any sexual activity. |
| 5. Does pulling out (withdrawal) work? | Pulling out is very unreliable. Sperm can be present in pre-ejaculate (fluid released before ejaculation), and timing isn’t always perfect. This method carries a significant risk of pregnancy. |
| 6. If you pee after sex, does that prevent pregnancy? | No, urination does not stop pregnancy. Urine comes from a different part of the body. Peeing after sex is good for preventing infections but does nothing to stop sperm. |
| 7. Can sperm get someone pregnant even without full sex? | Yes. If sperm comes into contact with the vaginal area, there is a small chance it could still lead to pregnancy. Penetration is not required for pregnancy to occur. |
| 8. Are myths about sex common? | Yes, myths are very common, especially among young people. They often come from peers, TV, social media, or misinformation. That’s why proper sex education is important. |
| 9. Why do some people think you can’t get pregnant the first time? | This myth may come from stories, embarrassment, or lack of proper education. Sadly, many people believe it simply because they’ve heard it repeated. |
| 10. Is contraception only the responsibility of girls? | No. Both partners share responsibility for contraception. Communication and planning are important for making safe and respectful choices. |
| 11. Is sex education just about preventing pregnancy? | No, it is also about understanding bodies, relationships, emotions, and making informed, safe choices. It helps young people develop healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships. |
| 12. Why is it important to talk about sex myths at home? | Talking at home allows young people to ask questions safely, get correct information, and feel supported. It helps them make good choices without relying on unreliable sources. |
| 13. What is the best way to prevent pregnancy? | Using contraception properly every time is the best way. Methods include condoms, contraceptive pills, injections, and more. No method is 100% except for abstinence (choosing not to have sex). |
| 14. Can sex cause health risks besides pregnancy? | Yes. Sex without protection can also result in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which is why condoms are important, even if pregnancy isn’t a worry. |
| 15. What if a young person feels too embarrassed to talk about this? | It’s normal to feel shy or awkward, but it’s still important to have the conversation. Using resources like books, videos, or trusted websites can help ease the discussion. |
| 16. How can parents make this topic less uncomfortable? | Be calm, honest, and open. Avoid jokes that might make the learner feel silly. Let them know it’s okay to ask anything without judgement. |
| 17. What is a contraceptive? | A contraceptive is anything used to help prevent pregnancy during sex. This includes condoms, pills, implants, patches, and other medical methods. Condoms also help prevent infections. |
| 18. What is a myth, and why do we need to challenge them? | A myth is a belief or story that isn’t true. Myths about sex can be harmful because they cause confusion and risky decisions. Learning the facts helps young people stay safe. |
| 19. How does this lesson link to healthy relationships? | Understanding the facts helps young people build trust, communicate openly, and respect boundaries in relationships. It encourages them to value both themselves and others. |
| Extra Conversation Ideas |
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