Can You Get Pregnant the First Time? Busting Common Myths About Sex
Sex and relationships are topics that many young people feel unsure about. Often, what people hear in the playground or on social media sounds convincing but is completely wrong.
These little myths can cause worry, confusion, and even problems later on. In this article, we’re going to clear things up and have a bit of a laugh along the way, while learning the real facts. So, let’s get started and bust some common sex myths!
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..
[cl_logged_in]
Can You Get Pregnant the First Time?
One of the most common sex myths is that you can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex. The truth? You absolutely can. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first time, the hundredth time, or a time when you “didn’t think it counted.” If sperm meets an egg, pregnancy can happen. The body doesn’t check how experienced you are — biology just does its thing!
Even if someone thinks they are being careful but doesn’t use contraception properly, or at all, pregnancy is possible. There’s no magical shield that protects you just because it’s your first time.
So, yes, you can get pregnant the first time. Always use proper contraception if you are not planning on becoming a parent.
[br][br]
Myth: You Can’t Get Pregnant Standing Up
Some people believe that gravity is a form of contraception. Sorry, science doesn’t work like that. Standing, sitting, lying down, or even standing on your head — none of these positions can prevent sperm from doing what they do best: swimming towards an egg.
While gravity might make things tricky for a few seconds, sperm are strong swimmers and can still travel upwards. They’re not Olympic athletes, but they are determined!
The only way to prevent pregnancy is by using effective contraception, not by hoping gravity will do the job for you.
[br][br]
Myth: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period
This is another popular half-truth. While it’s less likely, it’s not impossible. Sperm can live inside the body for up to 5 days. So, if someone has sex towards the end of their period and ovulates (releases an egg) soon after, there is still a chance of pregnancy.
Periods don’t give anyone a “safe zone.” It’s better to assume that pregnancy could happen at any time unless contraception is used properly.
And let’s be honest — periods are annoying enough without adding surprise pregnancies into the mix!
[br][br]
Myth: You Can’t Get Pregnant if You Pee After Sex
We get it — pee washes things out, right? Wrong! Peeing after sex is healthy because it helps prevent infections, but it doesn’t do anything to stop sperm. Sperm don’t hang around the bladder or urethra (the place where pee comes out). They are on a different mission entirely.
So, while you should definitely pee after sex to stay healthy, don’t expect it to be a magical anti-pregnancy trick. It’s not.
[br][br]
Myth: You Can’t Get Pregnant Without Penetration
Some people think that unless there’s full sex, pregnancy isn’t possible. But if sperm gets anywhere near the vagina, there is still a small risk. It’s unlikely, but not impossible. Sperm are like explorers — if they’re close enough, they will try to reach their goal.
Even if things don’t go “all the way,” if sperm is present near the vaginal area, there is a chance of pregnancy. It’s important to be aware of this and take precautions.
[br][br]
Myth: You Can Tell if Someone is a Virgin
Nope. There is no magical mark, badge, or flashing sign. You cannot tell if someone has had sex just by looking at them or even by examining their body. The idea that the hymen (a thin piece of tissue inside the vagina) is some kind of ‘proof’ is false. Many people are born without one, and it can break during activities like horse riding, gymnastics, or even just sneezing too hard (ok, maybe not sneezing, but you get the point!).
Virginity is a personal and private concept, not something you can physically “spot.”
[br][br]
Myth: Everyone is Having Sex — Except You
TV, films, and even school gossip can make it seem like everyone is doing it. But the truth is, many people wait until they are ready — and that’s totally okay. There’s no race, no deadline, and certainly no prize for rushing into something you don’t feel ready for.
What you see on social media isn’t always the truth either. People exaggerate, make things up, or share only the bits they want others to see.
[br][br]
Myth: Pulling Out Works Every Time
The “pull-out method” (also called withdrawal) is very risky. Sperm can escape before someone even realises it. This is called “pre-ejaculate” and it can contain sperm too. Plus, in the heat of the moment, people don’t always have perfect timing!
Relying on pulling out is like trying to stop a speeding train by waving at it. It’s not reliable, and it’s definitely not safe if you want to avoid pregnancy.
[br][br]
Myth: Contraception is Only the Girl’s Job
False! Pregnancy involves two people, so preventing it should too. There are contraception options for everyone, including condoms, which also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Both partners should talk about contraception, make decisions together, and share responsibility.
It’s about respect, communication, and teamwork — not dumping all the responsibility on one person.
[br][br]
Myth: Sex Education is Just Embarrassing
Sure, talking about sex might make some people blush or giggle — but it’s important. Learning the facts helps you make safe, smart choices. Imagine going into a science test without learning any of the topics. That would be stressful! Knowing about your body, relationships, and how things work is like studying for life’s big test.
Being confident, informed, and safe is nothing to be embarrassed about.
[br][br]
Where Can I Learn More and Get Support?
Learning about sex and relationships doesn’t stop here. There are helpful organisations ready to answer questions confidentially and without judgement:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get the right information.
[br][br]
What Do You Remember?
- Can you get pregnant the first time you have sex?
- Does peeing after sex prevent pregnancy?
- Why is pulling out not a reliable method?
- Can you always tell if someone is a virgin?
- Why is it important to share responsibility for contraception?
Write your answers in the comment section below.
[br][br]
Related Topics
If you found this topic interesting, you might also want to learn about related topics like puberty, relationships, and how the human body works. Understanding these things helps you make healthy and positive choices.
[br][br]
What Do You Think?
If you found this to be an interesting topic, why not have your say. Or if you can think of ways we could improve it. We would love to know what you learned and more importantly, what you think. So now is your chance, use the comments section below to let us know your thoughts.
[br][br]
[/cl_logged_in]
[cl_logged_out]
Members Only
You need to be registered and logged in to access this learning resource and other member only content. It only costs £1.99
[/cl_logged_out]