Even though young women are growing up faster than they did 50 years ago, many are still uneducated about the truth of pregnancy and birth control. Sadly, this leads to a number of unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Before you take things one step further, make sure you are educated enough to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy and diseases. The following are just a few myths about pregnancy and birth control.

The Pull-Out Method Is an Effective Form of Birth Control

While your partner may not ejaculate inside you at the end of intercourse, there is still a chance of getting pregnant from what’s referred to as pre-ejaculate. Pre-ejaculate contains more than enough sperm to cause pregnancy. Even if the pre-ejaculate doesn’t cause the pregnancy, you must remember that sperm can travel really well and that mess on your thigh may still lead to pregnancy.

It Was My First Time, So I Won’t Get Pregnant

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time on 100th time. You can get pregnant any time you have unprotected sex. Do not let your partner talk you into having unprotected sex when he uses this excuse.

Douching Can Prevent Pregnancy

When you have unprotected sex, millions of sperm are released into your vagina. While douching can wash out many of them, it only takes one to get you pregnant.

We Only Had Unprotected Sex Once, So I Won’t Get Pregnant

It doesn’t matter if you had unprotected sex only once. Any time sperm is in the presence of an egg, there’s the chance for pregnancy.

I’m On My Period, So I Won’t Get Pregnant

It doesn’t matter how far along your period is or isn’t, it’s not going to protect you from getting pregnant. Not only that, but sperm can live in your body for up to 5 days, which means that even if that were true, you would still have the chance of getting pregnant.

I’m On Birth Control, So I Can’t Get Pregnant

Absolutely no form of birth control (other than abstinence) is 100% effective. Even surgical methods can fail. If you want to protect yourself as much as possible, while still having sex, you need to combine the pill, or other form of birth control, with condoms.

You can’t protect yourself from pregnancy by using these age-old myths. Your period, him pulling out, or even having sex for the first time, will not keep you safe. You need to use birth control, preferably two different types which includes condoms, to give yourself the best chance of not getting pregnant.

About the Author: Rochel Burck loves helping women learn more about their bodies and overall health. She regularly educates her clients on reproductive health issues, how to beat candida, how to maintain a healthy weight, and heart health.