From old wives’ tales to viral social media “hacks,” there’s a terrifying amount of misinformation floating around about sex and pregnancy—and that’s a problem.
When it comes to your reproductive health, guessing or relying on rumors isn’t an option. Our clinical experts are here to set the record straight. Read on to separate viral internet myths from actual biological science by busting nine of the most common myths about sex and pregnancy.
Quick Facts: Sex and Pregnancy
- Ovulation Timing: Sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, making pregnancy possible even during your period or on the first try.
- Contraceptive Failures: Withdrawal, double condom use, and post-sex showering are unreliable and ineffective methods for preventing pregnancy.
- Medication Rules: Skipped birth control pills reduce protection immediately, and emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) is not 100% guaranteed, especially if ovulation has already occurred.
- Fertility Realities: Conditions like Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), or irregular cycles alter your fertile window, but they do not make pregnancy impossible.1
Can you get pregnant on your period?
Yes, you can get pregnant on your period because sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, potentially overlapping with early ovulation.
While pregnancy is most likely during your fertile window, which typically spans the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself, menstrual cycles can fluctuate due to stress, hormonal shifts, or short cycle lengths. If you have sex near the end of your period and ovulate early, viable sperm can still fertilize an egg.
Is the "pull-out" method an effective form of birth control?
No, the pull-out method is not an effective primary form of birth control because pre-ejaculatory fluid (pre-cum) can contain active sperm, and timing errors frequently lead to unintended pregnancy.
Relying on withdrawal requires perfect control and timing, which is notoriously difficult to guarantee. Furthermore, pre-ejaculatory fluid can carry sperm left behind in the urethra from previous ejaculations, making fertilization possible before full ejaculation occurs.
Can you get pregnant the first time you have sex?
Yes, you can get pregnant the very first time you have sex if intercourse coincides with your fertile window.
Fertilization depends entirely on biological timing—specifically the presence of a viable egg and active sperm—not on your sexual history or the number of times you’ve engaged in intercourse.
Do certain sexual positions prevent pregnancy?
No, sexual position has zero impact on preventing pregnancy because sperm swim rapidly into the cervix within seconds of ejaculation, regardless of gravity.
Gravity does not stop sperm from traveling through cervical mucus toward the uterus and fallopian tubes. No position, posture, or movement after intercourse can block sperm from entering the reproductive tract.
Does using double condoms offer extra protection?
No, using two condoms at once actually increases the risk of pregnancy because friction between the latex layers can cause both condoms to tear or break.
Doubling up creates excessive friction during intercourse, weakening the material and making a tear far more likely. For maximum protection, use a single, properly fitted condom paired with a reliable secondary birth control method (like an IUD or oral contraceptives).
Do birth control hormones "build up" as a reserve?
No, birth control hormones do not build up a protective reserve in your body, meaning a missed or delayed pill can trigger ovulation and lead to pregnancy.
Oral contraceptives require consistent daily dosing to maintain the hormone levels necessary to suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. Missing even a single pill—especially at the beginning or end of a pack—can allow your hormones to rebound, releasing an egg.2
Does having PMOS or irregular cycles mean you can't get pregnant?
No, having PMOS or irregular cycles does not mean you cannot get pregnant; it simply means your ovulation schedule is unpredictable.
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and irregular cycles make it harder to pinpoint your fertile window, but spontaneous or sporadic ovulation still occurs. Assuming you are naturally infertile without a medical diagnosis often leads to surprise pregnancies.
Can taking a shower or washing after sex prevent pregnancy?
No, showering, bathing, or rinsing yourself after sex will not prevent pregnancy because sperm enter the cervical canal within seconds of ejaculation.
Washing the outside of your body or flushing the vagina with water/douches cannot reach or neutralize sperm that have already moved into the cervix. In fact, it can push sperm further up into the reproductive tract while disrupting your healthy vaginal flora.3
Does the morning-after pill guarantee you won't get pregnant?
No, the morning-after pill does not guarantee pregnancy prevention, as its primary mechanism is delaying ovulation—meaning it is far less effective if ovulation has already occurred.
Emergency contraception works primarily by preventing or postponing the release of an egg. If your body has already ovulated prior to taking the pill, emergency contraception cannot prevent fertilization or implantation.
Women's Health Support in Cartersville, GA
Navigating your sexual health shouldn’t be based on rumors, social media trends, or guesswork. Understanding the basic biology of your body empowers you to make confident, safe choices about your future. When you have accurate medical facts and trusted care at our women’s health clinic in Cartersville or our mobile clinic in Calhoun, you can make decisions that align with your personal health goals without fear or confusion.
Get clear, fact-based answers to your sex and pregnancy questions.
Schedule your free pregnancy test today or call our clinic directly at 770-334-3856 to speak with a supportive member of our staff.
Medical Accuracy & Accreditation
North Metro Women’s Care is a non-profit, AAAHC-accredited medical clinic serving Cartersville and the Northwest Georgia region. We provide clinical-grade pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and STI screenings.
Disclaimer: We provide medical options consultations. We do not perform or refer for abortions. Information provided is for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice from your primary care physician.
Citations
1“Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).” Mayo Clinic, 21 May 2026, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439. Accessed 27 July 2026.
2“What Happens When You Skip a Birth Control Pill?” Cleveland Clinic, 03 May 2024, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-when-you-skip-a-birth-control-pill. Accessed 27 July 2026.
3“Vaginitis Frequently Asked Questions.” American College of Obstetrics & Gynecologists (ACOG), December 2025, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginitis. Accessed 27 July 2026.