With all the myths around sex and contraception, your tween might be more than just a little confused. To make sure you’re keeping up with the times, here is an important run-down on some of the common stories going around.
Myth: You can't get pregnant during your period – false
It’s not safe for a girl to have sex during her period. Since sperm can survive for seven days, a girl who releases an egg the week after having sex while on her period can still get pregnant.
Myth: You can get pregnant by having oral sex – not true
Even if a girl accidentally swallows sperm, she will not get pregnant.
Myth: You won’t get pregnant if a man withdraws before he comes false
A man usually releases fluid before he ejaculates. Although it is not semen, the fluid contains sperm which can easily get a girl pregnant.
Myth: You can't get pregnant the first time you have sex - false
Sperm is able to fertilise an egg at any time, whether it is the first time ever or the first time in a while.
Myth: There are certain sexual positions that will protect you from pregnancy – not true
The position does not matter at all because all it takes to get pregnant is one sperm and one egg.
Myth: A man's testicles will be damaged if he doesn't have sex when he is turned on or if he hasn't had sex in a long time – not at all
He may be a bit frustrated, but a man won’t be harmed in any physical way if he doesn’t have sex.
Myth: Condoms can be washed out and re-used - never
Since the friction of sex weakens the rubber, it will not be effective more than once.
Myth: You will always have symptoms if you have an STI – not true
Not all STIs will show signs or symptoms. That’s why it would be a good idea to get regular check-ups.
Other myths such as replacing condoms with cling film are also not true. Parents could try to create a comfortable environment at home for their tweens so that they could talk about important issues as such.
