Once upon a time, women were led to believe that just by kissing a boy, they could get pregnant. Thankfully, modern times have allowed women to become more informed of the different ways in which pregnancy is possible thereby disputing this age-old warning. (Although, humorously, this tactic is still used to keep young girls from engaging in acts of intimacy.) Pregnancy happens when sperm and egg meet, which is also called fertilization, typically through sexual intercourse. We’re here to answer the most common questions of “Can I get pregnant….” [fill in the blank] so you can be prepared or simply set your worries aside that you cannot *phew* in fact, get pregnant **that** way.
Can I Get Pregnant from Pre-Ejaculation?
The simple answer is yes, it’s possible. During penetrative sex, the male partner, without knowing, may excrete what is more commonly called “pre-cum” –– this substance is different from the actual cum that is released once climax has been reached, but can contain active sperm. Generally, the chances of getting pregnant are lower than with full ejaculation. It’s important that if you are avoiding pregnancy to be on a form of birth control or be sure to use a barrier method such as a condom or diaphragm before any penetrative sex occurs.
Can I Get Pregnant from Dry Humping?
Dry humping is the intimate act of rubbing your lower area against your partner’s lower area while both of you are fully or partially clothed. Although there’s no direct skin-to-skin contact or penetration involved, it’s important to note that pregnancy can technically occur if semen or pre-ejaculate gets near the vulva. The chance of getting pregnant this way is still very low since the clothing acts as a barrier.
Can I Get Pregnant Even If We Used a Condom?
Having sex with condoms can be highly effective––about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when perfect use is followed. However, typical use, which takes into account human error like breaking, slipping, or incorrectly applying the condom, displays effectiveness around 85%. As mentioned above, before engaging in intercourse, your partner should check to see that the condom is intact (meaning no tears) or that the packet wasn’t previously tampered with. To be extra sure, it doesn’t hurt to be on another form of birth control that’s compatible with a condom.
Can I Get Pregnant from Masturbation?
Masturbation for women is the act of arousing oneself by touching/rubbing your private area/clitoris until you reach climax, aka an orgasm. Since the act is usually done alone, it is impossible to get pregnant this way. However, if your partner is the one stimulating you (commonly called fingering) and has touched himself beforehand, therefore, increasing the chance of cum being on his fingers, there is a chance that the sperm can be transferred.
Can I Get Pregnant if My Partner Pulls Out?
Yes, it is possible. Although considered a natural form of birth control, the “pull-out method” isn’t always a reliable form, unless you are also on another type of birth control. Even before your partner ejaculates, a bit of semen can be released during sex, which can lead to pregnancy (See answer 1 about pre-ejaculation or “pre-cum”), and sometimes, partners may not pull out exactly before they fully ejaculate, as this is often hard to control.
Can I Get Pregnant If I Have Sex on My Period?
The chance of pregnancy while menstruating is low, but not impossible. As the lining of your uterus sheds, causing bleeding, your body is not in the state of ovulation. However, if you are on day four or five of your period when it is lighter, your body has begun the process of re-ovulation. Meaning, should you have penetrative sex during this window, sperm can live in the body for up to five days and cross over into your ovulation phase, causing pregnancy.
Can I Get Pregnant on Birth Control?
While most forms of birth control are highly effective, especially if taken on schedule or used before the act of sex begins, they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal birth control types such as the pill, an IUD, or the shot can still lead to pregnancy, so it is optimal to also use a barrier method of birth control such as condoms. Natural family planning is another way to prevent pregnancy, but abstinence is still the most effective way of preventing pregnancy.
Nervous that you might be pregnant? The first usual tell-tale sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Know more about the early signs of pregnancy, and when it’s time to take a pregnancy test.
Stay informed about your reproductive health! Check out more of our articles about contraception and the importance of STD/STI testing if you are sexually active. Use our chatbot if you have any more questions!
