How does one get pregnant?
Pregnancy can happen when a sperm fertilizes an egg (ovum). This can happen whenever the sperm gets in contact with the vulva or the vagina. Masturbation, kissing, body rubbing, oral sex and anal sex do not cause pregnancy unless the sperm gets in contact with the vulva or the vagina.
How can “withdrawal” cause a pregnancy?
Pregnancy can still happen even if you and your partner use “withdrawal” method. This is due to the pre-ejaculate or “pre-cum”. This is the liquid that oozes out of the penis during sexual excitement even before the semen spurts out or ejaculation. The pre-ejaculate usually does not usually contain any sperm, but in some men a very small amount of sperm may be found in the pre-ejaculate.
Is there a particular day when one can get pregnant?
You can get pregnant whenever you have an unprotected sexual intercourse. Pregnancy can happen at any particular day of the menstrual cycle, but the highest risk is during the ovulation days. A risk of getting pregnant happens whenever the sperm gets in contact with the vulva or the vagina, even if the sexual intercourse happened during or after the menstruation.
Does a missed period mean pregnancy?
A missed menstrual period is the most probable sign that you are pregnant. If you had any unprotected intercourse and you have a missed period, it would be best to get a pregnancy test done to check if you are pregnant or not. There are also some instances that having a missed period doesn’t mean pregnancy. This can happen during times where high levels of stress are experienced, certain illnesses, or certain medications are taken.
Can pregnancy happen immediately after sexual intercourse?
No, pregnancy doesn’t immediately start after the sexual intercourse. For the sperm to fertilize an egg, it can take up to six (6) days. It then takes about 10 days for the fertilized egg to travel through the fallopian tube and implant properly in the endometrium (lining of the uterus). After implantation, human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG) is produced. This is the time when the pregnancy begins. HCG is also called the pregnancy hormone and this is the hormone that the pregnancy tests detect.
What can I do to avoid pregnancy?
The only way to avoid pregnancy is by being abstinent – avoiding sexual intercourse totally. However, in cases that being abstinent is not possible, it is best to use a form of birth control. A wide array of birth control forms are readily available currently in the market, which include condoms, oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine device (IUD), or injectables. But bear in mind that the kind of birth control form that you will use must be suitable for your medical history and other factors such as lifestyle factors (eg. Smoking and/or drinking alcoholic beverages). You can talk to your health care provider which birth control form is most suitable for you.
