The Con(tra)ception of Sex
Myths about Sex, Condoms and Menstruation
Unprotected sex leads to sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, so it is important to know the facts and take care of oneself. Here are a few commonly held beliefs about sex, and the truth behind them:
The Safest Time to Have Sex is the First Two Weeks after Menstruation
This depends on how regular the woman’s period is. During ovulation, when a woman is at her most fertile, if she has unprotected sex, she may easily get pregnant. So if her period is regular—a cycle of 28 days—then that statement applies. Ovulation usually occurs two weeks before the next period, so if her period comes every 28 days, day 14 will be the time of ovulation. But if, for example, her period comes every 35 days, two weeks before the next period is day 21 of the cycle. The rule will thus be not two, but three weeks after her period.
Eating Pineapples Can Deter Pregnancies
Scientifically, there is no evidence to prove this. However, there are certain foods which have been found to be contraceptive, like yam. In Nepal, the Himalayas, yam is part of the staple diet. Amazingly, they find that the women there do not need any form of contraception and yet they can prevent pregnancy. Through research, scientists have hypothesised that the common factor is yam, which contains oestrogen, a hormone commonly used in contraceptive pills. One does wonder, however, exactly how much yam one has to consume before it can be used as a form of contraception...
Peeing or Washing One’s Vagina After Sex Can Prevent Pregnancies
If only life was as simple as that! To prevent pregnancy, one has to use some form of contraception. The area where one pees from and the vagina are very close together, thus there is a risk that the bacteria in the vagina can cause an infection of the bladder. Passing urine after sex is just cleansing the vagina for hygiene purposes.
Condoms Equal Effective Contraception
True, provided that the condom does not burst. Condom usage is actually a good way of contraception – not only will it prevent pregnancy, it can also act as a barrier for sexually transmitted diseases. A good-quality condom, which has been tested for leakage in the lab, and applied at the appropriate time without Vaseline or extra lubricant, will certainly lessen the chances of pregnancy. However some people put it on too soon, before the penis is erect, so the condom may slip off...which completely defeats the purpose.
Women Cannot Get Pregnant When Having Sex During Menstruation
In theory yes, provided that it’s a normal period that she is having. The only problem is that sometimes it may not be a proper period; it may just be a little bit of spotting at ovulation time due to hormonal changes. In this case she still runs the risk of getting pregnant, if she is ovulating.
First Timers Won’t Get Pregnant
A woman can get pregnant anytime as long as sex occurs during the time of ovulation. It doesn't matter whether it is her first time or not. Sex and pregnancy is all about timing, during the cycle of when the egg is released. It’s not about where you do it, how you do it, with whom you do it.
Source : Interview with consultant obstetrics and gynaecologist Dr May Wong.
Pregnancy test
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles