Below are some common myths about sex and pregnancy prevention. Keep in mind this is
only a few popular myths and that there are many more out there. Only the birth control methods
listed on the Your Options page are statistically proven to help prevent unwanted pregnancies
and/or the spread of STIs.

Withdrawal Method (Pull-out method):
This method requires that the male withdraw his penis before ejaculation. The high failure rate of this method shows how difficult it can be to judge the exact moment of ejaculation, as well as having the discipline to withdraw the penis before doing so. The fluid (pre-cum) that a male's penis releases upon sexual arousal contains sperm. Additionally, if he has an STI or HIV, the bacteria and viruses that cause these infections may also be presents in the pre-cum. This method is NOT effective in preventing pregnancy, STIs or HIV.

Sex during a female's period:
A female can still get pregnant if she has sex during her period or the first time she has sex. Many people believe that if a female is bleeding, the sperm will wash out of her, or that there is no egg present. This is NOT true.   Sperm are strong swimmers, and can go against the flow of blood from a female's body. Also, the egg may be lingering in the uterus, and can implant itself if impregnated during menstruation. This method is NOT effective in preventing pregnancy, STIs or HIV.

Jumping up and down:
Sperm can swim against gravity so trying to "shake them out" by jumping will not help. This method is NOT effective in preventing pregnancy, STIs or HIV.

Douching:
Douching may flush out some sperm, however, an average ejaculation contains between 300 and 400 million sperm. Also, douching can actually push sperm further into a female's body, making it much easier for them to reach an egg. This method is NOT effective in preventing pregnancy, STIs or HIV.