12 Surprising Ways You Can Get Pregnant Without Realizing It.
By
Michael Avery in
Facts
On 24th August 2016
The only sure way of avoiding pregnancy is total abstinence, to not have sex at all, but some of us have better self control than others.
If you're sexually active or thinking about having sex, it's good to know the facts of safe sex. There are plenty of highly effective contraceptives to help prevent an unintended pregnancy and methods to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The CDC released a chart titled the Effectiveness of Family Planning Methods, citing the reversible methods of the implant and intrauterine device and the permanent methods of male and female sterilization as the most effective methods. They included easily accessibly methods such as condoms and the birth control pill.
According to a study in Germany, you can also gain a clear understanding of your cycle and avoid pregnancy naturally through the symptothermal method (STM). In the study, it was 99.6% effective when taught and carried out correctly, but the CDC has listed fertility-awareness based methods on the least effective side of their spectrum.
With results that are constantly changing, the most important thing you should know is that safe sex is more appropriately called "safer sex," because these methods are not one hundred percent effective.
In any case, the CDC recommends always using a condom to reduce the risk of STIs, a protection not provided by the other methods.
Below you'll find out how it's possible to get pregnant even if you're already practicing safer sex.
#1. Using Only Your Hands
Is he good with his hands? Lucky you. Just make sure he cleans them thoroughly if he's going from one place to the next. While this sexual activity doesn't directly cause pregnancy, if he still has some of his own sperm on his hand from an ejaculation and begins to touch you inside soon after, you just might get knocked up.
#2. Heavy Petting Parties
Petting is no joke. It can get pretty hot and heavy, and extremely satisfying for both parties. In the end, while it does not involve direct contact, that doesn't mean you're pregnancy-free. It depends on where the man ejaculates and the movement that follows.
In her autobiography, Suzanne Somers wrote about getting pregnant after a session of heavy petting with her boyfriend at a hotel. He'd ejaculated on the outer area, near the top, but it somehow trickled in.
#3. Shopping for Condoms
You should always make sure to inspect the package for the condition and expiration date (that's why it's dangerous to keep one in your wallet, fellows). You should also make sure that you've purchased the right size. If there isn't a little extra room in the condom, they can leak and break.
#4. Using a Condom
Well done on deciding to use a condom! No matter how excited you are, do not by any means open the condom with your teeth or scissors. This can tear the condom. Also make sure you slip it on at the right time.
#5. Selecting the Right Lubricant
Does it matter what kind of lube you use? Yes, it does! Oil-based lube can lead to breakage in a latex condom, so it's best to stick to water based ones (probably not tears though).
#6. Taking the Back Way
It is highly unlikely for a woman to become pregnant while having anal sex. After all, even when sperm is directly deposited in the vagina, pregnancy is not guaranteed.
But there is still a possibility for pregnancy inadvertently caused during anal if the sperm made its way into the uterus and fertilized an egg due to their proximity to one another. Again, this is highly unlikely, but you don't want to be the exception if it ever does happen.
Furthermore, you're at higher risk of contracting an STI during anal so if you're planning to do this, you should definitely use a condom and lubrication, which can help prevent condom breakage.
#7. Having Sex During That Time of the Month
The possibilities of getting pregnant while you're on your period are lower than usual, but keep in mind that sperm can live inside you for up to 5 days.
#8. Having sex while pregnant.
Having sex while you're already pregnant is perfectly normal, but there is a small possibility that you can get pregnant. Again. It's extremely rare in humans, but there have been enough cases to show that it's possible early on in the pregnancy.
#9. Having Sex in a Pool
If you think that fooling around in a bathtub or pool will prevent you from getting pregnant, think again. Some netizens seem to believe that chlorine will kill the sperm. It is true that if a male ejaculates into a pool, this sperm will not survive. However, if he ejaculates directly into a female, then there is a possibility she will get pregnant. Don't use pool sex as a method of birth control.
#10. Taking Birth Control Pills
If you are regularly taking your birth control pills, good for you! So many women forget. But even if you're on it, you still might get pregnant. According to the CDC, 9% of women experienced an unintended pregnancy while on the pill.
#11. Getting a Vasectomy
According to a vasectomy information site, there are three ways a woman can get pregnant after her partner undergoes a vasectomy:
- Having unprotected sex before the male's sperm count is confirmed to be zero
- Natural reversal, or recanalization
- Errors that occurred during surgery
#12. Undergoing Tubal Ligation
Also known as getting your tubes tied, tubal ligation is the procedure for female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are blocked, tied, or cut.
If a fertilized egg was implanted before her procedure or if she is among the 1% that underwent a failed ligation, then she may become pregnant.
