Chances of Getting Pregnant

What is safe sex?

“Safe sex” is having sex with only one partner (who is only having sex with you), when neither of you have a sexually transmitted disease/infection (STD/STI) and you are using a method of protection. However, most healthcare professionals agree that there is no such thing as “safe” sex since there is no form of birth control that is 100% effective against pregnancy and STD/STIs. Some methods of birth control also carry risks for serious side effects and adverse reactions. The only way to be truly safe is not to have sex because ALL forms of sexual contact carry some level of risk. ⁽¹⁾

Can I get pregnant the first time I have sex?

Absolutely – and many have! Pregnancy can happen whenever semen gets into the vagina or near the vagina. Anytime you have unprotected vaginal intercourse, you risk becoming pregnant. Pregnancy can even happen before your first menstrual period, or if you have irregular periods. Having sex at any point during the menstrual cycle, including the time of menstruation, has the risk of becoming pregnant. ⁽²⁾ If you think you may be pregnant, call Focus Women’s Center to schedule a free Pregnancy Verification and Consultation appointment today.

Does having multiple sexual partners increase my risk?

You have a risk of becoming pregnant every time you have sex. However, having multiple sex partners will greatly increase your risk of contracting a STD/STI. When you have sex with someone you risk being exposed to everyone they have ever had as a sexual partner. It is always important to ask your partner about their sexual history and if they have been tested for STD/STIs prior to consenting to a sexual relationship with them. ⁽¹⁾

What are the health risks involved with birth control?

Hormonal methods of birth control are generally considered safe for most people, but they do have risks. There is mixed evidence that hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of breast and cervical cancers. There is also evidence that this type of birth control could increase the risk of developing blood clots, high blood pressure, strokes, and/or heart attacks. Other undesirable side effects that could affect overall health include acne, bloating, depression, fluid retention, weight gain, etc. ^{(3, 4)}

Could I become pregnant even if I use birth control?

Yes! No method of birth control is 100% effective. They all have varying failure rates. This is true even when they are taken or used exactly as directed. The failure rates increase when not used as directed, which can be common, especially when using the specific method of birth control for the first time. In fact, incorrect birth control use is a major reason for unintended pregnancies. ⁽⁵⁾

Sources:

(1) Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2020). Safer sex guidelines.

(2) Dowshen, S. (2017). Can a girl get pregnant the first time she has sex?

(3) De Pietro, M. (2018). What are the long-term side effects of birth control?

(4) Gotter, A. (2018). What are the side effects of birth control pills?

(5) Holland, K. (2016). Is there a chance of getting pregnant while taking birth control?