San José, Costa Rica. May, 2016.

“But I did not ejaculate inside her”. “But I only had oral sex”. “But I was not in my fertile days”. “But I…!” Fill-in the blank space with your favorite myth about sex without protection, but the only thing that is 100% safe to prevent non-desired pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is abstinence. Beyond that, although it is true that there are several methods to practice safer sex, none of them is totally infallible.

Which are the most common myths, therefore, that you hear in the bedroom as an excuse to have sexual relations without protection?

Myth 1: The only way of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is through coitus without a condom.

Truth 1: Although it is true that a well-used condom protects against diseases, it is not a totally and absolutely safe method. Also, every sexual activity (including oral sex) implies a risk of transmission. Diseases such as herpes or even IHV can be transmitted through contact of the mouth with the genitals for example.

Myth 2: Oral sex is completely safe.

Truth 2: As we mentioned in the point above, although oral sex tends to be safer than anal or vaginal penetration, it always implies risks. Especially if the person has wounds in the mouth, or if some genital fluid reaches the eyes, there is a risk of transmission, including HIV.

Myth 3: Withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation prevents pregnancy.

Truth 3: Right before the ejaculation, the male secretes a pre-seminal fluid, which is in charge of lubricating the seminal conduits before the ejaculation. This fluid contains a sufficient amount of spermatozoids to fertilize an egg. Also, the risk of sexually transmitted diseases is always present.

Myth 4: The rhythm method (menstrual calendar) is natural and safe to prevent a pregnancy.

Truth 4: Although it is true that the days before ovulation are less fertile, the life period of a spermatozoid in the vagina is up to seven days, within which conception may occur. Also, although the woman may be very accurate in her dates, there is always the risk of a pregnancy due to unforeseen changes in the menstrual cycle.

Myth 5: Having sex when the woman is with her period is 100% safe.

Truth 5: If the woman has a short period, she will begin to ovulate as soon as it ends. If we take into account that the sperm can live up to seven days inside the woman, as we mentioned in the point above, the possibility of a pregnancy exists.

If you have had sex without protection or if you have doubts about the paternity of your child, we offer you the possibility of taking tests for sexually transmitted diseases or of paternity with full and absolute confidentiality. Indeed, we can perform these tests at your home inside the Great Metropolitan Area.

In order to obtain further information, or to request an appointment in any of the medical specialties, you may contact the private hospital Clínica Bíblica at telephone no. 2522-1000, email citas@clinicabiblica.com or via chat at the website: clinicabiblica.com.