Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Getting Pregnant without Having Sex | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I have heard conflicting stories and I am old enough that I probably should know the right answer. A long time ago a friend of mine told me that she heard of a girl that got pregnant even though she had not had sex. That somehow this girl's boyfriend ejaculated near the opening of her vagina, and she got pregnant. Another friend told me once that when sperm hits the air it dies. Is any of this true? I've always been to embarrassed to ask my doctor. So hopefully you can shed some light on these possible myths.— Confused by Myths in Ohio | | | ANSWER |
August 17, 2001 | | | Dear Confused by Myths,
You and your friend are both correct. In general, sperm don't survive at room temperature, nor when the semen gets dried out. That said, there have been rare cases where semen has been ejaculated near the opening of the vagina and the woman has become pregnant. It is not an effective way of trying to get pregnant, but it can happen.
The best way of avoiding unwanted pregnancy is to use an effective method of birth control, and to keep the sperm away from the vaginal opening. If an accident occurs, such as a condom breaking, be aware that there is a morning after pill that prevents pregnancy if taken within three days of the sperm reaching the vagina.
Here's hoping that all your future pregnancies are planned and desired!— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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