Is it possible to get pregnant without sex?
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It seems like a way to ask questions — and at the same time it”s obvious! But in reality, everything is not so simple.
Contents of the article:
Fertilization
Yes, you can get pregnant without penetrative sex. However, in order for fertilization to occur, some form of sexual activity is required that releases sperm into the vagina.
To understand how this happens, let”s look at how pregnancy usually proceeds. In principle, the process is quite simple — sperm from a man”s ejaculate meets a woman”s egg (located inside the fallopian tube).
Once the egg is fertilized, it must travel and implant into the lining of the uterus. Penetrative sex allows ejaculate to enter the uterus, allowing millions of sperm to make the journey. Its ultimate goal is fertilization.
But here”s the rub. Eggs cannot be fertilized until they are released from the ovaries. This usually happens once a month — during ovulation, about 14 days before the next menstruation.
During ovulation, a woman”s cervical mucus becomes more similar to the egg white, allowing sperm to swim more freely. The texture of these liquids resembles a discharge formed during excitation. They flow through the vaginal canal and enter the vaginal vault.
In addition to sperm (ejaculation), men also secrete pre-ejaculation. One milliliter of ejaculate contains from 15 to 20 million sperm. However, scientific research shows that active sperm can be detected before ejaculation.
Once ejaculate or pre-ejaculate enters the vagina, pregnancy can occur. Remember that he can get there not only with the help of the penis, but also through toys, fingers and mouth.
Pregnant virgins
Researchers decided to study the phenomenon of “virgin pregnancy,” called CV, to understand why people talk about this miracle. In a survey of 7, 870 pregnant women, they found that 0. 8% of respondents conceived without vaginal sex.
For such studies, data are collected from interviewers. The researchers also looked at this phenomenon taking into account that, given various cultural and religious factors, everyone interprets the term “sex” differently. Therefore, it is very difficult to rely on the results of the study.
Perhaps some of these women believe that sex is penetration of the penis into the vagina. It would not be surprising if pregnancy occurred if the virgins in this study had another sexual experience and sperm somehow ended up in the vagina.
Read also: What diseases can you get from sex toys?
The possibility of contracting sexually transmitted infections from sex toys is sometimes seen as an Internet horror story. However, in reality.
Remember also that you can conceive a child without sex using procedures such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.
Although the study participants did not rely on these procedures, they should not be written off as they began to talk about possible methods of fertilization without vaginal sex. They are suitable for partners who require donor sperm and eggs (for example, same-sex couples) and for partners for whom penetrative sexual intercourse is not desirable or possible.
If you suspect you are pregnant
A pregnancy test can be done if there is a delay or if other suspicious symptoms are noticed. “Suggestive symptoms” include: breast swelling or pain, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, fatigue. Less common signs of pregnancy: constipation, metallic taste in the mouth, dizziness.
There are several different types of homemade pregnancy tests. They can be purchased in pharmacies and online stores. However, home test results are not completely reliable. If you get a negative result but your symptoms have not improved, take another test in a few days.
Are you still suffering from doubts? Then consult your doctor. You may have a blood test to determine your exact level of hCG, which is human chorionic gonadotropin. This is a hormone that begins to be produced after embryo implantation.
If you are not yet ready to be a mother
There are many ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The simplest thing is to use condoms. It also protects against sexually transmitted infections — some of which can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
Female condoms and birth control are also available. These methods are most effective when combined with lubricants that kill or immobilize sperm.
Are these contraceptive methods not suitable for you? Then make an appointment with your doctor. If you want to start taking birth control pills, you should not do so without consulting a specialist.
Some drugs contain only progestin. Others contain a mixture of progestin and estrogen (combined oral contraceptives). If you do not want to be among those 6-12% of women who become pregnant due to improper use of contraceptives, you need to follow all recommendations and approach this matter with all responsibility.
Other common methods of contraception with high effectiveness: diaphragms, hormonal patches, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (which are inserted into the egg and block sperm for several years), implants, hormonal injections.
There is also a “calendar method” that calculates the number of days in a girl”s cycle that do not fall during her fertile period. Many are pleased with the simplicity of this method, but its effectiveness is only 76%.
What is the end result? Ideally, the choice of contraception should be approached responsibly, in consultation with a gynecologist. Try different methods and cut out those that don”t suit you. And don’t deprive yourself of pleasure for the sake of your partner’s health — if he refuses condoms once and for all, this is the only way that suits you, think — is this partner right for you?
