It’s often assumed that boys know everything there is to know about sex and pregnancy by the time they reach adolescence. Even so, myths about how babies are made, and how penis care plays a role, are still rampant among young men. Clearing up those myths could help to avoid unplanned pregnancies, as well as unpleasant penis problems.
Myth: Pulling Out Early Prevents Pregnancy.
Male ejaculation typically leads to the release of hundreds of sperm cells, but only one is necessary to fertilize an egg. Men who use the pullout method may be able to keep most of their sperm cells from entering their partner’s body, but even one cell left behind could cause pregnancy. As a result, pulling out is not a highly effective method of birth control. Furthermore, the fluid often referred to as pre-cum may also contain sperm, so the assumption that no ejaculation means no pregnancy is false.
Myth: Upright Sex is an Effective Form of Birth Control.
The idea behind this myth is that sperm are not able to travel against gravity. Unfortunately, these little cells are great swimmers and they have no problem with swimming uphill, downhill, or even sideways to find an egg. They can make the journey within seconds, so changing position after sex or trying to push out seminal fluid also won’t help to prevent pregnancy from occurring.
Myth: Having Sex in Water Washes Sperm Away.
When two bodies are locked together during sex, they’re an unstoppable force for making babies. And no amount of water can get in the way. Sitting in a bathtub or hot tub during sex may help people feel more relaxed, but it has no effect on a man’s sperm being able to reach a woman’s body. However, there is some good news. Many people have expressed concern that sperm could swim through hot tub water from one body to another, leading to unwanted pregnancies. But sperm require a specific environment to survive and the temperature and chemistry of hot tub water is unlikely to allow them to make such a journey. So men who worry about inviting their female partners into their pools or hot tubs because of what’s happened there in the past shouldn’t be too concerned.
Myth: First-Time Sex Can’t Lead to Pregnancy.
Although there can be a lot to learn and think about when it comes to sex, the act of fertilization is actually quite simple. In fact, much of it doesn’t require any planning. Even really bad sex that both people don’t enjoy can still result in a pregnancy.
Myth: Frequent Masturbation Can Reduce Pregnancy Risk.
Some sperm is released during climax, and men who want to reduce their chances of fatherhood may believe that spending time alone regularly can help to reduce the amount of seed they release. Only one sperm cell is needed for pregnancy to occur. Masturbating may reduce the number of cells, but it can never reduce that figure to zero. Frequent masturbation can, however, cause penis damage, including:
Chafed skin
Reduced sensitivity
Increased scar tissue
Curved or bent erections
However, these issues can be alleviated by using a penis health creme. A quality penile creme containing penis-specific nutrients and moisturizers can help soothe abused skin and boost cellular health. This will allow for a smooth, responsive tool that is ready for safe sex.
