Can You Get Pregnant From Swallowing? And 13 Other Qs About Sex

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Can You Get Pregnant from Swallowing? And 13 Other Sex Questions, Answered

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Jen Anderson on March 28, 2019

Overview
Are you sure?
Oral vs. penetrative sex
Pull-out method
Fingering
Anal sex
One condom
Two condoms
First time
During menstruation
Fertile window
Other myths
Emergency contraception
Pregnancy test
Takeaway

1. Is it possible?

No, you can’t get pregnant just by swallowing semen. The only way for pregnancy to occur is if sperm comes in direct contact with the vagina.

Although swallowing semen doesn’t lead to pregnancy, it can put you at risk for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). That’s why it’s important to make sure that you and your partner are on the same page.

Before you get hot and heavy, take a few minutes to discuss your birth control options and whether you’ve been tested for STIs.

Below, a few other questions that might come up when you and your partner chat.

2. But what if you French kiss your partner after, and then they go down on you

While pregnancy isn’t completely impossible in this situation, the chances are pretty low.Semen in mouth — pregnant? (2018).https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/semen-mouth-%E2%80%94-pregnant-0 Sperm is digested similarly to food, so it starts getting broken down immediately after entering your mouth.

To err on the side of caution, you could always use a dental dam or other barrier method when you or your partner go down the second time.

3. Is oral sex safer than vaginal or anal penetration?

Although oral sex can’t cause pregnancy, the Center For Disease Control And Prevention confirms that it can spread STIs.STD risk and oral sex – CDC fact sheet. (2016). https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/stdfact-stdriskandoralsex.htm

However, it’s difficult to evaluate which type of sex — oral, anal, or vaginal — is the most likely cause of individual STIs.

That’s because many people who have oral sex also have anal or vaginal sex, which can make it hard to isolate the source of the infection.

4. Can you get pregnant if your partner pulls out?

Although the pull-out method is a fairly popular means of birth control, it isn’t particularly successful at preventing pregnancy when used alone.

According to Planned Parenthood, the pull-out method is so difficult to perform perfectly that about 1 out of every 5 people who rely on withdrawal become pregnant.How effective is pulling out? (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/withdrawal-pull-out-method/how-effective-is-withdrawal-method-pulling-out

Doubling up with another birth control method, such as the pill or an IUD, can help reduce your risk for pregnancy.

5. Can you get pregnant if your partner fingers you while semen is on their hands?

Though it’s possible to get pregnant in this situation, the reality is that it’s very unlikely.

While sperm can live inside the uterus for up to five days, they typically die much faster once they’re exposed to air and begin to dry out.Conception: How it works. (n.d.). https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/conception-how-it-works

To be on the safe side, have your partner wash their hands before you get back to business.

6. Can you get pregnant as a result of anal sex?

There isn’t an internal connection between the anus and the vagina, so sperm can’t swim through the cracks.

However, there’s still a small chance of pregnancy. It all comes down to two things:

whether your partner ejaculates near your vagina
whether they accidentally spread semen from your anus to your vagina after ejaculation

The best way to prevent this from happening is to ensure that your partner cleans ejaculate off of their penis before switching to vaginal penetration. This will also reduce your risk of a urinary tract infection.

It’s also a good idea to wash the penis before switching to vaginal penetration to avoid spreading intestinal parasites and bacteria found in feces.

7. Can you get pregnant if you’re using a condom?

When used consistently and correctly, condoms are one of the most effective options for contraception. However, typical use isn’t always in line with perfect use.Effectiveness of family planning methods. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/unintendedpregnancy/pdf/Family-Planning-Methods-2014.pdf

On average, outside condoms — the ones worn on the penis — are 87 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.Contraception: Birth control methods. (2018). https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm

This means that 13 out of every 100 people relying on outside condoms will become pregnant.

On average, inside condoms — the ones inserted into the vagina — are 79 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.Contraception: Birth control methods. (2018). https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm

This means that 21 out of every 100 people relying on inside condoms will become pregnant.

If you’re relying on a barrier method, you can increase its efficacy by:

checking the expiration date and other signs of wear and tear
making sure that it fits properly
using it only once
not using oil-based lubricants such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly with latex condoms
ensuring that it’s put on correctly

8. Will using two condoms increase their efficacy?

According to Columbia University, doubling up on condoms can increase friction and encourage tearing.Are two condoms better than one? (2015).goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/are-two-condoms-better-one

This means that seminal fluid may be released inside the vagina, increasing the risk of pregnancy and STIs.

The bottom line? Stick with one condom, and consider doubling up with a different form of birth control.

9. Can you get pregnant if it’s your first time?

You can definitely get pregnant the first time you have sex.

Breaking your hymen has nothing to do with your ability to become pregnant. In fact, some people break their hymens during nonsexual activities or don’t experience a break at all.Can I get pregnant even if my “cherry” has never popped? (2014).plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/can-i-get-pregnant-even-if-my-cherry-has-never-popped

Pregnancy is possible any time there’s vaginal penetration with a penis — even if the person who has a penis doesn’t ejaculate. That’s because pre-ejaculate, or pre-cum, also contains sperm.

It can also happen if they ejaculate outside, but near, the vaginal opening.

10. Can you get pregnant if you’re on your period?

Sure, it might seem counterintuitive to get pregnant when you’re on your period, but it’s still possible. It all comes down to your ovulation cycle.

Your risk of pregnancy is greater toward the end of your period, when you’re closer to ovulating.Can a girl get pregnant if she has sex during her period. (2013). http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sex-during-period.html

Sperm can live in the uterus for up to five days after ejaculation, so the closer you are to ovulation, the higher your risk.Conception: How it works. (n.d.). https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/conception-how-it-works

11. Can you get pregnant at any time of the month?

In contrast to the question above, you can’t get pregnant at any time of the month. It depends on your individual ovulation cycle and fertility window.

Ovulation usually happens around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. Not everyone has a 28-day cycle, so the exact timing can vary.

In general, ovulation occurs in the four days before or four days after your cycle’s midpoint.Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). How to get pregnant.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611

The six days leading up to and including ovulation make up your “fertile window.”

If your partner ejaculates inside your vagina during this time, sperm may linger in your fallopian tubes, ready to fertilize the egg once it’s released.Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning. (2019).acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning

If you want to avoid pregnancy, it’s important to use condoms or another form of birth control during this time.

12. Can you get pregnant if you have sex standing up or in water?

Despite the myriad of myths out there, it’s possible to get pregnant in all positions and underwater.Lower chance of pregnancy if woman is on top during sex? (2015).goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/lower-chance-pregnancy-if-woman-top-during-sex

If you aren’t using birth control, it doesn’t matter what position you and your partner choose or how creative you get with your limbs — you’re still at risk for pregnancy.

The same goes for having sex in water. And no, the temperature of the water won’t “kill off sperm” or otherwise reduce your risk.

Correctly and consistently using birth control is the only way to prevent pregnancy.

13. What are your options for emergency contraception?

If you’re worried that you may become pregnant, talk to your local pharmacist or other healthcare provider about emergency contraception (EC).

Although hormonal EC pills are most effective when taken within 72 hours, they can be used for up to 5 days afterward.

A copper intrauterine device (IUD) can also be used as EC if it’s inserted within five days of semen exposure.

EC pills may be less effective for people who have a higher body mass index (BMI). There isn’t any research to suggest that the copper IUD is similarly affected by BMI, so this option may be more effective.

14. When should you take a home pregnancy test?

If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms and you think you could be pregnant, take an at-home pregnancy test.

The earliest signs of pregnancy include:

breast tenderness
fatigue
headaches
mood swings
bleeding
cramping
nausea
food aversions or cravings

For the most accurate result, wait to take the test until the first day of your missed period.

If your periods aren’t regular, wait until about three weeks after the last time you had sex.

If you receive a positive result — or want to be sure about a negative result — see a doctor or other healthcare provider. They can confirm your result and advise you on any next steps.

The bottom line

If you’re concerned about pregnancy, see a doctor or other healthcare provider. They may be able to prescribe emergency contraception.

They can also perform a pregnancy test and advise you on any next steps. This includes family planning, abortion, and birth control.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Are two condoms better than one? (2015).https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/are-two-condoms-better-one
Can a girl get pregnant if she has sex during her period. (2013).http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sex-during-period.html
Can I get pregnant even if my “cherry” has never popped? (2014).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/can-i-get-pregnant-even-if-my-cherry-has-never-popped
Can oral sex lead to pregnancy? (n.d.).http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/can-oral-sex-lead-pregnancy
Conception: How it works. (n.d.).https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/conception-how-it-works
Contraception: Birth control methods. (2018).https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
Effectiveness of family planning methods. (n.d.).https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/unintendedpregnancy/pdf/Family-Planning-Methods-2014.pdf
Female condom use. (2016).https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/Female-condom-use.html
Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning. (2019).https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning
How effective is pulling out? (n.d.).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/withdrawal-pull-out-method/how-effective-is-withdrawal-method-pulling-out
Lower chance of pregnancy if woman is on top during sex? (2015).https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/lower-chance-pregnancy-if-woman-top-during-sex
Male condom use. (2016).https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/male-condom-use.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). How to get pregnant.https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
Semen in mouth — pregnant? (2018).https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/semen-mouth-%E2%80%94-pregnant-0
STD risk and oral sex - CDC fact sheet. (2016).https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/stdfact-stdriskandoralsex.htm
Tobah YB. (2016). What ovulation signs can I look out for if I'm hoping to conceive?https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/ovulation-signs/faq-20058000
Urinary tract infections (UTIs). (n.d.).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/urinary-tract-infections-utis

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Jen Anderson on March 28, 2019

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