Are You Sex Smart?

A recent study conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy found that half of participants, ages 18-29, were not using contraception consistently and many are at least 'slightly likely' to have unprotected sex within the next 3 months. Yikes! You may be wondering just how the education system has failed to provide such basic information about preventing pregnancy...

Could it be that the past years of abstinence-only education are to blame for this severe gap in knowledge among 20-somethings?

1 in 5 participants from the study report not having had any sex education in school which has caused a severe lack of basic knowledge about condoms and other methods of birth control. In fact, many people still believe some common myths about pregnancy. Let’s decipher a few here:

MYTH: Having sex standing up reduces the risk of pregnancy. (18% of men from the study thought this was true.)

FACT: Let’s remember that sperm serve one function – to do everything possible to seek out and fertilize an egg. Even the laws of gravity are no match for their industrious effort. Don’t mess with the mighty sperm – remember it only takes 1.

MYTH: Using two condoms is better than one. (28% of men from the study incorrectly believed this.)

FACT: One condom is sufficient to prevent pregnancy, if used PROPERLY for EVERY act of intercourse. Using more than one can create friction, possibly increasing the chance that the condom will tear. Friction is not a good thing when using condoms, and the more lubrication the less friction there will be, so use a water-based lube whenever possible.

MYTH: Pulling out before ejaculation won’t cause a pregnancy.

FACT: Remember that a man produces a fluid called pre-ejaculate before ejaculation, and often cannot tell when this happens. Each drop of pre-ejaculate contains 20-40 thousand sperm... and how many sperm does it take to create a pregnancy? That’s right…just 1.

Now that we’ve dispelled some common pregnancy myths, it’s your turn to test your sex-pertise. Check out these fun fact quizzes at Sex, Etc.

And to read the full CNN article about the gaps in young people’s sex knowledge click here.