4 Common Myths About Pregnancy and What’s Actually True

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.

If you’re feeling confused or anxious after unprotected sex, you’re not alone. It’s normal to have a lot of questions in a situation like this, especially when it feels urgent and uncertain. Maybe you’re worried your partner might be pregnant, or maybe you're just trying to understand what’s possible and what to expect.

There’s a lot of information out there, and not all of it is clear or trustworthy. At Avail, we don’t offer medical advice, but we do offer a safe place to talk, think things through, and get free, confidential support. You don’t have to sort this out by yourself.

Let’s start by walking through four common myths about pregnancy and what trusted sources say is actually true.

Myth 1: She can’t get pregnant the first time you have unprotected sex.

Truth: Pregnancy can happen any time there is unprotected sex, even if it is her first time.

Some believe that the first time is lower risk, but this is not true.

According to the American Pregnancy Association and other trusted health resources, any act of unprotected sex carries a potential for pregnancy if it takes place during the fertile window. If sperm fertilizes an egg, pregnancy can occur.

Myth 2: She can’t get pregnant during her period.

Truth: It is unlikely, but still possible, for pregnancy to occur during her period.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is still possible to get pregnant while menstruating. Pregnancy happens when sperm fertilizes an egg, and sperm can live in the body for up to five days. 

If your partner has a shorter cycle and ovulates soon after her period ends, sperm from sex during her period could still be present when ovulation happens, meaning that fertilization is still possible.

Myth 3: She can take a pregnancy test right after sex.

Truth: Pregnancy tests cannot detect pregnancy immediately. Her body needs time to produce the pregnancy hormone.

After an egg is fertilized, it travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining. The Cleveland Clinic tells us that that’s when the body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. 



It usually takes five to seven days for enough hCG to build up in her system. Most pregnancy tests are accurate only after a missed period.

Myth 4: Pulling out is a reliable way to prevent pregnancy.

Truth: The withdrawal method is not a dependable form of birth control.

Even before ejaculation, pre-ejaculation fluid can contain sperm, and it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the withdrawal method is significantly less effective than other forms of contraception and offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

If you are sexually active, it is important to know the risks and to talk openly about protection.

If You Think She Might Be Pregnant

This may feel like a lot to take in. If you are feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next, give yourself grace. You are not alone. You do not have to figure this out on your own.

Avail offers free, self-administered pregnancy tests at our Midtown Manhattan office. These are private, lab-quality urine tests with results available in just a few minutes. Whether your partner comes in alone or you come together, you will be met with kindness and care.

While we cannot offer medical advice, we can provide emotional support, helpful resources, and a space to ask questions. Sometimes clarity begins with simply talking things through. Book your free appointment today.

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.