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Can First-Time Sex Lead to Pregnancy?

Medically reviewed by John Paul Abrina, MD · Oncology · Davao Doctors Hospital


Written by Hello Bacsi · Updated Jul 25, 2022

    Can First-Time Sex Lead to Pregnancy?

    Having sex for the first time is an unforgettable experience in a person’s life. But because it is the first time, it may feel unfamiliar. There are many potential risks if you do not know how to protect yourself. And even more worries and concerns. For instance, can having sex for the first time lead to pregnancy?

    Sex for the First Time: Preparing for Possible Outcomes

    Can I get pregnant after having sex for the first time or can I get pregnant if I only have sex once? Many people (especially pubescent girls) think that having sex for the first time means you can’t get pregnant. But this is not accurate.

    The truth is that when a girl has sex without any safe method of contraception, there is a possibility of pregnancy whether a a couple is having sex for the first time or has had many previous encounters.

    sex for the first time

    Having sex for the first time? There could be a higher chance of getting pregnant

    Obstetricians say that girls who have sex for the first time are more likely to get pregnant than women who have sex regularly.

    The reason is that the person who has sex for the first time does not have experience with birth control. 

    Having sex for the first time can result in pregnancy, depending on the time of intercourse and each person’s physical condition

    Some people can wait months or even years to successfully conceive while others can conceive any time they have sex. The fertility of both partners highly influences the chances of getting pregnant after having sex. If one or both partners are infertile (e.g. menopausal, had a vasectomy or hysterectomy), it is basically impossible for the couple to become pregnant.

    For women, the days leading up to ovulation and a day after ovulation are the times she is most likely to become pregnant after having sex, even if it’s her first time. While pregnancy is less likely during other times in the menstruation cycle, having unprotected sex always carries a chance of resulting in pregnancy.

    Chances of conception are very high if you have sex on the day of ovulation

    Despite the dangers of teenage pregnancy, teens and young adults will engage in sex– or at least think about it. Oftentimes, young people become sexually active yet do not fully grasp concepts related to sex education like fertilization, conception, and pregnancy.

    If a couple’s “first time” is within the fertile window, the possibility of pregnancy is at its peak. The fertile window includes the day of ovulation (when the egg is released) plus the five days before and one day after ovulation. When a woman’s period is more than 10 days late after having sex for the first time, you should buy a pregnancy test to check at home to see if you are pregnant or not.

    Try our ovulation calculator today!

    How to have sex to avoid pregnancy

    Learning about first-time sex and pregnancy prevention is not only essential for first-timers, but it’s also quite helpful for those who want to better plan their pregnancies.

    How to have sex to prevent pregnancy: calculate the menstrual cycle

    If you have a regular 28-day cycle, you don’t need to use contraception when having sex on days 21 to 28, or days 1 to 7 of your period. In case your period is irregular, this method cannot be applied.

    If your menstrual cycle is regular but your cycle is longer or shorter than 28 days, you can use the safe days to have sex. The period of safe sex is the period of 7 days before the expected date of the period or the first days after the period.

    Oral contraceptives

    In the process of trying to avoid pregnancy, you may find the emergency contraceptive pill can be helpful.

    This medication is similar to the daily oral contraceptive pill. It contains the female sex hormone progesterone. However, the level of progestin hormone in the emergency contraceptive pill is higher, so it immediately works to prevent ovulation, and thereby pregnancy.

    The drug is indicated for use in cases of sexual intercourse without using any other type contraception. However, it’s only a viable option in urgent cases. Though 75% effective if used within 72 hours after sex, it still bears several potential health risks.

    Therefore, it’s best to avoid using this type of pill more than 2 times in a month.

    How to prevent pregnancy after sex without pills

    In addition to using emergency contraception after unprotected sex, a copper-wrapped IUD can be inserted at a medical facility. This is quite a common measure, with efficiency up to 99%.  Consult a healthcare professional about safely inserting this contraceptive device.

    How to have sex for the first time without getting pregnant: Use a condom

    Using condoms is still the safest way to prevent pregnancy and prevent sexually transmitted infections. This method of birth control is chosen by many couples because it rarely causes side effects.

    Key Takeaways

    First time sex is an important milestone in a couple’s relationship. 

    Hopefully with all of the above information, you will be well equipped when it comes to preventing pregnancy or planning a family, whether it’s your first encounter or if you’ve been together for several years.

    Learn more about sexual wellness here.

    Disclaimer

    Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Medically reviewed by

    John Paul Abrina, MD

    Oncology · Davao Doctors Hospital


    Written by Hello Bacsi · Updated Jul 25, 2022

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