j----_. - New York Civil Liberties Union

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Mahopac 165
Protection: Myths and Truths
TEACHER KIEY 9.1
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l. The best way to use a condom is to pull it on tight.
MYTH. The best way is to leave some space at the tip to catch the semen. If the condom has a
reservoir tip, you can pull it on tighter.
2. Teenagers can obtain birth control pills from family planning clinics and doctors
without permission from a parent.
TRUTH. You do not need a parent's permission to get birth control at a clinic. No one needs to
know that you are going to a clinic.
3. Girls can get pregnant if the penis doesn't actually enter the vagina.
TRUTH. Sperm deposited on the outside of the vagina can make it into the vagina and on up into
the tubes. Sperm can even get through underwear.
4. The combined method of condoms and foam containing nonoxynol-9 is very effective
in preventing HIV infection.
Truth. Next to abstinence, this is the most effective protection against HIV infection.
5. Girls can get pregnant if they have sex only during their periods.
TRUTH. Girls can get pregnant at any time during their cycles, especially if they have short or
irregular cycles.
6. Birth control pills used alone are effective in preventing sexually transmitted disease
(STD).
Myth. Birth control pills do not prevent STD.
7. Douching after sex will wash out the sperm and protect against pregnancy and STD.
MYTH. A girl can't douche fast enough to catch the sperm, and douching may even help the sperm
reach the tubes faster. Douching does not kill or wash out the microorganisms that cause STD.
8. A woman is protected from pregnancy the day she begins taking the pill.
MYTH. Most physicians recommend that women abstain or use an additional method of birth
control for the cycle after she begins using the pill. After this initial period, the woman is protected
every day, incl uding during her period.
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