First-time sex myths: Can you get pregnant, delay your period, or change your body?

If you are thinking about having sex for the first time, or you already have, you may have heard a lot of different things, from friends, social media, or rumours  – there is always a word on the streets right? 

You might find some of it pretty convincing, or maybe it'll even scare you a bit. But here's the thing: not everything you're being told is actually true.  

Many people grow up hearing myths about first-time sex, especially about around pregnancy, periods, and how the body works. These myths can cause confusion, anxiety, and even risky decisions.  

Many of these myths come from silence around sex education, cultural beliefs, and misinformation shared between friends or online. When people don’t have access to clear, accurate information, myths can feel like facts - even when they’re not.  

The truth is simpler: your body follows biology, not myths.  

Let’s break down some of the most common ones.  

Can you get pregnant the first time you have sex?  

Yes — you can.  

You can get pregnant the first time you have penis-in-vagina sex if no protection is used.  

Getting pregnant isn't about how many times you've had sex, it's actually about when a sperm meets an egg in the vagina. This can happen the very first time you have sex, or it can happen any other time. It's not like your body needs to "get ready" or anything, it can just happen whenever a sperm and egg meet. So, even if it's your first time, you can still get pregnant if a sperm enters the vagina and fertilizes the egg.  

This is why protection matters from the start. Condoms can help prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other contraceptive options can help prevent pregnancy.  

It’s also important to remember that pregnancy isn’t the only risk - unprotected sex can also expose you to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even the first time.  

Can you get pregnant if it happens before or after your period?  

Yes — it is still possible.  

It's a common idea that there are certain times when you can't get pregnant, but the thing is, it's not that simple. Figuring out when you're fertile can be pretty tricky, and it's not always easy to know for sure.  

Your cycle can change. Stress, hormones, or health can affect timing. Ovulation does not always happen at the exact same time each cycle, which can make predicting “safe days” difficult.

Sperm can also stay in the body for several days. - up to five days in some cases - which means pregnancy can still happen even if the timing feels “safe.”  

This means pregnancy can still happen even if someone thinks the timing is safe.  

If you do not want to get pregnant, using protection every time is the safest option.  

Does sex delay your period?  

Not directly.  

Having sex won't normally affect when you get your period. But some other things might.  

Lots of things can throw off your period, like stress, anxiety, or changes in your daily routine. Even hormonal changes or worrying about getting pregnant can affect your cycle. So, just because your period is late after having sex, it doesn't necessarily mean that sex is the reason for the delay. There are many other factors that could be at play.  

It also does not automatically mean you are pregnant.  

If your period is late and you are concerned, taking a pregnancy test at the right time or speaking to a health provider can help you get clear information.  

Does first-time sex change your body?  

It doesn't make any permanent changes to your body.  

There is a lot of misinformation about this. Some people are told their body will look different after sex, or that others will be able to tell.  

This is not true.  

Having sex for the first time doesn't mean your body will change in some dramatic way. You won't wake up with different hips, breasts, or hormones that are permanently altered. The truth is, your body changes over time due to lots of reasons, but sex isn't one of those things that leaves a visible mark. It's just one of those things that happens, and then your body goes back to being your body.  

Myths about “proof” or “purity” are not based on science and can be harmful.  

Is first-time sex always painful?  

Not always — experiences are different.  

People can have different reactions, some might feel uneasy, while others won't. It's not like there's one typical way to feel, everything is pretty individual. First-time sex is not just physical - it can also be emotional. Feeling pressured, unsure, or unprepared can affect your experience.  

Pain can sometimes happen due to nervousness, lack of arousal, dryness, or going too fast. Feeling safe, relaxed, and ready can make a big difference.  

Sex should always be something you're comfortable with and agree to. You have the right to think about it, ask questions, stop whenever you want, or even change your mind altogether. It's all about making sure you're okay with what's happening.  

If something feels painful or uncomfortable, it is okay to pause and check in with your body.  

What to do if you’re worried  

If you’ve had sex and feel unsure or worried, there are steps you can take:  

• You can use emergency contraception within a few days after unprotected sex   
• You can take a pregnancy test if your period is late   
• You can speak to a health provider for accurate advice and support   
• Getting information early can help you feel more in control of your situation.  

What matters more than myths?  

Accurate information.  

If you are thinking about having sex, it can help to ask yourself:  

• Do I feel ready?   
• Do I feel safe and respected?   
• Can I talk openly with my partner?   
• Do I have protection?   
• Do I know where to get help if I need it?   

These questions matter more than anything you may have heard from rumours or peer pressure.  

Where to find trusted information  

Not everything you hear about sex is true. That is why it is important to get information from trusted sources.  

Understanding your body helps you make decisions that are informed, safe, and right for you.  

If you're looking for answers, check out reliable sources on sexual health or talk to a doctor. You should get straightforward and correct information, not false ideas.  

If you’re unsure about anything, explore trusted resources like Be in the KNOW or speak to a health provider. Getting the right information helps you make decisions that are safe and right for you.