Staring down at a positive pregnancy test or noticing a missed period can come as a shock. You thought you had taken precautions to prevent this scenario, so how did this happen? You may have heard that engaging in sexual intercourse while standing up can prevent an unexpected pregnancy. But this is not always the case. There is currently no form of birth control that offers an absolute guarantee you will not experience a pregnancy. The only method that is 100% effective is abstaining from sex. It’s understandable that you may be feeling a little stressed, confused, shocked, and overwhelmed, but try to take things one step at a time. The reality of your situation may be hard to face alone. But is there somewhere you can reach out to for support?
If you’re concerned you might be pregnant, Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. Receive fast, reliable results with our medical-grade pregnancy tests. They’re accurate just 10 days after possible conception. If your test is positive, our expert staff will walk you through your pregnancy options of abortion, adoption, and parenting. We understand each woman’s situation is unique and are here to address your individual concerns.
Contact us today to receive free unexpected pregnancy help through a nonjudgmental environment!
Can You Still Get Pregnant If You Have Sex While Standing Up?
Typically, if there is a risk of sperm coming into contact with one of your fertilized eggs, then pregnancy is possible. Even if you and your partner did not engage in sexual intercourse while lying down, sperm usually retains the ability to travel through your vagina. The day an egg is released from your ovary (ovulation) is the day most women experience what’s called their fertility window. If your partner’s sperm is in the fallopian tube when the egg is released, then it’s likely pregnancy will occur.
At first glance, it may appear that standing up while having sex would enable gravity to interfere with the process of fertilization by preventing the sperm from moving upwards. But sperm often moves fast, and it’s not unlikely for it to fight gravity as it swims upward.
If ejaculation occurred, it may have appeared as though most of the seminal fluid did not come into contact with your vagina, but some of your partner’s sperm might have made it inside, and this can be enough to result in a pregnancy. Your partner may have pulled out after he came, but the withdrawal method is not always reliable. This is because it’s possible for his sperm to have entered your vagina before ejaculation took place.
It should be noted that standing up during intercourse does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In addition to abstinence, condoms are generally an effective form of protection against STDs.
What Should I Do If I’m Pregnant After I Had Sex While Standing Up?
Once you’ve taken some time to process your shock, you may want to confirm the results of an at-home pregnancy test with a healthcare provider or another professional who specializes in unexpected pregnancy support. It may be overwhelming to have an additional test to confirm the results of the one you might have taken at home, and that’s why it can be helpful to surround yourself with support during this time.
In addition to having a friend or a family member at your side, doctors and pregnancy consultants are typically trained to offer you insight and information. These professionals can often refer you for STD testing. It’s helpful to be screened for STDs, even if you’re considering abortion. The procedure can potentially cause the spreading of bacteria if an STD goes untreated. You may want to ask a pregnancy consultant where you can go for low-cost treatment if finances are a concern.
Next Steps When Concerned About a Possible Pregnancy
After finding out about an unexpected pregnancy, countless thoughts might have raced through your head, and you may understandably be concerned about what happens next. Fortunately, there’s a wide variety of support systems available to you that are dedicated to prioritizing your health and ensuring you receive honest answers to any questions you may have about your options.
Are you worried about a possible pregnancy? Are you concerned about the next steps? Avenue Women’s Center has served a variety of women throughout DuPage County since 1981. And we’re here to help you understand your potential decisions and discuss your pregnancy-related concerns with you. We provide limited medical services and pregnancy tests all at no cost. Learn more about your potential pregnancy, as well as the options available to you!
Schedule your free appointment to meet with one of our caring pregnancy consultants today!
_______________
References:
- American Pregnancy Association. Determining Your Fertility Window. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/fertility-window/
- healthline. (2016, October). Ovulation: When Am I Most Fertile? Retrieved from:https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/ovulation-when-am-i-most-fertile
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.