How pregnancy occurs

For a woman to become pregnant, an egg must be fertilised by a sperm. Semen, which has sperm in it, leaves the penis and enters the woman’s body through the vagina. This can happen after a male and a female have unprotected sex (penis in vagina sex without a condom). The sperm swim up to meet the egg.

This can also happen during any sexual activity where semen containing sperm ends up anywhere near the opening of the vagina. The sperm and egg meeting is called fertilisation.

This fertilised egg then needs to travel to the uterus and implant into the uterine lining, which takes 6 to 10 days. The egg, now known as an embryo, develops into a baby over a period of approximately 40 weeks. From the eighth week of pregnancy, the embryo is called a foetus.

Sperm can survive in the female body for up to five days. If ovulation occurs during that time, or just before the sperm enter, there is a chance of fertilisation.

If fertilisation does not occur, the egg will die and be absorbed by the body. If the fertilised egg does not implant, it will disintegrate and be expelled with the lining of the uterus as a normal menstrual period.

First sexual activity? You can get pregnant!  

Any time a girl or woman has unprotected sex, there is a chance she can get pregnant. - Even the very first time she has sex! Pre-ejaculate fluid ("pre-cum") that comes out before full ejaculation can also contain sperm and cause pregnancy, even if the male withdraws. 

The decision to become sexually active is deeply personal and should be made carefully, considering not just physical readiness but emotional maturity, access to protection, and your life goals. Remember that abstinence is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. However, for most people, abstinence is a temporary method. If you choose to be sexually active but do not want to become pregnant, using reliable contraception consistently and correctly is essential. Don't let myths or peer pressure influence such an important decision – make informed choices based on correct information and what feels right for your and future.