Pregnancy in Virgin
Q.
Can you get pregnant if you are still technically a virgin? My boyfriend and I are abstaining from intercourse, but we often use manual stimulation. Can sperm live after the semen has dried outside the body, making it possible to conceive when a hand that has touched semen is in or near the vagina? And can you become impregnated by semen leaking through several layers of clothing?
A.
Once sperm has dried it can no longer impregnate a woman. But beware -- those sperm are tricky little critters! Ejaculation onto the vaginal opening, even without penetration, has been known to cause pregnancy. Theoretically, if there were fresh sperm on a finger (or anything else) that is inserted into the vagina right away, some living sperm could be deposited and make their way to the uterus and tubes to find a waiting egg. Underwear is not an effective barrier. Sperm can easily pass through many fabrics, especially if partial penetration occurs through panties. ANY contact of genitals may transmit certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes or genital warts (HPV). Penetration and ejaculation are not requirements. If you do not wish to risk pregnancy or an STD, then you should use a male or a female condom anytime a naked penis is in sight of a naked vagina! Ditto for oral sex -- the penis should be covered with a condom, or a dental dam (a latex shield for the mouth and gums) should be used.
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