Dear Grrl81,

Your boyfriend is wrong — pregnancy can happen this way. Pregnancy can happen any time ejaculate (cum) or pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) gets in the vagina or on or near the vulva. Ejaculate contains sperm. Even if some of the ejaculate spills out, not all of it will spill out.

Most of the ejaculate (semen) collects in what is called the seminal pool. It's an indentation in the vaginal wall just below the uterus. Standing up does not empty the pool. And trying to empty it with douching may push the ejaculate semen into the uterus. Sperm travel from the pool into the uterus for hours after intercourse. They can travel through the uterus and fertilize an egg up to six days after intercourse.

Teens who have vaginal intercourse need to make decisions about birth control. To find out about the different options, check out Birth Control Choices for Teens.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.