Can a virgin become pregnant?

Yes. If the sperms are deposited near the vulva, they may pass through the small hole of an intact hymen and may travel up through the full length of the vagina and uterus and meet the ovum resulting in a pregnancy.

Is sex safe during pregnancy?

Usually, a healthy woman can safely indulge in sexual activity during pregnancy. However, coitus should be avoided if there is pain and/or bleeding at any stage. If the woman has aborted in the first three months in the past, coitus during the first trimester should be avoided. In the second trimester coitus is contraindicated if the woman has a history of ‘habitual abortion’ because the cervical Os or the mouth of the uterus is ‘incompetent’ to hold the foetus. In the last trimester i.e. from the seventh month to labour, one may safely indulge in sexual activity till the day of delivery by altering the position so as to ensure that the direct weight does not fall on the foetus.

It must be understood that whenever, because of any reason, intercourse is forbidden during pregnancy, the woman must avoid reaching orgasm by any other means including masturbation. The contractions of the uterus following masturbation are far more intense as compared to normal sexual intercourse.

An obstetrician may be consulted regarding the indulgence in sexual activity during pregnancy, as each case needs to be evaluated individually about any possible contraindication or modification to be made.

What is virginity?

The word ‘virgin’ means one who has not had sexual intercourse, which may be verified by an intact hymen. However, a girl whose hymen is intact may have had intercourse; whereas a girl who has never had intercourse may not have an intact hymen. The idea of chastity and virginity needs to be clarified. There are virgin individuals who are not chaste and chaste individuals who are not physiologically virgin.

Is it a fact that girls who menstruate early also tend to begin intercourse early?

No. The timing of coitus depends upon individual sex drive, situational factors and sociocultural background.

Does pre-menstrual tension affect sexuality?

Yes, it does. Women tend to become irritable with associated symptoms such as nausea, backache and breast tenderness. There is a feeling of discomfort in the pelvic region and, at times, there may be emotional disturbances and varying degrees of depression. In some, however, it is found that the sex drive is enhanced, perhaps resulting from increased pelvic congestion, insufficient to cause discomfort but sufficient to cause intense pelvic ‘awareness’.

Do oral contraceptive pills prevent pre-menstrual tension?

Yes, oral contraceptive pills do prevent premenstrual tension in about 50% and painful periods in over 90% of the women.