Outside of in vitro fertilization and similar approaches, it’s possible to get pregnant without having penetrative sex, but this is extremely rare.
Do you remember hearing about that friend of a friend who got pregnant just by kissing in a hot tub? While that ended up being an urban legend, you may be surprised to learn you actually can get pregnant without having penetrative sex.
Here’s more about how fertilization happens, what sexual activities may result in pregnancy, and what you can do if you think you’re pregnant or want to avoid pregnancy entirely.
The answer is — yes! While it isn’t likely, any activity that introduces sperm to the vaginal area makes pregnancy possible without penetration.
To understand how, let’s consider how pregnancy usually occurs. The process is typically pretty straightforward. For pregnancy to occur, one sperm (from a male’s ejaculate) must meet one egg (inside a female’s fallopian tubes).
Once the egg is fertilized, it must travel and implant into the lining of the uterus. Having penis-in-vagina sex helps deliver ejaculate closest to the cervix so that millions of sperm can make the journey to fertilization.
There’s just one catch: An egg cannot be fertilized until it’s released from the ovary. This typically happens once a month — approximately
If ejaculate or pre-ejaculate come into contact with the vaginal area, though chances are small, it’s possible pregnancy may occur. Keep in mind these fluids can be transferred to the area via toys, fingers, and mouths — not just penises.
Are there other ways to get pregnant without having sex?
It’s possible to get pregnant without ever having penetrative sex through procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
While this option works for those who require donor sperm or eggs, such as same-sex couples, it’s also an option for those for whom engaging in intercourse is either not desired or impossible.
If your period is late or you’re having other early pregnancy symptoms, it’s a good idea to take a home pregnancy test.
Signs of pregnancy include things like swollen or sore breasts, frequent urination, nausea with or without vomiting, and tiredness. You may also experience less common symptoms, such as constipation, a metallic taste in your mouth, or dizziness.
There are several different types of pregnancy tests, including home kits that test urine for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). You can pick one up at most pharmacies or grocery stores or even online.
Home tests range in sensitivity, so a negative result doesn’t always mean you aren’t pregnant. If you get a negative result and still suspect you might be pregnant, consider taking another home test in a few days.
As a general rule of thumb, you may want to wait until after your missed period to test. By that time, there’s usually enough hCG in your system to be detected by most tests. However, some tests may give you a positive result as early as four or five days before your expected period.
Still not sure? Consider making an appointment with a doctor. They can test your urine in the office setting for hCG. Beyond that, a doctor can also give you a blood test that can tell you the exact level of hCG circulating in your body (the higher the number, the farther along you are).
There are many ways to prevent pregnancy — even without a prescription.
Over-the-counter options
Many options are readily available. For example, male condoms are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. (In fact, you may be able to get them for free at your local health center, like Planned Parenthood.)
They are around 87 percent effective at preventing pregnancy without the use of any additional method. Bonus: Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can be transmitted via any type of skin-to-skin contact.
There are also emergency contraceptive options available over the counter.
Prescription methods
You may also want to make an appointment to speak with a doctor about other forms of birth control.
- Birth control pills. There are several types of birth control pills. Some contain only progestin (mini pill) while others contain a mix of progestin and estrogen (combo). The pill is taken daily and can be up to 93 percent effective. However, with imperfect use, 6 to 12 percent of people may get pregnant each year.
- Diaphragm. You’ll need a prescription as most diaphragm models need to be fitted for your body, although there’s a newer option that does not. They’re considered 83 percent effective.
- Intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is a small device that a doctor inserts into the uterus. It can block sperm from reaching the egg, and certain types may also thicken the cervical mucus using hormones. Lasting 3 to 10 years (depending on the type), this method is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Implant. A Nexplanon implant is a rod that’s inserted into the arm, and it produces the hormone progestin for up to three years. It’s around 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Birth control shot. The Depo-Provera shot is made of the hormone progestin and effective for 12 to 15 weeks. It may guard against pregnancy up to 96 percent of the time.
Bottom line: What you ultimately choose is up to you. Think about your goals, speak with your partner, and consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional to chat about the options. You may want to try different methods until you find something that works for both your body and your lifestyle.
Getting pregnant without vaginal sex may seem unlikely. However, when you’re in a physical relationship that involves a partner with a uterus and ovaries and partner producing sperm, it’s possible.
If you aren’t looking to become pregnant anytime soon, take some time to survey your birth control options or make an appointment with a doctor. No matter what type of sex you’re having, be sure to practice safe sex and use tools like condoms to protect yourself from STIs.