As opposed to the most common belief that having sex standing up makes it impossible, or at least less likely, to get pregnant, the law of gravity does not apply to sex.
Conception isn’t that simple. If sperm enters the vagina, pregnancy is possible in almost any position. Let’s unpack the science, explain why this myth lingers, and highlight what really matters when it comes to pregnancy risk.
How Pregnancy Really Happens
Pregnancy begins when:
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Your ovaries release an egg once a month (on average).
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Millions of sperm are released during ejaculation, and they begin swimming through the vagina and travel through the cervix and uterus within minutes. They don’t just “sit around” in vaginal fluid.
Sidebar: Sperm can survive in the female reproductive system for up to 5 days, waiting for an egg to be released.
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Fertilization takes place if sperm meets the egg in the fallopian tube.
Note: Pregnancy is most likely during the fertile window (the 5 days before ovulation + the day of ovulation).
Why the Standing Up Myth Persists
Here are why women believe standing up to have sex won’t lead to pregnancy:
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Gravity assumption: Many women assume semen will leak out more quickly in upright positions, leaving fewer sperm inside. While some fluid does flow out after sex (in any position), it doesn’t matter. Sperm already swim rapidly toward the cervix and uterus, and gravity cannot stop them.
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Traditional advice & taboos: Older generations often passed down homegrown “family planning” myths when modern contraception wasn’t widely accessible.
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Wishful thinking: Some couples may hope that position alone is enough to avoid pregnancy, especially when they don’t want to use contraceptives.
Do Certain Positions Increase or Decrease Pregnancy Chances?
Science shows that:
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Gravity plays no real role. Sperm are microscopic but powerful swimmers; they’re designed to reach the egg so they hardly fall off once they enter the vagina.
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A few positions may slightly aid conception (like missionary or from behind, aka doggy style), because they allow deeper penetration, but this is not guaranteed, and pregnancy is still possible in any position.
Safer Ways to Prevent Pregnancy
If you’re sexually active and not ready for a baby, positions won’t help. You can use contraceptives like those below:
Conclusion
Standing up during sex or using any sexual position does not prevent pregnancy. Sperm are strong swimmers and can reach an egg regardless of gravity or the angle at which they are moving. If avoiding pregnancy is the goal, the only reliable solution is using contraception, not relying on myths.
Have you ever been told another pregnancy myth like this?
Researched by Mercy Adeniyi
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