Can a girl get pregnant after her ‘first time’?

Dear Pastor,

I am a 14-year-old girl. I am in high school. I read your column every day. Sometimes, as girls, we talk about the things we read in your column.

My parents talk to me about sex all the time. My mother does so more than my father. My parents feel that children my age and those in high school should not have sex.

I have never had sex, but some of my friends have had sex. And sometimes, they talk as if I am missing something that is great and nice.

One of my friends had sex and got pregnant when she was 16 and she is having a difficult time. Some of us went to see her after she had the baby.

She said that we should make sure we use protection if we are going to have sex. The guy who got her pregnant says it is not his child, but she is not making a fuss about it.

Her father will know how to deal with him.

Our friend told us that she got pregnant the first time she had sex. I was surprised. I did not know that a girl could get pregnant the first time she had sex.

She was a virgin all along. Do you think she is talking the truth?

B.L.

Dear B.L.,

A young woman can become pregnant the very first time she has sex. That has happened to many young women.

So, let it be known, any couple who is having sex should always use protection. It is a defence against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Some parents do not talk about sex to their children. Instead of having a discussion, they always warn the girls not to bring 'belly' to their house.

It is very important for parents to take time and talk about family life and sex to their children.

I am glad that you are a regular reader of my column. I hope you would continue to learn from what I write.

Pastor