How to Avoid Pregnancy After Sex: Home Remedies and More

Pregnancy
10 min read

Introduction

There is always a possibility of pregnancy if you have unprotected sex. The only way to be 100% sure you won't be getting pregnant is abstinence, or not indulging in sex. As intercourse is a part of life, it may not be possible for everyone to refrain from the act. However, one can practice safe sex and use contraceptive methods to avoid getting pregnant. Still, there are times when women wish to explore natural methods to avoid pregnancy.

In this post, we will first discuss how to avoid pregnancy after sex using home remedies and then cover more reliable ways of not getting pregnant after unprotected sex.

The Chances of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex

A few studies have been conducted to determine the chances of pregnancy after intercourse. Results revealed that for a young and healthy couple, the chances of pregnancy after one instance of sex are about 1 in 20. 

This means one cannot ignore the risk of unwanted pregnancy after having unprotected sex. Being knowledgeable about ways of preventing pregnancy and utilising them when needed is the only way to deal with the situation.

How to Avoid Pregnancy After Sex: Potential Home Remedies

Many women wish to know how to avoid pregnancy naturally. Well, in this section, you will find a few home remedies to avoid pregnancy after sex. However, we would like to caution you about the effectiveness of these remedies.

As these methods lack enough scientific evidence, they may or may not work as expected. So, think twice before deciding if you really want to give them a try.

Papaya

Papaya is popularly known to reduce the chances of pregnancy. Eat papaya two times a day—once in the morning and at night for the next few days after having sex—if you want to prevent getting pregnant.

Parsley

Some believe that drinking parsley tea can help avoid pregnancy. The natural compounds present in the herb can work against the process of conception and save you from getting pregnant. 

Ginger

Ginger is known to induce periods, thereby removing the possibility of pregnancy. Grate some ginger and add it to a pan of boiling water. Let it simmer for some time before straining the liquid in a cup. Drink this tea twice a day to prevent pregnancy naturally.

Vitamin C

It is believed that high doses of vitamin C may be effective in stopping an unplanned pregnancy. Some women take vitamin C supplements after the act for the next 2-3 days to minimise their chances of conceiving. Though there isn’t enough evidence supporting this method, vitamin C’s ability to interfere with progesterone is said to work against conception.

Asafoetida

Hing, also known as asafoetida, may also support pregnancy prevention. Asafoetida mixed with water can prevent conception when consumed regularly. However, one must avoid the drink if they have a bleeding disorder, as asafoetida may increase the risk of bleeding.

Dried Figs

Figs, also known as anjeer in Hindi, are the next option for those who want to avoid pregnancy naturally. Dried anjeer, when consumed in the days following the sexual encounter, may possibly prevent pregnancy. Eating 3-4 pieces for the next couple of days is usually required.

Certain Drinks

For those who prefer to know what to drink to prevent pregnancy after sex, we have got you covered too! Drinks like green papaya juice, pineapple juice, neem tea, and jamun juice are also said to have contraceptive properties. Research on them is still lacking, and one cannot rely on them completely.

Herbs

Herbs like Queen Anne’s lace and mugwort also make it to the list of home remedies to prevent pregnancy. The dosage of these herbs is, however, not established. It is best to consult a herbalist to determine if these can help you skip an unplanned pregnancy, and if yes, then what dose would you need.

Sesame Seeds

These tiny, white seeds that you often find sprinkled on breads and other delicacies might be useful in stopping the occurrence of pregnancy. So, adding them to your diet may not be a bad idea in days after sex.

Spearmint

Consuming spearmint tea may also protect you from conceiving when you’re not ready. Drinking too much of this tea can be damaging to the uterus. So, talk to your physician before you try this method.

Considering Emergency Contraceptives

The above natural methods of preventing pregnancy might seem better, but none of them are backed by science and sufficient evidence. If you are really not ready to get pregnant, your only reliable means is to consider emergency contraceptives. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and morning-after pills are two types of emergency contraception that minimise pregnancy risk substantially (even though there is still a slight possibility).

IUDs

IUDs made with copper are hormone-free intrauterine devices that are very effective in preventing pregnancy after sex. These are inserted into the uterus via the vagina and placed in a way that prevents fertilisation and implantation. Once placed, IUDs can offer protection for up to 10 years.

Morning-after Pills

These pills must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. These pills either prevent or stop ovulation or cause changes to the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. Examples of morning-after pills are I-pill tablet and Option 72 tablet. To be on the safe side, check with your doctor before taking an emergency contraceptive pill.

Safe Practices to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancy in the Future

  • Use condoms correctly whenever you have sex.
  • Ask your doctor about birth control pills or other forms of hormonal contraception.
  • Explore IUDs or implants to prevent pregnancy.
  • Track your ovulation cycle and avoid unprotected sex during fertile periods.
  • In case of emergency, use emergency contraception options like the morning-after pill.
  • Learn about different contraceptive methods and their effectiveness.
  • Visit your doctor regularly for check-ups and counselling on contraceptives.
  • If you experience any side effects from your current contraceptive, see your doctor.

Final Thoughts

There are two answers to how to avoid pregnancy after sex: home remedies and emergency contraceptives. Which one to choose depends on how strongly you want to avoid pregnancy. If you’re okay with the possibility of becoming pregnant, you may give the above remedies a try.

However, if you’re sure you do not want to get pregnant and this isn’t the right time, opting for emergency contraception will be best for you. For further clarification, make an appointment with your doctor.

FAQs

Does peeing after sex prevent pregnancy?

Peeing or urinating after sex does not prevent pregnancy. However, it does help in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

Does douching prevent pregnancy?

Douching or cleaning the vagina is not effective in preventing pregnancy. It may, in fact, push the sperm further inside and even cause a pelvic infection.

How can you get sperm out of your body?

There is no foolproof means of removing sperm from the body once it enters the cervix. Methods like urinating and bathing after sex do not assure the complete removal of sperm or semen from the vagina.

What are 100% ways to prevent pregnancy?

Abstinence, or not having sex, is the only way to prevent pregnancy for sure.

How many days after sex will I know if I'm pregnant?

Waiting for at least 10 days is essential before taking a home pregnancy test to check for pregnancy. For better accuracy, take the test after you have missed your period.

What are the signs of early pregnancy?

Signs of pregnancy include breast tenderness, nausea, sensitivity to certain smells, tiredness, and more.

 


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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.

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