People try some crazy forms of contraception to avoid falling pregnant. Here we’re sharing some of the weird contraceptives and methods we hear about – but be warned, don’t try these at home!
Douching with fizzy drinks:
Imagine doing this after sex: shaking a bottle of Coca-Cola, quickly removing the cap, and inserting the bottle into your vagina. Sounds super uncomfortable, right – and crazy? But believe it or not, some people think that it kills sperm: they believe the carbonation will force the drink up into the vagina, and the sugar will make the sperm explode.
Soaking sponges in lemon juice:
Yes, you guessed it – after soaking the sponges, insert them into the vagina. The belief is that the citric acid will kill sperm and prevent pregnancy. Of all the contraceptive methods we’ve heard of, this is one of the strangest – and most unhygienic.
Urinating straight after sex:
To flush the sperm out of the vagina.
Woman on top:
Some people incorrectly believe that conception can only occur when a couple has sex in the missionary position.
No ‘O’:
No orgasm, no baby? Not quite. Although having an orgasm can help to propel sperm towards the fallopian tubes faster, it’s definitely not a must for conception.
Pulling out:
This method may work for some people, or for some time, but it’s absolutely not failsafe. Pulling out before ejaculation means that most of the sperm doesn’t enter the vagina; however, sperm is still present in the pre-ejaculate fluid (or ‘pre-cum’), which means that conception can occur even when the man ejaculates outside the woman’s vagina.
Breastfeeding:
Ever heard that you can’t fall pregnant when you’re breastfeeding? There’s probably at least one woman you know (or know of) who can dispel this myth. While breastfeeding stops some women’s periods, reducing their fertility, this doesn’t occur in all women, and some breastfeeding moms remain able to conceive.
The truth about weird contraceptives
None of the methods above are effective in preventing pregnancy, and 85% of women who don’t use contraceptives will fall pregnant within a year.
Remember: women can fall pregnant when breastfeeding, from as soon as 10 days after childbirth, and even during menstruation.
‘Pulling out’ – withdrawing the penis before ejaculation – and/or periods of abstinence also don’t prevent pregnancy or, crucially, the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
The only proven way to prevent pregnancy
Forget these weird contraceptives ideas. The only way to avoid falling pregnant is to choose a proven contraceptive method like condoms or short or long-term contraceptives (like the IUD, the pill, the injection, the patch or the implant).
Only you know what method is right for you, but we can help you figure it out. Pop into your nearest Marie Stopes centre and we’ll discuss all the available contraceptives for women, and help you get the protection you need.
Find your nearest Marie Stopes centre or make an appointment online.