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Traditional contraceptives: from curious to dangerous
A slice of lemon, aspirin, laundry soap, Pepsi-Cola and potassium permanganate – Healthy Food Near Me asked an expert about how effective and harmless such remedies are.
We tried to somehow classify the most common, ridiculous and dangerous “tricks”, dividing them into main categories according to the method and time (before or after intercourse) of use. The most popular “methods” that are most often discussed on the Internet are commented by our expert – Yulia Evgenievna Zhigalova, an obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest qualification category, a member of the Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Before intimacy begins
Insert a tampon
Expert commentary: Ineffective way. A tampon will only interfere with sexual intercourse, cause discomfort.
Moreover, after intercourse, it may be difficult to remove the tampon from the vagina. The introduction of a tampon will not prevent the penetration of sperm into the uterine cavity, and, accordingly, will not protect against pregnancy.
Insert a lemon wedge into the vagina
Expert commentary: Very low efficiency method.
The contraceptive effect is achieved by changing the vaginal environment in which sperm can lose their mobility. It must be remembered that the use of this method is fraught with a violation of the vaginal microflora, which leads to certain discomfort and even to diseases.
Insert a piece of laundry soap into your vagina
Expert commentary: Ineffective way.
Like other chemically active substances, laundry soap can cause a violation of the vaginal microflora and, as a consequence, bacterial vaginosis and other troubles.
Douche with Pepsi-Cola
Expert commentary: Ineffective way.
Everyone knows that Pepsi-Cola helps to unscrew rusted nuts, maybe it will unscrew something here too? But seriously – again – this chemically active substance can lead to vaginal diseases.
After intercourse
Immediately after intercourse, douche with your own urine
Expert commentary: Ineffective and dangerous way.
Urine is not contraceptive. The procedure itself carries a high risk of infection in the vagina, which can lead to colpitis and more serious complications.
After intercourse, you need to drink raw beet juice or an infusion of bay leaves, steam your feet in mustard
Expert commentary: Ineffective way.
Probably, beetroot juice or lavrushka infusion will attract gourmets with an unusual taste, but neither one nor the other juice has anything to do with contraception. With the help of beetroot juice, the function of the gastrointestinal tract is well established. For those who like to steam their legs in mustard, we can recommend replacing the mustard powder with wasabi powder – it is exotic and non-standard, but it does not smell like protection against pregnancy. The method is ineffective.
Jump right after sex
Expert commentary: Absolutely ineffective.
Physical activity after sex, probably, keeps the figure well and maintains the tone of the body, but they cannot be called a means of contraception. It is impossible to “shake out” the sperm. They will still be faster – the average speed of movement of the sperm is 3 mm per minute (at a straight distance they move 10 times faster).
Douching with a solution of potassium permanganate
Expert commentary: Method with extremely low efficiency.
Potassium permanganate will give some effect, but it is unlikely to be significant.
Insert an aspirin tablet into the vagina after sex
Expert commentary: Very low efficiency method.
Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, an acid capable of immobilizing sperm.
Herbal infusions
Infusion on pomegranate peels (the membranes and skin of the fruit are brewed with boiling water, drunk in courses
Expert commentary: Ineffective.
This infusion does not have any medicinal and prophylactic properties, incl. cannot protect against pregnancy. In addition to unpleasant taste sensations, this drink will not bring you anything. Perhaps the authors of this “recipe” suggest that it will be so bitter that you won’t even want to have sex? ..
Rowan infusion (fruits, drenched in boiling water, heated in a water bath, cooled)
Expert commentary: Ineffective.
This infusion does not have contraceptive properties. Such an infusion has a diuretic effect, can lead to an increase in blood clotting, and, accordingly, has a number of contraindications for use. For example, for people with thrombophlebitis, its use may threaten an exacerbation of the disease.
St. John’s wort (douching is done with a decoction)
Expert commentary: Ineffective.
St. John’s wort does not have contraceptive properties, but with some depressive conditions it will be good. St. John’s wort also has a weak anti-inflammatory effect. In popular beliefs, St. John’s wort is attributed to the ability to drive away evil spirits. So, if you are found in your house, then this herb will be useful to you.
“Mystical”
Take 3 hot coals during your period and extinguish them in your blood. But if you need to change your mind, then you need to throw one of these coals into the fire, and within 2 years a child will appear.
Expert commentary: Ineffective. With no less likelihood of protection, you can arrange dances with tambourines around the fire every evening or only on the days of menstruation (this is for your taste when). You will get more pleasure, and you will not have to get dirty in your blood. It is surprising that the authors did not specify what size and from what wood the coals should be prepared.
“Male” ways
Interrupted intercourse
Expert commentary: This method is one of the most ineffective methods of contraception, although it is quite common.
The number of pregnancies with its use reaches 30 out of 100. In addition, there is a certain psychological discomfort – partners will constantly be tormented by doubts about the topic “did not have time”.
A piece of cotton wool is moistened in cologne and wiped off the head of the penis before insertion into the vagina
Expert commentary: Ineffective method.
From a hygiene point of view, such a treatment of the glans penis can be good. But imagine what “pleasant” feelings await a partner during sex, after the head is treated with an alcohol solution.
“Teenage” beliefs
1) There will be no pregnancy if a woman has sex while standing
Expert commentary: Another myth. Ineffective way.
Sperm do not care in which direction to move. They have a goal and they are trying to achieve it.
2) You cannot get pregnant during the first sexual intercourse in your life
Expert commentary: Common misconception.
It is possible to become pregnant, and with a high degree of probability, if intercourse occurred on the days of ovulation. The origins of this myth are approximately the following – usually the first sexual intercourse occurs at a not very mature age (most often in adolescence), when ovulatory cycles have not yet been established and pregnancy, in principle, is still unlikely.