How to Avoid Pregnancy If You Don't Want to Get Pregnant
94How to Avoid Pregnancy - The Facts
The subject of how to avoid pregnancy has many myths, old wives tales and falsehoods attached to it, so in this article my aim is to dispell those myths and sort out fact from fiction.
After all, if you don't want to get pregnant and spend the next 18 years caring for someone else, then why take needless risks or listen to age old stories from back when people didn't really understand how pregnancy happened?
Being pregnant and either having a baby or a termination, is life changing in a VERY BIG WAY. If your not ready for that kind of change yet, then learning how to avoid pregnancy is a good lesson to learn.
If you think you may be pregnant already read here to find out how soon you can tell if you are pregnant.
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Myths and Old Wives Tales
Withdrawal - this is when the man removes his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates (or comes). It's probably true that you are somewhat less likely to become pregnant if you do this but there is still a high likelihood of pregnancy.
It is not a reliable method of contraception or birth control because sperm is released before ejaculation. As one reader points out it's the strongest sperm that are released before ejaculation - the ones with most chance of reaching the ovum.
It only takes one sperm to reach the egg, so why risk it? This technique is fine if you and your partner are in a long term, stable relationship and neither of you mind becoming parents at the moment. But if you really do not want it baby it's no protection at all. Many, many women have fallen pregnant this way.
You cannot get pregnant the first time
This is another complete myth! Once you start your periods your body is able to become pregnant even if it is your first time having sex. I know one woman personally, who did become pregnant on her first time and became a single mother at 16. You could call it bad luck, but luck is not something you want to dice with when it comes to pregnancy. The consequences are too big to just trust the roll of the dice.
Douching - douching is when you attempt to wash the sperm out of your vagina after sex. This doesn't work and can damage you. The way that our bodies work are that the man ejaculates right at the entrance of the cervix (the entrance to your womb) and the strongest sperm can get beyond the cervix and start swimming happily to your egg within two minutes. There are on average around 3 million sperm released with each ejaculation, so a great many of them will be in your womb long before you can wash them out.
Douching can also increase the liklihood of conception because it actually pushes more sperm into your cervix.
Avoiding Ovulation
This is all about avoiding the time that your body releases eggs from your ovaries, which normally happens in the middle of your cycle. So if you have a 28 day menstrual cycle - day 1 being the first day of your period, then you can expect to ovulate at around day 14.
The problem with this method is that our bodies are very, very clever. They are geared up to make babies and will do whatever it takes to make sure that we continue the species. It is their biological function and they take their jobs very seriously.
- If you regularly have sex just after your period your body will release the egg (ovum) early so that it can catch the sperm and fertilize.
- The same goes for if you try to beat nature by having unprotected sex just after you think you have ovulated. The egg will wait to be released.
- Sperm can live for up to 7 days. So if you have a 5 day period, then have sex on day 6 - on day 13 (just as you a likely to be ovulating) and by which time Mr Spermy will be right in your fallopian tube waiting - the sperm will still be alive and be eagerly trying to find your egg.
Sex during your Period - you can get pregnant from having unprotected sex during your period for all the reasons above. You never know when your ovum will be released, you don't know if there are sperm still alive inside you and your body is doing it's utmost to get pregnant.
Jumping up and down afterwards - this may sound silly but I have heard people say that this is what they do to try and avoid getting pregnant! Sperm can swim against the force of gravity pretty easily, so jumping up and down is not going to make the slightest bit of difference. Once those sperm are inside your uterus (remember they can get there in less than a couple of minutes) they will be hunting out your egg like little undercover agents and a bit of jumping up and down is not going to stop them.
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Help for Pregnant Teens
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How to really avoid pregnancy
No Sex Full Stop - this is an option that many young women are taking nowadays and is a wise and admirable option, but it's not for everyone. Young people are especially keen to find out about their sexuality and it's a normal and natural impulse to want to explore this new world of desire and passion and to find out what our grown up bodies can do. It's got to be said though that no sex = no pregnancy and it is the most surefire way of not becoming pregnant.
No Penetrative Sex- if you want to explore your sexuality with your partner, then one way is to make sure you do not have penetrative sex. There are many other ways that you can please each other such as hand stimulation and oral sex that can be just as satifying and pleasurable. You just need to be especially careful that sperm does not go anywhere near the vagina. If you get sperm on your hands do not then touch or allow your partner to touch your vagina. The risk of pregnancy would be slim but it is still there. Remember that it only takes one sperm to make a baby.
Contraception- my own reccomendation for anyone who wants to have sex and does not want to get pregnant would be to see a health professional about getting yourself some reliable contraception. But do remember that no birth control method comes with a 100% no pregnancy guarantee. Every method is subject to failure, especially when they are not used properly.
If you are taking the pill you must take it every single day. If you forget just one you will not be protected for that whole month. You will need to use an alternative method for the rest of that month. If you are on antibiotics your pill may not work and so again, you will need to use another form of contraception on top of that, such as condoms. Don't listen to boys who tell you they don't like condoms - ask them if they would like to be a daddy instead. From my own experience men who say they don't like condoms and would rather take a risk are not worth having. They obviously have no respect for you and no thought to the consequences of what they're doing.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs- this last one is really important, especially for young people. That's because most teenagers who become pregnant have had unprotected sex when they have drunk too much or have been using drugs. Both drastically inhibit your ability to think properly and make wise decisions. Having unprotected sex may seem ok when you are out of it and caught up in the moment, but I can guarantee you it will not feel ok the next morning nor in the coming weeks when you are waiting anxiously for your next period.
If you do make a mistake
If you do make an error of judgement and have unprotected sex, then get yourself the morning after pill (or Plan B as it's known in the US) as soon as you can afterwards. It's most effective when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex. It can be taken later, but the longer you leave it the less effective it is at preventing pregnancy and if the fertilized egg has already implanted it will not be effective at all.
Enjoy your youth! Have fun! And look after yourself!
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There is a lot I learned here, especially about the the life span of sperm as being 7 days...I didn't know that! I should have been a father a few times over according to your info! Thank you!
I think life span of sperm is three days only and not seven days.
On average sperm live around 3-4 days but they can live up to 7 days. Thanks for commenting :)
Hmmm...if your body were to release an ovum earlier because you have sex right after your period, wouldn't your cycle become progressively shorter? How would your menstrual cycle know the difference between unprotected sex and protected sex so that an egg is not released? I thought it was estrogen and progesterone that managed that...I'm also not sure on the old wives tales, humans have known for centuries how to stop pregnancy.
Hi Whiteiris - It's to do with the interaction of both the male and female's body chemistry (so a barrier method of contraception will prevent this form taking place).
One of the main hormones that tells a womans body to release the ovum is prostaglandin which amazingly, semen also contains in very high concentrations. In effect, the semen can tell the ovum to be relseased into the fallopian tube by chemical communication. The ovum also releases chemicals to attract the sperm so that it knows where to go. There are many more of these kinds of chemical interactions taking place to increase the liklihood of fertilization. There's a lot more to it than what we learn in high school biology classes. I'd recommend reading Human Reproductive Biology By Richard Evan Jones, Kristin H. López for an in depth look at how it works.
I would disagree that humans have know for centuries how to stop pregnancy - they may have known some methods of reducing the likelihood of pregnancy, but not prevent it altogether and that's the point really. None of the old wives tales are particularly effective - just ask any teenage mum who has had an unplanned pregnancy.
I have heard about all those myths you mentioned. Your tips for not getting pregnant makes sense. For me I prefer birth control pills than depending on my guy for protection.
Hello,im sensational19 and i just wanted to say that i have really enjoyed your hub!!!You did really Grrreat!Keep up the good work.I hope to be as half as good as you.
Sensational19
Hey Anamika - thanks for stopping by and having a read of my hub. Birth control pills are great and it's wonderful to have control over our own destiny. What worries me is when I read questions from young women saying that they took a birth control pill after they had sex and they are hoping this will protect them when we us older woomen know it won't. Many young women and men don't seem to understand how reproduction really works or how to use birth control so that they don't have unwanted pregnancies. I hope those young people read this hub!
Hi Sensational - thanks for your very flattering comments. I'm sure your hubs are just as informative!
Thanks Susan for sharing this info. The myths that you have spoken about, I wasnt even aware of those. SO thanks for sharing.
My doctor once told me that the only trusted way for not getting pregnant is...'No intercourse.' All other methods work only till they want to. I know that might sound far from truth but Nature has it's own ways of playing tricks on us. Perhaps the reason is , as you mentioned, a woman's body is biological designed to give birth to a new life and it does not leave any opportunity to do so. This was certainly a very interesting read. :)
I'm very surprised at the life span of sperm. Their sneaky little bastards, hahaha. I think the best way to not get pregnant besides not having intercourse, is to double up with condoms and the pill/shot.
great article.. very informative
You are right about the old wives tales... none of them are sure shot protection for unwanted pregnancy..... most of them are not even 50% true.
WillOTree - yes they are sneaky as is the ovum! It's amazing what they'll do to try and make a new life.
Thanks Organic Thoughts - glad you enjoyed it!
i am starting to think of getting shots instead of taking the pills.
Thanks you good article
That's an amazing topic and some fine tips there...
The only sure way to avoid it is to not do it.
Just some info that I learned is that the actual sperm that is the strongest will come out before a man even ejaculates. I learned that from my OB after I told them I wasn't going to use birth control pills after I had my second baby. Withdrawl is certainly not the way to go.
Thanks for that bit of info pageantgirl - that's something I didn't know :) I will be adding that to the article.
Excellent hub and full of good, practical information. I am with the other comments, just avoiding sex is the really only way to assure there isn't a concern with unplanned pregnancy, even with contraceptives.
I agree that the only way to completely avoid pregnancy is to refrain from sex completely. In reality many young adults do not choose that option. For those that do choose to have sex they need to understand the unneccessary risks they are taking and have the very inaccurate information that is banded about challenged.
I write a lot on yahoo answers and some of the things that young people think will stop them becoming pregnant are incredibly naive - it's scary how uninformed they are.
i have taken i pills many times.....but scared
Hi Akshara - the i pill (morning after or plan B) is not something to be taken often because it contains massive amounts of hormones. (It's not reccommended to be taken more than once in 6 months maximum.)It shouldn't be used like a contraceptive - it really is for the very odd mistake. Do think about seeing a doctor for some reliable contraception and carrying some condoms with you. If you take care of your sexual health you will not need to feel scared - you can take control of it :)
Great hub!
Susana S: Excellent hub, thank-you for publishing this! Notice that it's mostly guys who are rooting for abstinence? Strange. I've found the most fool-proof method of birth control to be using more than one form of birth control at a time... (Think about it, two birth control forms that are both 99% effective means you've something like a 1 out of a million chance of getting pregnant if they're used properly.) I prefer using condoms and spermicidal jelly (or films, which are less messy.) I wanted to mention to the couple of young ladies who are interested in beginning the shot to read up on it online. Some women have had incredibly adverse reactions to the shot, some have even committed suicide after using it. If there's a three month shot option, I'd recommend opting for that, rather than the standard six month option. Just until you find out how it works for you. I look forward to reading more of your hubs, Susana S!
great hub! im only 17 and im thankful that you shared this knowledge about pregnancy..now i know what i'm going to do if i'l be a father.. hehe
wth..yes do have sex!! pregnancy should not be banned, it shoud be moderated. enjoy..:)
Simple, avoid boys. For at least 7 days!
Nice tips, but one thing more I would like to add. Use condoms.
This is stupid to avoid pregnancy. God wants us to multiply and be blessed
Great comments everyone - thank you :)
Nicole - yeh it's weird that it's men talking about abstinence here. I haven't yet met one that wanted to abstain, but maybe that's just in my life, lol. Two methods of birth control is certainly a good way to proceed. Just not two condoms at once! The friction causes them to split.
Skotikala - this hub is not just written for religious people. Many people want the freedom to make love and also be able to decide when they want a family.
I enjoyed your hub, but I see no mention of a man partner getting fixed to prevent pregnancy and avoid any form from any out of relationship sex. I used birth control most my life until hormonal break down, then went abstinence until I found my life partner.Even then I gave my new partner high warning, which happen the condom broke. Yes quickly after my child was born I stated for hubby to get fixed or no sex at all. Yet I still preferred before marriage the men to where condoms anyway to prevent STD's The medical profession still have a long way to go to understand hormones and birth control pills change a female personality more than public are willing to accept to to avoid sex at all.
HI Keverp - no I haven't talked about permanent birth control methods because this hub is more geared for young people that will probbaly want to start a family later on.
I certainly agree with what you say about conraceptive pills. I have never been able to take them because of the effects on me hormonally. But most people I know have taken them successfully. Condoms do have the added bonus of protecting from STD's - they're a method of birth control that I'm very happy to use and I have done for many years. Never had a splitting experience though I know that can happen.
Thanks for coming and having a read and leaving your thoughtful comments :)
what Do You Think About the Nuvaring? I'm kind of scared to use most birthcontroll methods because of all the side affects that can lead to strokes its crazy I guess the best for me is a condom and then you think its crazy to use a condom uf you been with this person for a long time and isn't use to using anything
Hi sbrown - had never heard of nuvaring so i just looked it up. Looks interesting! I have no idea whether it's good, bad or whatever. I don't think condoms are crazy in a long term relationhsip if that's what suits you both. Ther best thing about them is that you don't need to use any hormone based birth control.
Great comment,bt plz suggest wat can i do now .My menturation stops its 10 days now.Im in problem now.Now how can i avoid this in house itself.We use condoms as we do sex but this happens to me now what can i do......Plz advice me............im newly married 23 year old lady.i dont want to have baby now.And here we cannot buy medicine with out docter prescribition.And already i did one abortion so what method should i apply to throw this at home itself.
Now wat can i do?????????????????????/
waiting for your suggestion........
thanks for this article............
Anjana - I'm sorry you are in such turmoil right now. From what I've understood your period is 10 days late? My advice would be to do a pregnancy test and find out for certain. If it comes back positive and you are pregnant there isn't much you can do if you really do not want the baby except for another abortion. There's no reliable or safe methods you can use at home, unless the doctor prescribed you the abortion pill. If you are in a stable relationship would you not consider keeping the baby? They don't always turn up when we plan them, but they are a joy nonetheless.
You may not even be pregnant, there could be some other reason your period is delayed. Do the test! If it's negative and your period still doesn't come then speak to your doctor.
Take care,
Susana :)
Excellent Susana.
At some places abortion is not allowed, in that case what you will suggest to avoid the baby.
Thanks
Pooja - Unfortunately the only thing I can suggest is to refrain from penetrative sex. If you live in a country where abortion is not allowed, then I'm guessing that your country will also not support an unmarried mother. In that case it really is not worth taking the risk unless you are fully ready for the consequences such as being cast out by your family, being shamed by your whole community and trying to bring up a baby on your own or risking an illegal and dangerous abortion.
I think girl has more responsibility with them to avoid pregnancy. Boy can best help out with no sex because sometimes condoms do fail. It is true that other mentioned things like washing, jumping, etc. are just rumours. A single drop of sperm contains millions of cells to make a girl pregnant, so you can't just fight with it,avoiding penetrating sex is best option lies out. After all sex has made for reproduction naturally, so couple needs to findout other ways to please their partners. Thanks
I have seven children and have been pregnant 9 times and still learned something from your hub. Actually, I was surprised to learn that the pre ejaculated sperm are the strongest. I've used the withdrawal method successfully several times with no problem. Most of my pregnancies were planned between my childrens father and I by just calculating my cycle which is fairly normal unless I'm stressed out. In which case my cycle would be unpredictable. I wanted to add another pregnancy myth though. Some women believe if they are exclusively breast feeding that they will not get pregnant. That is also not true. I know that one for a fact..I found out with my second or third child. Also, my cousin is a doctor..actually a trauma surgeon now, but he told me that some sperm can live up to two weeks. I was blown away when I heard that. I always counted 72 hours and thought I was good to go, but like I said, most of my children were planned, if not by me (there was a time when I didn't know the science behind all of this), by my children's father. I enjoyed your information :-)
Hi Susana! I'm curious to know how you feel about modern Intra-Uterine Devices? I've heard many arguments for and against them, but as I do not personally know anyone with an IUD, I'd like to hear your take if you have one? Also, I'd just like to compliment you on this well-composed and interesting hub!
ion of having another one.Kindly advice.
Misha says:
3 months ago
Just don't do it! All the rest falls short of it :) But some methods are better then others. :)