5 things people think prevent pregnancy but they don’t

Pregnancy is a topic that many people have misconceptions about. While there are many effective methods of birth control, there are also a number of things that people believe prevent pregnancy but in fact, do not. Here are five common misconceptions about pregnancy prevention:

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1. Pulling out: The “pull out” method, also known as the withdrawal method, is the practice of a male partner withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. While this may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy, it is not a reliable method of contraception. Sperm can be present in pre-ejaculate, meaning pregnancy can still occur even if the male partner pulls out before ejaculation.
2. Douching: Douching, or washing out the vagina with water or other solutions, is often thought to prevent pregnancy by cleaning out the sperm. However, douching can actually increase the risk of pregnancy by disrupting the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and making it easier for sperm to survive.
3. Having sex during a woman’s period: It is a common belief that a woman cannot get pregnant if she has sex during her period. However, this is not true. Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, can occur at any time during a woman’s menstrual cycle, and sperm can survive inside the female body for up to five days.
4. Using the “rhythm method”: The rhythm method, also known as the calendar method, is a form of natural family planning that involves avoiding intercourse during the fertile days of a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, this method is not always reliable, as ovulation can occur at different times in different cycles, making it difficult to predict when the fertile days are.
5. Wearing tight clothing or a hot shower: Some people believe that wearing tight clothing or taking a hot shower after intercourse can prevent pregnancy by killing the sperm. However, these methods do not impact sperm and do not prevent pregnancy.

It is important to remember that there are many effective methods of birth control available, including hormonal methods, barrier methods, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best method of contraception for you.