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How to Avoid Pregnancy (If You Don't Want to Get Pregnant)

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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 dispel 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 can be life-changing in a big way. If you are not ready for that kind of change yet, then learning how to avoid pregnancy is a good lesson to learn.

Myths and Old Wive's Tales

"You Cannot Get Pregnant the First Time"

This is a 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 has the potential to damage you (2). The way that our bodies work is 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 likelihood of conception because it actually pushes more sperm into your cervix.

Avoiding Ovulation (The Rhythm Method or Fertility Awareness Method)

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 are several problems with this method. Firstly, due to the fact that it's easy to make mistakes, the failure rate is between 5-25%. Those are very problematic percentages if you're trying to avoid pregnancy.

The other main issue 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.

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 its utmost to get pregnant.

Jumping Up and Down After Sex

This may sound silly but I have heard people say that this is what they do to 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.

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 satisfying 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 recommendation 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, have unprotected sex, or your contraception fails, then make sure you get yourself Plan B as soon as you can afterward. 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.

Scroll to Continue

Finally...

Enjoy your youth! Have fun! And look after yourself!

I hope you've learned something about the way fertility and conception works so that you can keep yourself safe and really avoid pregnancy.

Sources:

1. Sperm Content of Pre-Ejaculatory Fluid. Pubmed. Stephen R. Killick, Christine Leary,James Trussell,and Katherine A. Guthrie. 5 Feb 2013.

2. Vaginal Douche: Douching. MedicineNet. Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD.

3. The Timing of the “Fertile Window” in the Menstrual Cycle: Day Specific Estimates from a Prospective Study. Pubmed. Allen J Wilcox, David Dunson and Donna Day Baird. 30 Aug 2000

4. The Real Reason Why the-Rhythm Method Doesnt Work. Psychology Today. Jena Pincott. 18 Oct 2011.

5. Semen May Trigger Ovulation. LiveScience.com. Stephanie Pappas. 20 Aug 2012

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2009 Susana Smith

Comments

Rami on November 22, 2011:

If i had sex before 2 days from a girl's period would that be dangerous ?

Lou1842 on November 22, 2011:

I definitely don't want to get pregnant as I have just had a baby (now 5 months and planned!). But I should know by now (at 34 years) what you have to do to avoid getting pregnant! Although accidents still do happen to many people. I like the point about avoiding alcohol as drunken nights and mistakes can get you into a lot of trouble.

Nick Guerrero on November 21, 2011:

Tnx.. i learned how to control my self.

Paolo on November 21, 2011:

Thank you so much, this blog is so much appreciated by me

Levertis Steele on November 13, 2011:

Just don't do it. Every male and female should save something for marriage. Some say that the honeymoon was not anything special. That's not surprising when everything has already been done. Getting married after being worn out and used up is not a good start for married life.

rogell on November 11, 2011:

i had sex with a women that had a period..we do it on the 6th day of her period..and my sperm came out inside of her..i just want to ask if that is safe?

Ruchi Urvashi from Singapore on November 08, 2011:

Good and practical information. Well written

John on November 07, 2011:

Me and my girlfriend had sex for the 1st time a few days ago and we used a condom correctly and it didn't break but she was ovulating during that time so she's pretty worried about getting pregnant. what are the odds that she acually is pregnant?

loretta on November 02, 2011:

hi ive been reading your comments and everthing i been with this boy for three years and we don't wont a child but we don't like condoms and he loves coming inside so what should I DO

TARA on November 02, 2011:

I am 22 years. i have a one year baby now or don't want to any kids more now . now my husband do safe sex but last one month my period not coming so i am wherry . am I pregnant?

what can i do .plz help me .what I can do so my time is come . 30 day left and my period is not coming . can i use any tablet. Plz as soon as help me .

jimmy yong on November 01, 2011:

i think you should wrap ur bait be 4 u mate

Alps on November 01, 2011:

I am 27 years. I m married since 5 years and me n my husband have mutually decided that v do not want baby even in long run. V use condoms usually and sometimes have to use i pill. i am not taking any birth control pills, just safe sex. i get my periods regualr, just only when i took i pill my periods came on worng dates. i wish to know that does not getting preganant affect women health in long run?

Jinny on October 27, 2011:

Hi dear.. thank you very much for this informative article. I am soon getting married but do not want any children. I want to spend my years caring n loving someone else. My reason are various, one of them is finance and life is very expensive these days and growing even bigger day by day.. I prefer not to have children than to have a get a difficult life ahead. I'm not god or selfish but Just being sensible. Thanks again

tiara on October 25, 2011:

hi im 16 yrs old and i wish i read ur article sooner ...cause i think i might be prego and i just wish i new tha kind of stuff it is very useful for young kids like me ... thnx for the info

Gunjan on October 23, 2011:

This is Gunjan,23 years old female.I had protected sex

with my boyfriend. But , I have missed my periods. Am I pregnant? If I am positive for the same. Please suggest me TABLET which I can use to avoid this pregnancy. Thanks in advance. I feel very shy to visit

Gynecologist that why seek answer.

Ce ce on October 13, 2011:

I heard sperm only lasts three days at best and my doctor told me the pull out method is 88.5 percent effective. I have been using the pull out method for 7 years and it has been 100 percent effective for me. To me that means the pre sperm are not stronger and the guy just has to be good about getting out in time.

Misty on October 12, 2011:

I had my daughter in april. and bled for a month and 3 weeks. Then stared back in july and ended aug 5.. After tht i started again aug 30th and ended sept 7. after that i haven't had one..Is this bc my periods are irregular.. and plus im smoking so could tht cause it too.. and i have really bad cramps. i usually get them a week or 2 b4 i start my period.. and they gave me the patch for birth control but told me not to put one on until i have my period.. then i go get the mariena put in the 25th of this monh.. plz help

Diddy on October 11, 2011:

i am 13 and this girl at my school wants to have sex and i don't no what to do she keeps taunting me and its getting on my nerves

rose on October 10, 2011:

HI,SUSANE, SUPARB U R DOING A GREAT GREAT JOB,I APPRECIATE U FOR HELPING PEOPLE THROUGH VALUABLE ADVICES AND TEACHINGS.KEEP IT UP.THANKS FOR THIS ARTICLE.7 DAYS OF LIFE SPAN OF SPERM.

Alia on October 09, 2011:

hi dear im newly got married bt we both dnt want child for 2yr bcz i hv 2 do mba.so how can i secure not 2 become pregnant

J92381 on October 07, 2011:

Just got word that i can't have kids After a vasectomy DR Said all Sperm is dead Does that mean its Safe? just Curious and i Apologize for bad typing and spelling

LadyRealitycheck on October 07, 2011:

I gave birth in my 20s to my ONLY biological (i also have one adopted). For years my husband and I weren't able to get pregnant again(doctors couldn't explain why we couldn't because everything was "normal").

Then in early 30s i got pregnant again but had a miscarriage 12 weeks later. That came with a D&C and the pronouncement that the likelyhood of my getting pregnant again would be significantly lower.

My marriage ended.

Thankfully, I had my two children(one bio + one adopted) so i was perfectly happy and didn't want any more.

I inquired about birth control after my divorce at age of 41 but doctors mentioned that given my history of NOT getting pregnant successfully and my advanced age, the likelyhood of my getting preggo was less than 1%.

12 years (after my miscarriage) surprise surprise i became pregnant at the age of 47!

For years i didn't use protection and then when i entered my mid 40s i knew the "likelyhood" of my getting pregnant even in the best of circumstances was slim-due to my age and history.

The only thing that i could think of that i did differently that i had not done in the past with my ex-husband or my fiancée was to go on a fruit smoothie and veggie juicing diet, add flaxseed and omega oils to my diet, cut out alcohol, junk food and especially caffeine drinks completely, added exercise and lost 15lbs.

When i began changing my diet and adding more healthy habits i had a lot more energy, my libido was heightened (though i didn't necessarily have intercourse more often)my cholesterol lowered, blood pressure improved and i was healthier. Unfortunately,I think this change toward healthy lifestyle contributed to my ability to get pregnant again despite my age.

My Fiancée (also in his 40s with grown kids) and i were shocked to say the least and not prepared to have another child.

7 weeks later i miscarried.

For us no more listening to docs. It's birth control pills for me from now on.

Oh and by the way, when i went to the OB there was a lady there who was 60 and 8 weeks pregnant. Which she (and doc)thought was an impossibility since she was in poor health and had already gone through menopause!

Lesson to be learned--Don't underestimate nature!

miiaiid on October 07, 2011:

Hello Susana S,

I would like to know if there is a chance of pregnancy on this particular case.

My gf is having her menses, and on the third day, we had sex, and I've been permitted to ejaculate inside her vagina.

She was sure at her point that she will not be pregnant as she was on the start of her menses and all will be drained.

I's is the case?

Please.

Ibrahim Mobolaji on October 06, 2011:

Having sex with my husb through out the month,will it prevent getting pregnant?

peter on October 05, 2011:

its SO simple. if you feel your not ready for a child of your own, then DON'T. HAVE. SEX. i understand it can be hard especially for those with a very active social. eventually your bound to meet someone you like and that likes you especially if youra girl, and the temptation will be there. but you MUSNT give in until you feel your totally ready for motherhood. its pretty simple.

kdog on October 03, 2011:

Will my gf becoming pregnant make her even more grumpy than she already is?

jocob on September 30, 2011:

i had sex with my girlfriend 2day before her period. 2days later she received her period is there any likehood that she can get pregnant?

rahul on September 28, 2011:

hi susane this was a wonderful article

i want to know that we had some unprotective sex 0n 18aug 2011.my girlfriend got her period on 26 aug 2011.now this month she is still not getting her period as on 28 sept.2011.are their still chances of getting pregnant.

reply early .i m tensed

muneera from ras al khaimah, uae on September 27, 2011:

garima this site is onother shit...u better take plab b or consult a gynecologist..b4 u do this..i wud suggest u to check out ur pregnancy with home pragnancy tester at early morning after u woke up n check ur first urine n u will get ur result..if its possitve than u better consult a gyna...coz now its been 4 days ago so plab b dosnt seems to be work out so u better consult a gynacolgist doctore :) n next time have safe Sx

Garima on September 26, 2011:

I am 18 yrs old

Me n my boyrnd had sex 4 days bak

I ws feelin a litle unwell and wen i read d symptoms i think may b m pregnant m realli scared

Tell me wot can i do to avoid it

I cant go to doc as well

mp85 on September 25, 2011:

gr8 article!.. was wondering, if one has had a period and then intercourse teh day after as well as the morning after pill within 8 hours, are thre chances of getting pregant?

1982 on September 24, 2011:

great article...lots of information..great job susana..ur helping many..with no cost..truly appreciable..:-)

Gift on September 23, 2011:

I love your corment

cinta andini on September 22, 2011:

Hi susan, i'm cinta.. i would like to buy Plan b pills but i'm still underage.. do the casheer will ask for my id? please this is 911

naturalsolutions on September 20, 2011:

I really enjoy reading it, you are definitely right, there's a lot of way in preventing pregnancy but the only way and the most advisable way is full stop. Stop having sex, just do it when you are ready to become a parent.

unknown on September 19, 2011:

...what if ....they don't have sex but they having kissing!! ...

Danielle on September 19, 2011:

Halo in 17 jeers old and my boyfriend reassembly came back from the USA after 8 months at this stage I’m very confused ... I’m still a virgin but wants to have sex with my boyfriend ... I can’t ask my mom to poet me on the pill coz then she would know, condoms is an option but heard that it is not nice to have sex whit them ... we have prepaid a wail to have sex but I think my period will start in the following week ... I’m supper confused what do I do know

Ravi Ranjan on September 18, 2011:

hi susana

i am planning to have sex with my gf , and i have heard that if i do it after some particular days of her prriod , she would not get pregnant . would u plz help me and guide me ????

Tara1985 on September 17, 2011:

I've just read your very informative page, been searching the internet all day and I really hope you have the time to give some more advice.

So the story is - I was on the pill (Loestren 20) and had the seven day break, my period arrived on 30th August. I was suppose to start a new pack on 4th September but didn’t. Me and my partner had sex on that night (4th Sept) and then on 9th, 10th,11th 14th and 17th September. He is aware I stopped taking the pill (wasn’t agreeing with me) and he has been withdrawing, but ejaculated on 4th – I know this is not a safe method but we have been together for a couple of years and are happy in our relationship – a child would be welcomed and loved.

I have been experiencing cramps in my stomach (and legs), feeling very tired and today started having headaches when I never usually suffer from them. My mum even commented on the size of my boobs yesterday!! From the dates, when do you think I should take a pregnancy test ? I have another week and half until my period (if I follow the 28 day cycle) and wanted advice in the mean time. Thanks so much x

yana on September 15, 2011:

just want to ask , after period how many days we have take protection means , if some one wana to make unprotected sex. how many days has to wait after periods

M.Ramiz on September 14, 2011:

Not have intercousr is the better way.

AZ on September 11, 2011:

I m 20 yearz old and i have found your atricle to be one of the best guid and support for the young girls like me who sometimes get deviated without knowing the consequences and circumstances afterwards. I really appreciate you the way u are answering the queries of every commentor. By your grace I have decided to keep my virginity safe until marriage and after marriage haven't plan but yup i surely keep ur instructions in mind :)

Thankxxxx aloot :)

rajasweri on September 11, 2011:

hy. i have an abortion and had my periods for the following 5 days, after 10 days (the 10th day frm the last day i saw my period) i had sex and the condom broke and i took plan B within 2 hours. i then had my other menstruation after 8 days (8th from the day the condom broke) and i was overflowing. im scared might i be pregnant

sandyindia on September 10, 2011:

@Susana S, i m awaiting my ans "what are the chances of getting pregnant if u hv sex on 6th day of ur period + u tk ipill in 2 hours + u do a UPT 17 days after sex which comes NEGATIVE"

Susana Smith (author) from UK on September 10, 2011:

UAE - contraception.

Susana Smith (author) from UK on September 10, 2011:

Wonder, the ovum lives for around 24 hours after ovulation. It's released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube where hopefully sperm are waiting to meet it. If there are none there to fertilise the ovum it is reabsorbed into the body as it disintegrates.

Ladyama on September 10, 2011:

heyl, thats a nice stuff you have here

Megs on September 08, 2011:

Thanks susana , for taking the time to look up my post , wish they would do a bigger proper study on the precome , as i no heaps of people use it thinking there is no sperm in precum the study u found said it actually does contain sperm . If there was a bigger study into this then im sure people would diffently think twice on using the withdrawl method knowing cold hard facts to keep us all safe. To much conflicting facts makes us all not no wats going on. :) thank u again as i honestly thought there were none in it.

UAE on September 08, 2011:

Tell me the simple and natural way to avoid pregnency of my wife. i want intercourse daily and ejeculate inside. tell me the best and natural way to avoid pregnency plz...

wonder on September 08, 2011:

I use the clearblue fertillty.. I had two high fertillty days then 2 egg days.. meaning ovulation.. the the egg went. if I had sex after the egg was gone, can you get pregnant. ??? when the egg leaves, can the sperm find it.. ? You said, the egg waits ????

For how long ? and when it leaves, does it turn in to blood. or does it live as an egg, as it floats back down the Fallopian tube ?

xx Thank you

sandyindia on September 08, 2011:

what are the chances of getting pregnant if u hv sex on 6th day of ur period + u tk ipill in 2 hours + u do a UPT 17 days after sex which comes NEGATIVE

jenny on September 08, 2011:

i took the pill but stopped mid cycle,(i was a first time user but only took it for 10 days) thought ovulation wouldhnt happen for a couple of weeks, but for the last three week now i have been having pregnancy symptoms but getting negative pregnancy results. It seems like the pill doesn't leave your system for awhile!!! Even if i have only taken it for 10 days!

Susana Smith (author) from UK on September 08, 2011:

Shelly, the simple answer is no.

Susana Smith (author) from UK on September 08, 2011:

Amanda, do you mean when you haven't started your periods?

Susana Smith (author) from UK on September 08, 2011:

Sabella, if you use contraception there's no need to be scared. There are various ways of tracking ovulation but it's not a form of contraception I would recommend - the chance of falling pregnant with these methods is huge (up to 25%). Here's more about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar-based_contra...

Susana Smith (author) from UK on September 08, 2011:

Megs, I hadn't heard about the research so did some of my own. It seems the earlier study on the pre-ejaculate of HIV + men showed either none or low levels of sperm. But they said themselves that further study was needed as it was as small sample and I would imagine that there could well be effects on sperm production due to the range of medications that HIV + people take.

The latest study shows that sperm are present in pre ejaculatory fluid for some men some times. You can read it here: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/14647...

Personally, if I really did not want to become pregnant I wouldn't risk it.

shelly on September 07, 2011:

thank you for the info it does help..what i would like to know is are there ways of terminating pregnancy without going to the doctor?

amanda on September 07, 2011:

can you get pregnant if u haven't had a period

Sabella on September 06, 2011:

The only thing I do not get is the ovulation thing. My mum always told me while I was visiting her in Liverpool was to make sure I wasn't ovulating if I was to have sex. I just don't get how you can tell... Some say to watch for a change in cervical fluid (or something similar to that!) But honestly, I have no change. It seems I have discharge from the end of my period all the way until my next period, so I'm scared to have sex again. I had it once and I guess I was just lucky because we indulged in quite a bit of oral sex. There wasn't much intercourse, but we still used a condom

Megs on September 06, 2011:

Hi i have read studys on pre cum it has stated that it does not contain sperm , if was any small amount its dead. Read the only way pre cum will contain sperm is if after ejaculation you haven't gone for a pee . 2 different glands sperm one and cowpers glad separate from that said pre cum is just a lubricant from separate glad . Wats your thoughts on these studys? It was all about withdrawl method saying aslong as guy goes for a pee wash area after ejaculating then no spearm shall b in pre cum.

moneycop from JABALPUR on August 15, 2011:

I still fear after reading this coz its unethical to block i think so.

hi Susan on August 09, 2011:

I had my last period on 27th July and tried to have sex on 6th august.My bf tried to penetrate(no condoms)twice inside but due to the pain i stopped him from doing so and he didn't even ejaculate. is there any chance of me getting pregnant. I didn't take any pill

helen on August 07, 2011:

thanks this is very helpful...keep it up!

sudhansu on August 07, 2011:

hi, susana,

i am grateful to learn lot of things from this page. one thing i have to know

i will be married in coming December. we don't want baby as early. is "copper-T " will be good to avoid pregnancy ? what is it ? can you suggest me in detail.

judith on August 04, 2011:

great one Susann.over time pill have failed me.so the best form is no sex until you are ready to make babies

krish on July 27, 2011:

hi i had sex with my gal friend now i'm feared

Shahana on June 10, 2011:

I'm not taking the oral contraceptive pills from last month. My last period was in 21.04.2011. When I missed a period, I checked the pregnancy test at home several times. The result is negative. Is there any possibility to become pregnant? We met without any protection on 04.05.2011. After that time my husband uses condom.

Maggie.L from UK on June 08, 2011:

An extremely informative article which will be really useful to young people. As you say, some of them are alarmingly unknowledgeable about contraception.

anxiousme on June 06, 2011:

Hello Susan, I am pretty sure I ovulated today after about 60 hours of unprotected sex. Is there a high possibility that I have conceived? I know I have to wait for 2 weeks to have the preg test done.

Pancho on May 28, 2011:

This actually helped a lot

Sun-Girl from Nigeria on May 18, 2011:

Hi susan,

Am so happy to read this interesting piece of work from you which can also serve as birth control to all hub ladies in here.Learn t a lot and urge my fellow female hubbers to read and slowly digest this.even the men.

paul on May 01, 2011:

thank you hud i learned a lot."