Washing the vagina after sex, can you prevent pregnancy?

Washing the vagina after sex, what is the effect?

Please note when washing the genitals, we only wash the outside of the vagina such as the outer labia, inner labia, and around the anus. Not up to the inside of the vagina. The opening to the cervix is very small. Therefore, it is difficult for water to penetrate the cervix. But it is not difficult for sperm to penetrate the cervix because sperm is very small microscopic.

Washing the vagina with water, or urinating after sexual intercourse, will not prevent or stop sperm from reaching the egg after penetration. Washing the vagina is done solely to clean the vulva from semen after sexual intercourse, not as a means of preventing pregnancy.

Sperm are excellent swimmers. When you rush to the bathroom after sex to wash your vagina, you can't beat the movement of sperm toward the egg. However, washing the vagina after having sex with water or even doing douching, is not one of the effective ways to prevent pregnancy.

So, how to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse?

The best way to prevent the risk of unwanted pregnancy among sexually active women and men is to use birth control aka contraception correctly and consistently. Here are some ways you can prevent pregnancy.

1. Condoms

This type of contraception is the most popular so it is the most widely used. Condoms are made of elastic rubber that is attached to the penis to prevent sperm from entering the vagina.

Female condoms can also be used on women, by inserting the condom in the mouth of the vagina eight hours before sexual intercourse. However, this is very rarely used because women who use condoms admit to feeling uncomfortable in their vagina.

2. Birth control pills

Contraception is also commonly used as an effort to prevent pregnancy. Taken every day, this contraceptive is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used appropriately according to the instructions.

There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills and mini pills. Combination pills work by combining the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation (which causes pregnancy). In using combination birth control pills, accuracy is required in their use. While the mini pills are used for women who are sensitive to estrogen, because these pills only contain the progestin hormone that is taken once a day.

3. Hormone-based contraceptive methods

The use of hormonal contraceptives includes the use of patches, implants, vaginal rings, and injections. This method is 91% - 99.95% effective when done according to doctor's instructions.

4. Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

A doctor will insert a small T-shaped device (spiral) into the woman's uterus. There are two types: copper and hormonal (progestin). This tool serves to prevent sperm from meeting the egg. This tool is more than 99% effective when used properly.

5. Vaginal barrier

Some contraceptive products are designed to limit the sperm to the uterus. Apart from using condoms, several methods that can be used are sponge, diaphragm, and cervical cap contraception.

6. Sterilization

Several surgical procedures can be performed to prevent pregnancy. Women can do a tube ligation (tubectomy), which is cutting and binding of the fallopian tube, so that the egg does not come out of the ovary. In addition, women can also do a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus. Meanwhile, men can do a vasectomy, which is surgery to prevent sperm from mixing with semen when ejaculating. Tubal implants, hysterectomy, and vasectomy are permanent methods of preventing pregnancy.