There is no effective way to wash out sperm from the vagina or body to prevent pregnancy once ejaculation has occurred. Sperm can enter the uterus within minutes after sex, and once inside, it cannot be removed by urinating, douching, showering, bathing, or any home remedies like vinegar
. To prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, the only reliable options are emergency contraception methods:
- Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs): These include levonorgestrel pills (effective if taken within 72 hours) and ulipristal acetate pills (effective up to 120 hours). They work mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation
- Copper intrauterine device (IUD): Inserted by a healthcare provider within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, the copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraception, preventing pregnancy in more than 99% of cases. It can also serve as ongoing contraception for years
Methods like urinating after sex, douching, or washing the vagina do not prevent pregnancy and can disrupt the natural vaginal environment, potentially causing irritation or infections
. If there is concern about pregnancy risk after unprotected sex, it is best to seek emergency contraception promptly rather than attempting to wash out sperm.
