Key Highlights: 

• Understanding contraceptives and the role of washing out sperm in avoiding pregnancy.  
• The withdrawal method, post-sexual intercourse care, and emergency contraception options. 
• Using barrier methods, secondary contraception, and regular sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings to maintain sexual health. 
• Proper vaginal care after sex without disrupting the natural environment. 
• The importance of regular contact with healthcare providers regarding contraceptive methods. 

Introduction 

Contraception is vital for maintaining good sexual and reproductive health. To make wise choices about your body, you should know all about the contraceptive methods available today. In this article, we’ll delve into different contraceptive methods and steps you can possibly take after sex to lower the chances of pregnancy. 

Next, we will discuss about the withdrawal method, steps to take after unprotected sex, how to avoid unwanted pregnancies, and cleaning techniques after sexual intercourse. Lastly, we will also answer some common questions regarding this topic.  

The Withdrawal Method (Coitus Interruptus) 

The withdrawal method, also known as “pulling out” or “coitus interruptus,” is a natural method of contraception technique. Some people misunderstand it or downplay its role. This method involves a male pulling his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates. The goal is to avoid sperm from reaching the vagina. 

What is the Withdrawal Method and How Does It Work? 

• The male removes his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates. This is to stop sperm from reaching the vagina. 
• For the best results, high self-control and accurate timing are needed. 

Effectiveness of the Withdrawal Method 

• It’s not the most effective contraceptive method. About 1 in 5 couples using this method end up with unplanned pregnancies within a year. That is if they don’t use other contraceptive methods. 
• This method offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Challenges and Risks Associated with the Withdrawal Method 

• High self-control and precise timing are needed. 
• It offers no protection against STIs. 
• It can be tricky to pull out the penis before ejaculation every time. This raises the risk of unplanned pregnancy. 
• Even if the male pulls out before he ejaculates, the pre-ejaculation fluid might contain sperm. This can still lead to pregnancy. 

Post-Sexual Intercourse Care and Steps to Washing Out Sperm 

Taking good care of yourself after sexual intercourse may help keep your sexual health in check. It also may help avoid unwanted pregnancies. You may take different actions at different times to lessen the chance of becoming pregnant.  

Immediately After Sexual intercourse  

• Clean up as it helps remove fluids from the genital area and helps avoid UTIs. 
• Use mild soap and warm water to clean the vaginal and genital areas. This promotes comfort and hygiene without causing irritation. 
• Be sure to check in with your feelings about the situation. If you need support, don’t hesitate to ask for it. 

Within the First 3 Days 

• If you’re worried about HIV exposure, healthcare providers may prescribe post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours. It lowers the risk of developing an HIV infection. 
• You can take over-the-counter emergency contraception (EC) pills like Plan B. For the best results, take it within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. This may reduce the chance of pregnancy. 

Within 5 days 

• You can use prescription forms of EC like ulipristal acetate or a copper intrauterine device. They should be used within 5 days after unprotected sex. 
• After 5 days of unprotected sexual intercourse, most EC methods are less effective, out of all of them the copper intrauterine device is most effective.  

2 Weeks Later 

• Be aware of signs of pregnancy. They can include a missed period or unusual discharge. 

3 Weeks Later 

• The best time to take a pregnancy test is to wait for at least 3 weeks after unprotected sex for accurate results. 

6 Weeks Later 

• Schedule a follow-up appointment if initial tests show positive results for any STI or pregnancy. You can then discuss the next steps and management with the healthcare provider. 

Measures to Avoid Unwanted Pregnancy 

Taking steps to avoid unwanted pregnancies and maintain good health is key. Let’s look at methods and practices that may help keep sexual and reproductive health in check. 

1. Barrier Methods 

• Male and female condoms may protect against STIs and unplanned pregnancies. 
• Diaphragms and cervical caps are non-hormonal contraceptive methods that require fitting by a healthcare provider. 
   

2. Secondary Contraception 

• Birth control pills, patches, and rings are hormonal methods to stop ovulation. They need a prescription. 
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants are long-term birth control methods and may help avoid pregnancy for a long time. 
• Emergency contraception pills may be used when other methods fail or after unprotected sexual intercourse. 
   

3. Regular STI Screening 

• It helps detect and manage infections early. 
• See a healthcare provider or go to a sexual health clinic. They will guide you through the testing process. 

An old myth is that urinating after sex can prevent pregnancy. But this not true, urination after sex can help prevent UTI but cannot prevent against STDs or pregnancy. You can in no way remove spem once it enters the vagina.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Cleaning Techniques Post-Sexual Intercourse 

It is important to clean well after sexual intercourse. It keeps your physical and emotional health in check. Here we’ll see if it’s possible to remove semen from the body. We will also discuss about how to take care of yourself and clean up after sexual intercourse. 

1. Can You Remove Semen? 

• Once semen reaches the cervix through the vagina, it cannot be removed. 
• Common false beliefs are that peeing, showering, bathing, or using vinegar will remove the sperm but this is not true.  
   

2. Proper Vaginal Care After Sex 

• Use mild soap and warm water to clean your vaginal area after sexual intercourse. Avoid douching. It could disturb the natural balance of the vagina. 

Also Read: Can Precum Cause Pregnancy? Dispelling Misconceptions About Conception

Conclusion 

Knowing all about contraceptive methods and what to do after sexual intercourse is key to controlling your sexual and reproductive health. Keep yourself informed about preventive measures and be proactive in managing your health. As a result, you will make responsible decisions related to your sexual health and well-being. 

Consulting with healthcare providers on a regular basis will also help you make informed decisions about contraception and sexual health. Reach out to them whenever you need help. Keep checking in with your body to ensure you’re living a healthy and satisfying sexual life. 

Also Read: What to Do if Sperm Is Not Coming Out: An In-Depth Look into Male Fertility Issues

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

References: 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Disease—What Role Do Common Intimate Hygiene Practices Play? [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9959050 

2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence based review [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5203687 

3. National Health Service (NHS). Natural family planning (fertility awareness) – Your contraception guide [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/natural-family-planning 

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Contraception [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm 

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7. National Health Service (NHS). This page has been removed [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/when-sex-goes-wrong 

8. National Health Service (NHS). Search the site [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/can-post-exposure-prophylaxis-pep-stop-me-getting-hiv 

9. National Health Service (NHS). Overview – Chlamydia [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia 

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11. World Health Organization (WHO). This page cannot be found [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/rtis/stis-new-treatment-guidelines/en 

12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Which STD Tests Should I Get? [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm 

13. National Health Service (NHS). Genital herpes [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes 

14. National Health Service (NHS). Overview – Gonorrhoea [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gonorrhoea 

15. National Health Service (NHS). Overview – HIV and AIDS [Internet]. [cited 2023 Nov 8]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids 

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