There are many ways couples seek to avoid pregnancy which have little or no merit, including vaginal douche. Douching, however, is unreliable and should not be used as a form of birth control. In fact, it may actually push sperm deeper into the uterus. Regular douching has been associated with an increase in pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy. Douching for personal hygiene is unnecessary since the female reproductive system is self-cleaning.
Other ineffective methods of contraception include make-shift condoms, sitting up after intercourse, having the man take a hot bath beforehand, and hope. If you are using an ineffective method, consider switching to one that works.
NO CONTRACEPTION
Average Pregnancy Rate: 85%
Some sexually active women choose not to use any contraception. This is not necessarily because they want to get pregnant, but for a variety of reasons including personal convictions, religious beliefs, or even medical considerations. Couples who thoughtfully choose not to contracept must be open to the possibility of children. This does not mean that they will have dozens of children; many non-contracepting women end up with only two or three children by the time they reach menopause, though some may have ten and some may have none. A woman's choice not to use birth control should be respected. Usually she has given the matter much consideration and is trusting that she and her partner will be able to provide for however many children are given to them. If you are sexually active and decide not to use contraception, understand that pregnancy is likely.
| Chances of Pregnancy by Day of Intercourse day zero is ovulation |
||||||||
| -5 | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 11% | 15% | 20% | 26% | 15% | 9% | 5% | 0% |
- At this site:
- The following links are provided as a resource or counterpoint and are not necessarily endorsed by the author:
- Quiver-Full! Web Page An organization for couples who choose not to contracept with resources for large families
- It Couldn't Happen to Me! These teens got more from sex than they expected
- Thirteen and Pregnant The struggle to have a baby as a teen
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Visitors Since 9-5-97
Updated: October 24, 2001