If you prefer a natural, low-cost cost or traditional contraceptive method, then you may want to ask the popular question. Does water and salt prevent pregnancy?
You must have heard that people use water and salt to prevent pregnancy and claim it is very effective, but can such a simple birth control method work to prevent pregnancy? Has it worked for people in the past? If it is effective, why do people still bother to go for other expensive options?
In this article, we will show you how water and salt contraceptives came about and whether or not they can help you prevent pregnancy.
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How the Idea of Water and Salt Contraceptives Came About
Using water and salt as a contraceptive started with the idea that high concentrations of salts can kill sperm cells, making it impossible for them to fertilise an egg and cause pregnancy.
So some people mix high concentrations of salt in water and drink it after unprotected sex, while others believe that inserting water and salt solution with a syringe into the vagina after sex can create a hostile environment for sperm cells, dehydrate them and disrupt their ability to swim.
Although this method has been used for many years around the world and is believed to be effective, it is essential to know that it is not a safe method of birth control and its effectiveness is not scientifically proven.
Does Water and Salt Prevent Pregnancy?
The answer is no. It has not been proven that water and salt can prevent pregnancy; there is no research to support it, and it is also not logical. When you drink water and salt after unprotected sex, it doesn’t go to your reproductive system; it goes straight to your stomach, and your body digests it as just water and salt.
There may be many stories claiming water and salt were successfully used to prevent pregnancies, but don’t be fooled by them; if it happened that way, then so many other factors may have prevented the pregnancy.
Side Effects of Water and Salt
Before you decide to start using a water and salt solution for any reason, know that it will not only fail to prevent pregnancy but can also cause some damage to your body if done excessively. High concentrations of salt in the body can lead to hypertension; it increases the risk of poor blood pressure and is also harmful to your kidneys.
In addition, using water and salt directly in your vagina can alter its PH and destroy the normal flora in the vagina, thereby making you susceptible to several vagina infections.
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Healthy Alternative to Water and Salt for Preventing Pregnancies
People have different reasons why they settled for water and salt as their preferred birth control method; for some, it could be out of ignorance, while others are just looking for an easy way out. However, whatever your reasons may be, you should stop and try some healthier options for birth control.
First, you must know that there are many reliable and healthy contraceptive methods, so you must see a doctor or gynaecologist to help determine which method will be best for you.
Some effective and reliable birth control methods include hormonal, barrier, and long-acting reversible contraceptives. These methods have been thoroughly tested and proven effective and safe for birth control. They include using condoms, pills, implants or intra-uterine devices (IUDs).
Again, water and salt are not contraceptives, so being informed about safe birth control methods is essential. Hence, if you are concerned about preventing pregnancy, your doctor will advise you on which one to choose based on your menstrual symptoms, your cardiovascular health, if you are breastfeeding, if you have any chronic health conditions and other medications you are taking. So, there is nothing to worry about; you will find one suitable for you with no side effects from long-term use.
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In conclusion, a water and salt solution will not prevent unwanted pregnancy. Instead, it may result in various health conditions. Also, if you need a natural way to prevent pregnancy, you can track your ovulation and fertility signs yourself and avoid unprotected sex a day before your ovulation and 3 to 5 days after the time. This method may not be very reliable, but it is healthier than the water and salt solution.
In addition, before you try any natural birth control methods, you should consult your doctor because there is so much information out there that is not safe and proven, so you must be careful to protect your sexual health.
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