What Can You Drink to Prevent Pregnancy? (The Honest Answer)

Hey there,

Welcome to SemicHealth Pulse.

Let’s start with something we’ve all heard before:
“Drink ginger tea right after sex, it prevents pregnancy.”
Or maybe, “A glass of lime water will do the trick.”

These claims sound simple, harmless, even convincing, especially when passed along by friends or viral social media posts. But how true are they? Can any drink really prevent pregnancy?

This week, we’re unpacking the truth behind these so-called “pregnancy-preventing drinks” and exploring what actually works when it comes to contraception.

In today’s newsletter, you’ll learn:

• Common drinks people believe prevent pregnancy (and why they don’t work)

• Safer, medically approved ways to prevent pregnancy

• Simple safe-sex habits that protect your overall health

• When to talk to a doctor about contraception

Let’s get into it.

What People Say vs. What Science Knows

You’ve probably heard the stories, someone swears by a ginger drink, another claims lime juice works like magic, or maybe you’ve seen a viral tip about Andrews Liver Salt “flushing things out.”

It sounds simple, right? A quick drink after sex and no worries about pregnancy. Unfortunately, science tells a very different story.

There’s no drink, homemade or manufactured, that can prevent pregnancy. In fact, most of these so-called remedies can cause serious harm. From liver and kidney damage to an increased risk of infections, these DIY methods are far from safe.

Let’s break down what people are trying and what actually happens.

The Myths: What People Say You Can Drink to Prevent Pregnancy

For decades, certain household remedies have been rumored to stop pregnancy if taken “right after sex.” The logic sounds easy, natural, accessible, and harmless.

But here’s the truth: no drink, herb, or mixture has been scientifically proven to prevent pregnancy.

Let’s look at the most common ones:

1. Ginger drink: Known for easing cramps and nausea, but has zero contraceptive power.

2. Lemon or lime juice: Too acidic; can harm vaginal tissue, disturb your pH balance, and cause infections.

3. Andrews Liver Salt: Helps with indigestion, not fertility, it can’t stop pregnancy.

4. Neem extract: Has some effects in lab animals, but in humans, it can cause liver or kidney damage.

5. Parsley or turmeric tea: Great for wellness, but no pregnancy-prevention benefits, and too much can be toxic.

6. Salt water or potash mix: Dangerous for your organs, completely ineffective for contraception.

And yes, there are even more unusual ones:
Apple cider vinegar, Coca-Cola, antibiotics like ampiclox, or papaya and pineapple right after sex. None of these prevents pregnancy.

In short, these “natural fixes” are myths, and many can be harmful.

The Truth: What Actually Works

If you’re sexually active and not ready for pregnancy, the good news is, you have safe, effective, medically approved options.

These include:

1. Emergency contraceptive pills (like Postinor or Postpill): Take within 3–5 days after sex; up to 95% effective.

2. Oral birth control pills: Daily pills that regulate hormones to prevent ovulation.

3. Injectables (Depo-Provera, Noristerat): Long-lasting methods that protect for weeks or months.

4. Implants and IUDs: Low-maintenance and effective for several years. Safe for breastfeeding mothers, too.

All of these are approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and used safely by millions of women around the world.

Unlike homemade mixtures, these methods are tested, monitored, and proven to work.

Safe Sex: Protecting Yourself Beyond Pregnancy

Contraception isn’t just about preventing pregnancy, it’s also about protecting your overall sexual health.

Practicing safe sex helps you avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and HIV.

Here’s how to keep yourself and your partner safe:

• Use condoms every time, they’re the only method that prevents both pregnancy and STIs.

• Get tested regularly for infections.

• Limit your number of sexual partners and practice mutual monogamy.

• Don’t ignore symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, or rashes.

• Avoid sharing sex toys and keep them clean.

• Talk openly with your partner about sexual health and contraceptive choices.

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