Birth Control Myth: Urinating After Sex Prevents Pregnancy

If you are trying to prevent pregnancy, you've probably heard a number of different birth control myths. For example, the pull-out method is not a full-proof way to prevent pregnancy. What about urinating after sexual intercourse? Can this help flush out the semen and prevent you from getting pregnant?

Can You Prevent Pregnancy by Urinating After Sex?

Note that urinating after sexual intercourse is not a way to prevent pregnancy. For years, it has been a fairly common myth that this method can work as a form of birth control, but the truth is that urinating has absolutely nothing to with stopping the sperm from reaching an egg. Here's why.

When you have unprotected sexual intercourse, the semen enters the vagina. This is in no way related to the urethra, which is where the urine is released. While many women will have the urge to urinate after they have sexual intercourse due to the pressure that is placed on their bladder, this has absolutely nothing to do with semen.

On a similar note, it is important to keep in mind that anything related to trying to "rinse" the semen away will not prevent pregnancy. Taking a bath or shower and/or douching after you have had sex will not reduce the risk of conception. The semen has entered the vagina and is already traveling, on its ways to reaching the egg.

Why Should You Urinate After Sex Then?

Urinating after sexual intercourse is still highly recommended, even though it does not reduce the risk of pregnancy. In fact, you should do it each and every time you have sex. You can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing E. coli from entering the urethra, which can occur during sexual intercourse. Though urinating after sex does not play a role in pregnancy prevention, it does help prevent uncomfortable UTIs.

Ultimately, it is important to keep in mind that urinating after sex is not a way to prevent pregnancy. If you do not wish to become pregnant, it is ideal to consider a method of contraception, such as the birth control pill or the birth control shot, and always use a condom. Women who are worried about becoming pregnant may want to consider taking the morning after pill. All of these methods of contraception, when used correctly, are very effective ways to prevent pregnancy. Urinating after sexual intercourse, however, is nothing more than a birth control myth.

Sources:

Sex, Etc., "I heard you can't get pregnant if you urinate (pee) after you have sex?"

WebMD, "Birth Control Myths."