How to prevent pregnancy after intercourse

Apr 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
In general, if one wishes to avoid pregnancy after intercourse, remedial measures may include promptly cleaning the genital area, avoiding further intercourse, taking oral contraceptives, inserting an intrauterine device (IUD), or undergoing tubal ligation. If pregnancy is not desired, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional directly. Additionally, consistent use of contraceptive methods in daily life can help reduce potential damage to the endometrium.

Generally, if one wishes to avoid pregnancy after intercourse, possible measures include timely cleaning, avoiding further intercourse, taking oral contraceptives, inserting an intrauterine device (IUD), or undergoing tubal ligation. If pregnancy is not desired, it is recommended to consult a qualified healthcare provider directly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Timely cleaning: After intercourse, women can promptly clean the external genitalia and vagina to remove sperm. Although this method is not highly reliable, cleaning may reduce the survival time of sperm in the vagina and thereby lower the chance of conception.

2. Avoiding further intercourse: Refraining from additional intercourse helps prevent more sperm from entering the uterus, thus reducing the risk of pregnancy. This is a simple and effective approach, especially when no other contraceptive methods are available.

3. Oral contraceptives: Within 72 hours after intercourse, emergency contraceptive pills—such as levonorgestrel tablets, medroxyprogesterone tablets, or norethisterone tablets—can be taken under medical guidance. These medications inhibit ovulation and prevent implantation of a fertilized egg, achieving contraception.

4. Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion: An IUD can be inserted into the uterine cavity, typically placed at the base of the cervix. It exerts pressure on the endometrium, thereby interfering with the implantation of a fertilized egg.

5. Tubal ligation: This surgical procedure involves blocking part or all of the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from traveling through the tubes to the uterus and thus avoiding fertilization and implantation, effectively preventing pregnancy.

In daily life, adopting proper contraceptive measures is also important to minimize potential damage to the endometrium.


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