Most myths surrounding the sexual and reproductive health of women are based on superstition, lack of scientific knowledge, stigma and gender-based discrimination hence, it is important to debunk the prevailing myths because otherwise the problem may be treated for a while but it would continue to recur with increasing severity.
Below are some of the prevalent contraceptive myths and habits in Nigeria:
Can Ampiclox Prevent Pregnancy ?
Ampiclox belongs to the group of medicines called ‘antibiotics’ used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is a ‘broad-spectrum antibiotic’ which treats bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, bones, lungs, and post-operative wound infections.
There is a crucial and urgent need to halt the ongoing widespread reliance and use of ampicillin‐cloxacillin (Ampiclox®) as an emergency contraceptive among young women in Nigeria, we even wrote an article on this . One capsule of branded ampicillin‐cloxacillin taken after unprotected sex is misconstrued to be effective against conception
Ampiclox is an antibiotic, meaning it kills bacteria and not sperm cells and the resulting pregnancy will NOT be harmed by it. Ampiclox is an antibiotic and CAN NOT prevent pregnancy.
Can Gin Prevent Pregnancy ?
Alcohol consumed after intercourse (or before intercourse) does NOT KILL SPERM and therefore does not act as a contraceptive. Alcohol can increase a woman’s likelihood of having intercourse without using a contraceptive and alcohol can increase a man’s likelihood not to use a condom or to wait until they get a condom. Also, a woman is more likely to be assaulted sexually if she, he or both he and she are under the influence of alcohol. So ultimately, no, gin cannot prevent pregnancy…AT All.
Can Andrews Liver Salt Prevent Pregnancy ?
Andrew liver salt is an antacid that can control the levels of acid in the stomach. It works by either neutralising stomach acid that helps to aid digestion, increasing its pH or bl, or blocking the secretion of acid by gastric cells to reduce acidity in the stomach.
Can Andrew liver salt prevent pregnancy? No!
Andrews liver salt cannot prevent pregnancy. It is neither a spermicide nor a contraceptive. Andrews Liver salt is an antacid, and a subtract of a laxative. It does not contain any properties of a contraceptive or a spermicide. Thus, Andrews liver salt will not wash out sperm after sex.
Can Salt & Water Solution Prevent Pregnancy ?
Does salt prevent pregnancy? The answer is no.
However, this does not mean that drinking salty solutions does not affect one’s health. Drinking salty water regularly will almost certainly lead to hypertension. It also increases the risk of poor blood pressure control. Moreover, regular intake of large amounts of salt is harmful for your kidneys.
Many women do not like to use contraceptive pills for many reasons, for instance, allergies or weight gain. However, salt and water solution will not save you from unwanted pregnancy. Neither salt nor water can prevent conception, when you drink salt solution, it does not even get to the reproductive system.
Can Alabukun Prevent Pregnancy ?
“Alabukun” is a local analgesic in powder form which contains 760mg acetylsalicylic acid and 60mg caffeine as active ingredients and works by suppressing the production of prostaglandins; antagonising the adenosine receptors hence it’s used for pain, fever, heart attack, fatigue, migraine, prevention of blood clots, apnea of prematurity, back pain, rheumatic pain, toothache and other conditions.
In Nigeria, the drug is used improperly for all manner of conditions including unsafe contraceptive practices. However, Alabukun is NOT a contraceptive
The drug is combined with a large number of other concoctions for the purpose of preventing and terminating pregnancies. Apart from the fact that these concoctions don’t work, they also pose a great danger to the health of the mother and the baby.
Side effects of the use of alabukun as a contraceptive include; marked renal and liver damage, increased blood pressure amongst others.
Can Carbonated Drinks Prevent Pregnancy ?
It is quite shocking that consumers have to be warned against the practice of douching with carbonated drinks of any kind after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It is believed that the acid and sugar within the drink would act as a spermicide
This unhealthy practice can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria via the deposit of sugar in the vagina. This can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. If you already have a vaginal infection, douching can push the bacteria causing the infection up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, all the contraceptive myths listed above will definitely not prevent pregnancy and can instead cause harm. It is vital to have access to information on proper contraceptive methods, doctors and best practices.
To get adequate information or explore contraception options available to you, chat with a doctor on the Whispa App today.
