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What Doesn't Work for Birth Control

You may have grown up hearing about different ways to avoid pregnancy. Some may provide good protection with consistent, proper use (such as condoms), some may reduce the risk but are not considered an effective reliable approach to contraception (such as "withdrawal") , and some don't work at all.

You may be uncertain about what is myth and what is reality. (Does douching with coca-cola work?) Don't hesitate to talk with a clinical counselor who can help you determine what are effective contraceptive methods and what are NOT.

These are NOT reliable methods:

  • Withdrawal
  • Withholding orgasm
  • Urinating after sex
  • Douching after sex
  • Showering after sex
  • Holding knees together
  • Jumping up & down
  • Wishing & hoping
  • Denial: “It can’t happen to me”