You’ve probably heard that lying down after sex helps with pregnancy or that certain sex positions improve your ability to conceive.
There are many myths about sex, fertility, pregnancy, and other related topics floating around.
To avoid misconceptions, it’s crucial to verify the scientific basis for these beliefs.
Keep reading to learn whether or not peeing after sex affects conception, what it can do for you, and what actions you can take if you’re trying to conceive or trying to prevent pregnancy.
Does urinating after sex prevent conception?
No, peeing after sex won’t prevent pregnancy because pee comes from a place that is separate from where sperm cells enter.
As such, peeing cannot flush out any sperm from your vagina.
Your vaginal canal is an opening that a penis can penetrate and deposit sperm. Urine leaves your body through your urethra, a completely different and smaller opening located between the vaginal entrance and the clitoris.
Peeing after sex should not be relied upon as a form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. It is advisable to select a method endorsed by research and approved by a healthcare professional.
These include:
- Birth control implants
- Birth control pills
- Diaphragms
- Internal or external condoms
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Birth control shots
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Should you pee after sex if you’re trying to conceive?
If you’re trying to get pregnant (TTC), you might have heard that peeing right after doing the deed lowers your chances of conceiving. The good news is that this saying is just a myth.
Peeing after coitus doesn’t lower or increase your chances of getting pregnant.
The force of ejaculation is considerably stronger than the effect of gravity when you get up to urinate.
This is why you can get pregnant without remaining lying down after sex.
Plus, the number of sperm in the ejaculate of a normal male can be up to 150 million. So, even if some semen drips out of you when you stand up, there is still a huge chance that a good number of sperm cells will enter your uterus.
Also, as explained earlier, semen enters through a different location from where you pee. So, the two fluids shouldn’t affect each other.
If you’re hoping to conceive, try the following simple tips:
Have sex frequently
Couples that engage in sexual activity daily or every other day have the highest likelihood of pregnancy.
Have sex just before ovulation
You only release an egg once in every cycle (usually once a month). So there is a very small window during which you can get pregnant.
Normal menstrual cycles last for 23 to 35 days, with an average of 28 days.
The day you start your period is counted as day one. In a woman with a 28-day cycle, ovulation usually happens on day 14.
However, cycles vary from woman to woman. If you’re trying to get pregnant, take time to know your cycle.
Having sex more frequently around your ovulation period increases the chances of conceiving.
Avoid smoking
In addition to harming your overall health and the health of the fetus, the FDA reports that smoking has numerous damaging effects on fertility.
If you struggle with smoking, ask your doctor for help with quitting before you start trying to conceive.
Don’t drink alcohol
Research shows that increased alcohol use may reduce fertility. In general, it’s better to stay away from alcohol if you’re trying to get pregnant.
Don’t overdo it with hard work
While exercise is beneficial for health in various ways, difficult and intense physical activity for more than one hour per day has been linked to a reduction in ovulation.
Speak with a doctor
Discuss preconception planning with your doctor. They will be able to evaluate your general health and help you identify adjustments that could increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Does urinating after sex prevent STIs?
No, urination after sex cannot help you prevent STIs. STIs affect the reproductive organs. In women, this includes the vagina, cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes.
Since the urinary opening is separate from the vaginal opening, peeing after sex will not flush bacteria or viruses out of the vagina. So, it cannot reduce the risk of contracting STIs.
The best way to avoid STIs is to use barrier contraceptives, such as condoms.
Benefits of peeing after sexual intercourse
Sex can introduce harmful germs into the urethra through friction and touch, so having sexual relations can raise your risk of developing a UTI.
This is why it makes sense for women to wee after intercourse. In essence, urine flow can help flush bacteria from your urethra and lower your chances of getting a UTI.
Other ways to reduce your chances of getting a UTI include wiping your genitals from front to back after using the toilet, not using harsh soaps on your private area, not holding your pee for too long, drinking enough water daily, and drinking cranberry juice.
Conclusion
Urinating after sex won’t reduce your chances of conceiving or protect you from STIs.
Remember that it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions regarding any symptoms you experience after engaging in sexual activity.
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