Some people may wish to kill or remove semen after sex. However, once semen enters the cervix through the vaginal canal, there is no scientifically proven way to remove it.
There are a few ways to safely clean the vagina and the areas around it after sex. However, if someone wishes to avoid becoming pregnant, they should seek appropriate medical advice.
In this article, we look at how to clean the vagina after having sex and how effective this may be in removing semen. We also discuss how to prevent pregnancy using birth control.
The vagina is a flexible canal that connects the vaginal opening to the cervix. People often confuse the vagina with the vulva, which is the external part of the female genitalia.
The vagina is self-cleaning, and there is no need to clean it after having sex. However, this might be some people’s preference.
There are several possible ways to do this. The most straightforward way is to wash the vaginal area gently with warm water.
The American Sexual Health Association recommends using mild, unscented soap around the vaginal area. It is best to avoid perfumed soaps as these can cause irritation by disturbing the pH level of the vagina.
Some people may consider douching the vagina, which involves squirting a jet of water into it with a shower douche or bottle. However, doctors do
Learn more about ways to clean the vagina.
Some people may want to remove semen from their vagina after sex because they believe this is more hygienic or can prevent pregnancy.
Semen is a combination of fluids that contains
Semen enters the uterus within minutes of ejaculation and can live inside the vagina for up to 7 days. Once sperm enters the uterus, there is no scientifically proven way to remove it.
Between a few minutes and several hours after intercourse, some fluid may come out of the vagina. Although this may contain sperm, it mainly consists of a mixture of proteins and vitamins from ejaculation.
Although anecdotal evidence suggests there are ways to remove semen from the vagina, there is no scientific proof to support these claims. Some of the proposed techniques include:
- Urination: Some people incorrectly believe that urinating after sex can flush out sperm from the vagina. However, as urine comes out of a small hole called the urethra, urinating will not remove sperm from the vagina.
- Showering or douching: People may shower or douche to try to remove semen from their vagina, but this is unlikely to work, as the water will be unable to reach the semen in the uterus.
- Bathing: Having a bath to remove semen will not work either, as the water will not reach the uterus.
- Vinegar: Some people believe that inserting vinegar into the vagina may kill sperm due to vinegar’s high level of acidity. There is no scientific evidence to prove this, and putting vinegar into the vagina may lead to irritation.
There is little evidence to suggest an effective way of removing semen from the vagina.
People wishing to prevent pregnancy after having sex without birth control need to contact a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe emergency contraception, such as Plan B.
Plan B, also called the morning-after pill, stops the ovary from releasing an egg. It is possible to take Plan B up to 72 hours after sex, but taking it earlier is more effective.
There are
People typically use hormonal and nonhormonal birth control methods, but some individuals may also consider natural or surgical strategies.
- Hormonal methods: Hormonal methods of contraception include the pill, the mini pill, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs). Although these differ in terms of dosage and administration, they all contain hormones that typically prevent ovulation.
- Nonhormonal methods: A few nonhormonal methods of contraception are available for people who cannot or do not wish to use hormonal methods. These include male and female condoms, diaphragms, and nonhormonal IUDs.
- Natural methods: Some people may choose natural processes, such as abstinence, which is when a person chooses not to have sex. People may choose abstinence for religious or personal reasons.
- Surgical methods: To prevent pregnancy, some people may consider a permanent method. Tubal ligation involves cutting and tying the fallopian tubes. This procedure can
prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg.
People who wish to take birth control can discuss their options with a doctor to determine which method may be best for them. Some are more effective than others in preventing pregnancy.
However, the only guaranteed way to avoid getting pregnant is abstinence.
Learn more about birth control options.
Below are some answers to common questions about how to get sperm out of the body fast.
Does urine flush out sperm?
Some people claim that urine helps flush out sperm from the vagina after sex. However, while peeing after sex can flush bacteria out of the urethra and help prevent urinary tract infections, it will not remove sperm from the vagina.
How can you get sperm out of your body?
Once semen has entered the cervix, there is no scientifically proven way to remove it. Urinating, showering, bathing, or using vinegar are purely anecdotal methods of removing semen from the vagina after sex. Research does not support their effectiveness, and some of these approaches may cause irritation.
If someone prefers to clean their vagina and vulva after sex, the safest way to do so is with unscented soap and warm water.
Some people claim that urinating, showering, bathing, or using vinegar may help remove semen. However, once semen passes through the cervix, there is no scientifically proven way to remove it.
To try to avoid becoming pregnant after having sex without birth control, a person can contact their doctor about emergency contraception.
There are many hormonal, nonhormonal, natural, and surgical methods to try to prevent pregnancy. People can discuss which method might be best for them with a doctor.