Is it really possible to dodge pregnancy just by urinating right after sex? You’d be shocked how many women across Nigeria—and even some men—cling to this widely shared myth. But what’s the shocking truth behind this belief, and why are experts calling it not just misleading, but dangerous?
Picture this: a friend circles round during a girls’ hangout in Abuja, lowers her voice, and swears that a quick dash to the toilet after romance is all it takes to keep unwanted pregnancy at bay. She’s so confident—almost like a market woman haggling for the last pomo, she refuses to budge! Yet, behind this streetwise assurance lies a risky misinformation that, according to leading Nigerian gynaecologists, puts many women directly in harm’s way.
The Explosive Misconception: Can Urinating After Sex Prevent Pregnancy?
According to health professionals, urinating after sexual intercourse has zero impact on whether you become pregnant or not. In fact, experts have reportedly warned that this habit—passed around like age-old village gossip—only gives a false sense of security, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies and, by extension, unsafe abortions in Nigeria. That’s a heavy price for believing what is simply a myth.
Why Does This Myth Persist?
From marketplaces in Surulere to student dorms in Jos, stories fly around about quick fixes—some say urinating, others recommend all sorts of drinks, or strange postures right after intimacy. But according to Professor Aniekan Abasiattai, a respected Obstetrics and Gynaecology consultant at the University of Uyo, these so-called post-sex hacks are “absolutely baseless.”
As he explained, “The track for urination and the path that sperm follows to meet the egg are entirely different for women. There’s no scientific connection—none at all.” Sound familiar? It’s like pouring water on a fire that’s burning next door—no effect, my dear.
Understanding the Science: Sperm vs. Urine—Different Routes Entirely
To paint a clear picture: when a woman urinates, the fluid leaves the body through the urethra—a small tube entirely separate from the vagina, where sperm is deposited during intercourse. These two do not meet, mix, or “flush” each other out—no matter if you urinate immediately, thrice, or even a hundred times after sex. That’s direct from Professor Abasiattai, whose decades of reproductive health research in Nigeria’s south-south region give him the authority to state categorically that “there’s no relationship between the urinary tract and conception.”
- The Urinary Tract: responsible for removing liquid waste from your body.
- The Reproductive Tract: the pathway for eggs and sperm, and where conception actually happens.
So next time someone assures you that your “plenty runs” to the toilet is an emergency contraceptive, you can gently correct them—it’s simply not true. According to Professor Chris Aimakhu, an expert at the University of Ibadan, “Urination after sex does not prevent pregnancy—period.”
Not Just a Myth—A Risk to Women’s Health
These dangerous misconceptions can have serious real-world effects. Regular reliance on this myth, as reported by leading Nigerian doctors, increases not only unplanned pregnancies but also the heartbreaking rise of unsafe abortion and maternal complications.
Think of young school leavers or market women who, lacking access to health education or reliable contraception, lean on these urban legends only to find themselves in distressing situations. This isn’t just a Lagos problem; it’s a national public health challenge, as more women unknowingly put their well-being at risk due to hearsay.
Does Urinating Prevent STIs or UTIs After Sex?
Even when it comes to infections, the story isn’t as clear-cut as people assume. Professor Abasiattai pointed out that there’s currently no rigorous scientific evidence supporting the idea that urinating after intercourse directly prevents urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections. The urinary and reproductive tracts are simply too distinct. Yes, health guidelines may recommend urinating after sex to reduce the risk of some minor infections, but as for pregnancy—forget it, abeg!
Pregnancy Prevention: Only Medically Approved Contraceptives Work
Let’s put things plainly: contraception remains the only proven method for preventing pregnancy outside of abstinence. This is not just Western science; it’s universally recognized by global health bodies like the World Health Organization and is echoed in communities worldwide.
According to Professor Abasiattai, contraception refers to “the prevention of pregnancy using means other than abstinence.” These can be grouped into two:
- Natural/Traditional Methods: Periodic abstinence (timing sex based on the woman’s cycle), withdrawal, breastfeeding (lactational amenorrhea), and natural family planning.
- Modern Methods:
- Hormonal: Pills, injectables, implants
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Inserted into the womb, preventing fertilisation
- Permanents: Tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men
Each method has its own way of working, but the goal is the same: to stop sperm from meeting the egg. As Professor Aimakhu asserts, “Urination is not a form of contraception.”
Why Do These Myths Survive in Nigerian Society?
Some of these beliefs are woven into our culture, whispered from one generation to the next like precious family secrets. Lack of frank conversations about reproductive health—whether in schools, at home, or even in church—fuel confusion. In many communities, shy conversations (“don’t let anybody hear!”) lead to relying more on what a friend said than what a professional explains.
“Many people hold on to these ideas because of culture or hearsay,” noted Professor Aimakhu. “But scientifically, urination after sex is totally ineffective as contraception.” You see, this isn’t just a matter of textbook knowledge—it’s about protecting real Nigerian women and families from needless hardship.
Local Voices, Local Impact: Is There a Way Forward?
According to Lagos-based reproductive health nurse, Mrs. Bukky Oduntan, women who come to clinics with unplanned pregnancies often confess they leaned on myths rather than seeking verified information. She urges community leaders and health workers across West Africa to “challenge these beliefs with compassion and facts, not ridicule,” as shame keeps misinformation alive.
- Parents: Talk openly about reproductive health and contraception, don’t be shy. Holding back helps no one.
- Schools: Comprehensive sex education is key—no more tiptoeing around reality.
- Community Leaders: Use platforms (from churches to market meetings) to bust harmful myths and share truths.
While Nigeria is not alone in dealing with such myths—similar beliefs pop up across Africa—the challenge here is more urgent due to a high maternal mortality rate and young population. Learning the truth, and spreading it, can help save lives.
The Final Word: Fact Over Fiction
In summary, urinating after sex will not—and cannot—prevent pregnancy. Nigerian health experts, backed by global research, have repeatedly stressed that contraception is the only effective way. As the Yoruba say, “A stitch in time saves nine.” Don’t let fables endanger your future when real, safe options abound.
Is it high time we changed these conversations in our homes and communities? What other health myths have you heard making the rounds in your area?
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