Does douching after sex prevent a girl from getting pregnant? – Clara* No. Douching does not prevent pregnancy. Sperm swim very fast and many reach the uterus before a girl even begins to douche. Also, douching can actually push sperm into the uterus. If you decide to have sex, use reliable birth control. Some birth control methods are better at stopping pregnancy than others. For example, birth control pills and the IUD are very good at preventing pregnancy when used properly. No matter which birth control method you choose, also use condoms to help prevent STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Condoms used alone also can help prevent pregnancy, but they're not as reliable as some other birth control methods. Talk to your doctor or go to a local clinic (like Planned Parenthood) to find out what birth control option is best for you. *Names have been changed to protect user privacy. Back to Articles Related Articles Birth Control Methods: How Well Do They Work? Some birth control methods work better than others. This chart compares how well different birth control methods work. Read More STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) You've probably heard lots of discouraging news about sexually transmitted diseases. The good news is that STDs can be prevented. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More About Birth Control Before you consider having sex, you need to know how to protect yourself. Read this article to get the basics on birth control. Read More Feeling Fresh Wondering what you can do to feel as clean as possible "down there"? Read this article for the facts on douches, wipes, and other feminine hygiene products. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.