MYTH: Douching with Coca Cola will prevent pregnancy

FACT: Definitely not!

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The myth that Coca Cola can kill sperm has been around for longer than many modern contraceptive methods. It became part of urban folklore in the 1950s and 1960s in America, at a time when contraception was hard to come by.

It was believed that the acid and sugar within the drink would act as a spermicide, and that you could use the bottle of Coca Cola as an easy to use douche, swirling the bottle to propel the liquid inside the vagina.

This is completely untrue and can actually cause harm to the vagina. Douching is not an effective contraceptive method. Sperm can move incredibly quickly, once past the cervix it cannot be removed by washing or cleaning the vaginal canal.

The most worrying part of this myth is the Coca Cola itself – it is so acidic, it can remove rust from metal, so imagine what it can do to your vagina!

Vaginal tissue is incredibly sensitive and has a delicate balance of bacteria maintaining its health. Coca Cola can wash this all away and leaves behind sugar which can lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis or worse.

Conclusion – don’t put Coke in your vagina!

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Image: Coca-Cola advert “Hospitality in Your Hands” (1948)