Dear lovinyou22,

No. Rinsing the vagina — whether it's with water, douche, or any other kind of liquid — after unprotected intercourse will NOT reduce the risk of pregnancy. In fact, if a woman does douche after intercourse, there's a possibility that it may actually push the sperm further up through the cervix, making it even easier for sperm to join with an egg.

Pregnancy can happen any time ejaculate ("cum") or pre-ejaculate ("pre-cum") is spilled inside the vagina or on or near the vulva. The only way to be sure of a pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test. If a woman is worried that she might be pregnant, the first thing she needs to do is find out for sure if she is — by either taking a home pregnancy test or by going to a health clinic for confidential testing. Women who use home pregnancy tests need to be sure to follow exactly the directions on the package.

Call 1-800-230-PLAN to schedule an appointment for a pregnancy test at a Planned Parenthood near you.

Teens who have vaginal intercourse need to make choices about birth control. There are many options. To learn about your birth control options, check out Birth Control.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.