The myth about whether pineapple can prevent pregnancy is often questioned by couples who are not ready to have children. The reason is, pineapple is believed by some people as a fruit that can thwart pregnancy. However, what are the real facts?
Pineapple, especially young pineapple, is believed to prevent pregnancy. Pineapple is considered to contain substances that can inhibit fertilization between sperm cells and egg cells in the uterus, so that pregnancy does not occur.
Can Pineapple Prevent Pregnancy? These are the Facts
This belief also makes women who desire babies and expect pregnancy to avoid consuming young pineapples for fear of not getting pregnant. So, is it true that pineapple can prevent pregnancy?
The Facts Behind the Question Can Pineapple Prevent Pregnancy
Until now, there has been no scientific research that can prove that pineapple can prevent pregnancy. Therefore, this method is considered ineffective in preventing pregnancy, especially for couples who do not want to have children but are already actively having sex.
Pineapple does contain bromelain which can cause stomach cramps and is often mistaken for menstrual symptoms. This is what makes people believe that pineapple can prevent pregnancy.
Pineapple is actually good for consumption for women who are preparing for pregnancy because it can be a good source of folate. Folate should be taken at least 400 mcg daily before becoming pregnant through 12 weeks of gestation.
How to prevent pregnancy besides eating pineapple
Compared to just relying on pineapple consumption, there are ways to prevent pregnancy that are known to be more effective, namely:
Condom
Condoms can be used by both men and women. These contraceptives are usually made of latex and are able to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms also function to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Family planning pills
Birth control pills are one way to prevent pregnancy that contains female hormones. These pills work by preventing the release of the egg (ovulation) and thickening the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg. Birth control pills are generally taken every day under the doctor's instructions.
Spiral KB
The IUD, also known as spiral birth control, is a small T-shaped contraceptive that is inserted into the uterus. The IUD works by inhibiting the movement of sperm to the uterus to prevent fertilization and pregnancy.
Other ways to prevent pregnancy are removing the penis before ejaculation, calculating the date of ovulation, using implanted birth control, or taking emergency contraceptive pills.
Communicate with your partner which way to prevent pregnancy is most suitable for use according to your needs and health condition, because each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
So, it can be concluded that pineapple cannot prevent pregnancy. Pineapple is actually good for pregnant women who are preparing for pregnancy because of its folate content. Pineapple can also be consumed during pregnancy in the last trimester to help with the delivery process.
The truth that pineapple can prevent pregnancy has not been scientifically proven. We recommend that couples who do not want to have children but are already actively having sex use ways to prevent pregnancy that have been proven to be effective.
Instead of relying on eating pineapple alone to prevent pregnancy, you better consult a doctor to find out the most appropriate way to prevent pregnancy.