When it comes to contraception, most of us tend to rely on pharmaceuticals. But did you know that nature has its own solutions?
For centuries, indigenous peoples in Africa and India have been using neem oil as a contraceptive. And recent studies have shown that neem oil is a powerful spermicidal agent, making it an effective and natural way to prevent pregnancy.
But is it safe? And how exactly does it work?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits and risks of using neem oil on your vagina as a contraceptive method. So, if you’re curious about this natural alternative to traditional birth control, keep reading!
Can I Use Neem Oil On My Vagina?
Yes, you can use neem oil on your vagina as a contraceptive method. According to Dr. Neelam, a professor at the Department of Prasuti Tantra, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, both neem paste and neem oil can be used as effective deterrents of pregnancy. They have to be applied locally on the vagina before sexual intercourse.
When neem oil is applied inside the vagina, it successfully averts pregnancy by making human sperms completely immobile within 30 seconds of contact with the oil. This makes it an effective and natural way to prevent pregnancy without any adverse effects on fertility.
Furthermore, regular usage of neem oil is a cheap and effective method to prevent pregnancy. It causes no irritation or discomfort as chemical-based spermicidal foams do, rather it doubles as a lubricant and even offers an added degree of protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
However, it’s important to note that neem oil has a pungent scent that takes getting used to, especially when used intimately. When combined with normal body juices, the effect is a pleasant funk that dissipates before it can be a distraction.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work As A Contraceptive?
Neem oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, which is native to India and other parts of Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In recent years, neem oil has been studied for its potential use as a contraceptive. Studies have shown that neem oil can immobilize sperm cells within 20 to 30 seconds of contact, making it an effective pre-coital contraceptive.
When applied inside the vagina, neem oil creates a pre-implantation block in fertility by preventing fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus wall. In addition, neem oil has been shown to have no adverse effects on ovarian functions, and it does not affect the number of corpora lutea (structures in the ovaries that indicate ovulation).
Neem oil can also be used as a post-coital contraceptive. In one study, rats were injected with a small amount of neem oil in their uterine horns, resulting in long-term (up to 12 months) and reversible infertility without any adverse reactions.
The exact mechanism by which neem oil works as a contraceptive is still being studied, but it is believed that the oil’s effect on the immune system plays a role. Neem oil stimulates the body’s immune system to a degree where it kills sperm and rejects or resorbs embryos.
The Science Behind Neem Oil’s Spermicidal Properties
Neem oil has been proven to be a strong spermicidal agent both in vitro and in vivo studies. Undiluted neem oil was found to possess strong spermicidal action against rhesus monkey and human spermatozoa in vitro, making them totally immotile within 30 seconds of contact with the oil. In vivo studies in rats, rabbits, rhesus monkeys, and human volunteers showed that neem oil applied intravaginally before sexual intercourse prevented pregnancy in all the species.
Neem oil has also been found to have anti-implantation/abortifacient effect in rats and rabbits if applied intravaginally on day 2 to day 7 of expected pregnancy. The minimum effective dose is 25 μl for rats. One month after the stoppage of neem oil application there was complete reversibility in fertility in these animals. The histopathological studies on rats’ vagina, cervix, and uterus showed no ill effects of neem oil in these tissues.
In contrast, nonyl-phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol, a popular vaginal contraceptive cream, showed signs of severe irritant reaction in these tissues. Radioisotope studies indicated that neem oil was not absorbed from the vagina; it thus ruled out its possible systemic effects. Results of these studies indicate that neem oil is an “ideal” female contraceptive, being easily available, cheap, and nontoxic. Therefore, its mass acceptance is anticipated.
Another study conducted on the subject showed that neem could be just as effective if taken orally by mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. They were fed an extract of fresh green neem leaves (a bitter tonic), resulting in a 66.7 percent reduction in fertility after six weeks, 80 percent reduction after nine weeks and 100 percent after 11 weeks. The method is absolutely safe as it didn’t affect sperm production or sexual performance in the animals tested. They regained their fertility in 4-6 weeks after the treatment was stopped.
Neem oil has the most diverse set of properties known to any oil. It is equally effective as a fungicide, bactericide, germicide, pesticide, and insecticide. It can also be used to treat skin related disorders such as acne, eczema and rashes, fungal infections such as ringworms, dandruff, and even as an organic pesticide or repellant.
Is Neem Oil Safe For Use On The Vagina?
Many people may wonder if neem oil is safe for use on the vagina. According to Dr. Neelam, there are no risks involved in using neem oil as a contraceptive, and if anything, it is beneficial for the vagina since it prevents infections of any type.
Neem oil is non-irritating and easy to use, making it a safe and natural option for those looking for an alternative to chemical-based contraceptives. It causes no irritation or discomfort and can even offer an added degree of protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
However, it’s important to note that infants have suffered complex sequelae, and even death from the internal use of neem, so it’s important to avoid giving neem supplements to children. Additionally, those who have impaired liver or kidney function should also take great caution as excess doses of seed or seed supplements may be toxic.
Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend against the use of neem if the person suffers from obvious wasting or fatigue. Neem can be a potent scent throughout the body, which may result in discomfort for cultures and couples who engage in oral sex.
How To Use Neem Oil As A Contraceptive Method
Using neem oil as a contraceptive method is simple and easy. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Soak a cotton ball in neem oil.
2. Insert the cotton ball into the vagina, just long enough for the oil to absorb into the vaginal walls.
3. Remove the cotton ball and dispose of it.
This will prevent impregnation for up to 5 hours. It’s important to note that neem oil should be applied locally on the vagina before sexual intercourse.
Neem oil is a safe and effective contraceptive method, both pre and post-coital. During in vitro experiments, neem oil totally immobilized sperm cells within 20 to 30 seconds of being in contact with it. Additionally, neem oil remains active for five hours in the vagina, making it an ideal choice for preventing pregnancy.
Other Benefits Of Neem Oil For Vaginal Health
Apart from its contraceptive properties, neem oil has several other benefits for vaginal health. It can be used to prevent and treat various infections of the vagina.
Neem oil is known to possess antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it an effective treatment for a range of vaginal infections. It can help in treating conditions such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections like herpes and gonorrhea.
In addition to its antimicrobial properties, neem oil also acts as a natural moisturizer for the vagina. It helps in keeping the vaginal walls hydrated and supple, preventing dryness and itching. This makes it an ideal remedy for women who experience vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes or menopause.
Moreover, neem oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in reducing inflammation and swelling in the vaginal area. It can also help in soothing irritation and discomfort caused by various vaginal infections.
Potential Side Effects And Precautions To Consider
While neem oil is generally safe for adult use, there are some potential side effects and precautions to consider before using it on your vagina.
Firstly, taking neem seeds or oil by mouth is likely unsafe for children, as serious side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, seizures, brain disorders, and even death can occur. Pregnant women should also avoid taking neem oil or bark orally, as it can cause a miscarriage. Not enough is known about the safety of neem during breastfeeding, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it.
If you have an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, it’s best to avoid using neem as it can cause the immune system to become more active and worsen symptoms. For those with diabetes, neem may lower blood sugar levels too much and interfere with medication doses. If you’re trying to conceive or have reduced fertility, avoid using neem as it may harm sperm and reduce fertility.
For those who have had an organ transplant or are scheduled for surgery, neem may interfere with medications used to prevent organ rejection or blood sugar control during and after surgery. It’s important to stop using neem at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
While neem oil is generally considered safe for topical use on the vagina, it’s important to patch test first to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. Additionally, if you experience any discomfort or irritation after using neem oil on your vagina, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare provider.
