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| - Last Updated on June 3, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
According to an article, consuming papaya after sex can help prevent pregnancy. It suggests you can use papaya for birth control. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
An article published on Herzindagi suggests using papaya for birth control. This website keeps publishing homemade remedies for various health conditions. These are, most of the time, not backed by science and just based on anecdotes.
Fact Check
Is consuming papaya a reliable birth control method?
No, not really. Consuming papaya for birth control is not a reliable method. The notion of using papaya for birth control is a myth without scientific support. Papaya contains the enzyme papain. This enzyme is thought to affect the hormone progesterone. However, there is no evidence that it can alter reproductive processes enough to prevent pregnancy.
We checked with Dr Saumya, Gynaecologist, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Patna, for her opinion on using papaya as a contraceptive method. She says, “There is no evidence to support this claim. Papaya contains papain, which allegedly interferes with hormones. But, the quantity of papain is not enough to have any meaningful contraceptive effect. Relying on papaya as a contraceptive method can lead to unintended pregnancies and potential health risks.”
She further states, “However, it’s essential to discuss the likely risks associated with unripe papaya consumption during pregnancy. Unripe papaya contains higher levels of papain and latex, which can stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labour. Also, latex can trigger allergic reactions and may be harmful in pregnancy. Therefore, I advise pregnant females to avoid consuming unripe papaya altogether. Instead, opt for ripe papaya and in moderation. Ripe papaya contains lower levels of papain and is generally considered safe during pregnancy.”
Why do people believe consuming papaya can prevent pregnancy?
The unripe or semi-ripe papaya is very rich in papain, which hinders progesterone. It is an important sex hormone responsible for preparing the uterus for conception and sustaining pregnancy. Another theory may be due to the fact that papain, also utilised in meat tenderization, might disrupt a crucial foetal development membrane.
Does consuming papaya prevent pregnancy?
No. Eating papaya in pregnancy cannot prevent conception effectively, because it lacks the necessary biochemical properties and concentrations to interfere with the reproductive process. Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which some believe can impact progesterone levels. But, the concentration is too low to have any significant effect on hormonal balance or reproductive functions. Effective contraception requires methods that reliably interrupt ovulation, fertilisation, or implantation, none of which papaya can achieve. Additionally, there is no clinical evidence supporting the use of papaya as a contraceptive. Relying on this myth can lead to unwanted pregnancies. Therefore, it is important to use scientifically validated contraceptive methods and consult with healthcare professionals for effective pregnancy prevention.
What does papaya contain that can allegedly prevent pregnancy?
Papaya is a nutritious fruit found in tropical countries, like India. Papaya contains several bioactive compounds such as:
- Papain: An enzyme believed to affect progesterone levels.
- Phytochemicals: Including carotenoids and flavonoids, which are beneficial for health but have no proven contraceptive effects.
- Vitamins and minerals: Such as vitamin C and folate, which support overall health but do not prevent pregnancy.
Nevertheless, eating papaya for birth control is not reliable and effective.There is very little research. The limited research is mostly carried out on animals or laboratory studies. We need more research on humans which is conclusive. But studies on humans present its own set of ethical and cultural dilemmas.
What are the proven ways to prevent pregnancy?
Ensuring effective contraception is important for reproductive health and family planning. Trusted methods to prevent pregnancy include:
- Contraceptive pills: Oral medications that prevent ovulation.
- Condoms: Barrier methods that prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Devices inserted into the uterus that prevent fertilisation.
- Implants and injections: Hormonal methods that prevent ovulation.
- Emergency contraception (Morning-after pill): Pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
- Sterilisation: Permanent methods such as tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men.
What are the consequences of using papaya as a contraceptive?
Eating ripe or unripe papaya to prevent pregnancy can lead to unintended pregnancies due to its ineffectiveness. This can have several consequences:
- Unplanned pregnancy: Resulting in emotional, financial, and social challenges.
- Delayed access to effective contraception: Leading to increased risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Health risks: Excessive consumption of papaya, especially unripe, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other health issues.
Is papaya safe during pregnancy?
Eating papaya while pregnant can be safe, but it’s important to choose ripe papaya with yellow skin. Ripe papaya is rich in nutrients like beta-carotene, choline, fibre, folate, potassium, and vitamins A, B, and C. These are beneficial during pregnancy. However, unripe or semi-ripe papaya with green or greenish yellow skin should be avoided. This is because it contains latex and papain that can trigger uterine contractions, possibly leading to early labour. Unripe papaya may also weaken membranes supporting the foetus and can be a common allergen. It’s best to discuss your diet with your doctor to ensure you’re making healthy choices during pregnancy.
We contacted Dr Aruna Kalra, Senior Gynecologist and Obstetrician at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, for her opinion on papaya during pregnancy. She says, “Eating papaya does not lead to abortion.”
Dr Kalra strongly debunks the popular myth regarding papaya during pregnancy. We would again like to point out, unripe or semi-ripe papaya may have a negative impact on pregnancy. But, it’s safe to eat ripe papaya during pregnancy. Just remember to practice moderation.
Dr Altamash Shaikh, Consultant Endocrinologist, Diabetologist, and Metabolic Super Specialist at Masina, Prince Aly Khan Hospital, Mumbai. “In various cultures and traditions, various dietary restrictions have been linked to pregnancy. Papaya is often a topic of discussion in relation to pregnancy. Consuming raw papaya may interfere with certain pregnancy hormones and could lead to uterine contractions, yet the effect is usually insufficient to result in abortion.”
By educating yourself about effective contraceptive methods and avoiding reliance on myths, you can manage your reproductive health much better. And, most importantly, prevent unwanted pregnancies. Always consult with your gynaecologist for correct information and safe practices.
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