10 foods people think act as contraceptives but don't

A tweet that has since been deleted, claimed that there are off-book methods of preventing pregnancy despite the wide range of medically approved products.

However, the off-book methods are appealing because of their natural appeal. This makes them even more dangerous because some of them are part of our daily meals and are harmless in the current state we consume them.

Unintended pregnancy can be scary and without professional help can lead to unsafe options that can be fatal or leave irreversible damage.

These foods range from pawpaws to highly toxic flowers. No medical practitioner has approved any of them and claims that they work are dubious.

Cosmopolitan talked to Robin Watkins, a women’s-health nurse practitioner and director of health care at Power to Decide, and Ryan Marino, MD, a medical toxicologist about these foods.

Don't miss harmful food combinations to look out for.

1. Papaya

Papaya Pulse

A report from 1994 claimed that Indian women used papaya to prevent pregnancy and induce abortion. It claimed that the enzyme papain in papaya suppresses progesterone which is essential for preparing the uterus for conception and sustaining the pregnancy.

It does not prevent pregnancy and might be harmful if you're allergic.

2. Neem

Neem Pulse

The tweet suggested that injecting neem into your uterus prevents pregnancy. Not only is this false, but it can also hurt your health.

Neem is a prominent ingredient in plant pesticides. Trying to inject yourself at home without medical supervision can be dangerous.

3. Asafoetida/Devil's Dung

Asafoetida Pulse

This plant contains coumarins which are the most common rat poison. They can induce haemorrhage, coma, and death when taken unprescribed.

4. Figs

Figs Pulse

Doesn't prevent pregnancy and might cause harm if you're allergic.

5. Ginger

Ginger Pulse

Doesn't prevent pregnancy and might cause harm if you're allergic.

6. Smartweed

Smartweed Pulse

Its toxicity in humans is not fully known but it is dangerous in animals like horses.

7. Wild yam

Wild yam Pulse

A very bitter taste is all you'll be left with from this plant. It doesn't prevent pregnancy and might be harmful if you're allergic.

8. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal Pulse

It increases the risk of liver toxicity and death when ingested in any amount.

9. Black cohosh

Black Cohosh Pulse

The National Institute of Health says this ingredient is linked to liver damage.

10. Angelica

Angelica Pulse

Side effects include fever, high blood pressure, and hemorrhage according to information from Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Other foods you should avoid when it comes to contraception include:

Pineapple
Apricot
Cinnamon
Juniper Berries
Parsley
Vitamin C supplements

Parsely Pulse

Juniper Berries Pulse

Apricot Pulse

Conclusion

There are no approved herbs or 'other' medications for birth control. Sexual reproduction and other health issues need to be addressed with medical practitioners present. Approved contraceptives of various kinds are available at pharmacies and hospitals. If you are facing side effects talk to your doctor to explore other options.

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