It’s a legitimate question: does hand sanitizer kill sperm? While the answer that most people want to hear is yes, the issue is more complicated than that.
Since most hand sanitizers contain alcohol, exposure can potentially dry out and break down sperm cells. That being said, it is unlikely that using hand sanitizer could be considered an effective form of birth control because it must be used properly and in large amounts in order to see any effect on sperm.
Paired with the fact that sperm can live up to seven days in the right environment and conditions inside a female’s body, relying solely on hand sanitizer as a contraceptive method would not be wise or effective.
Bigger question:
What are the ill effects of using hand sanitizer as birth control, specifically, if it is in intimate contact with both bodies?
The use of hand sanitizer as a form of birth control has been recently gaining traction, which is unfortunate. There are serious ill effects associated with it.
When hand sanitizer enters the female body, it is not a welcomed bunch of foreign chemicals. Hand sanitizers can cause yeast infections or may lead to an imbalance of natural pH levels in the body. This is because it dries out the delicate membranes, and is in no way shape or form supposed to be used in such a location on any human body.
The use of hand sanitizer to eliminate sperm can also decrease the effectiveness of other forms of contraception that are taken orally, such as the pill, because it changes the pH environment of the area it touches.
Furthermore, if not all parts of the body have been properly cleaned, then it is possible to introduce bacteria or other microorganisms into the system which could cause a variety of infections, some of which may be difficult to treat.
It is for these reasons that it is important to discuss effective and safe alternatives with your doctor.
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What are the health concerns of using hand sanitizers in general since most are laced with chemicals that are not good to have absorbed into the bloodstream?
Just because every business and doctor’s office and school seem to push hand sanitizer on its unsuspecting patrons, patients and students, it does not mean this is a healthy practice. It is good you are doing your research so you can make the best decisions for yourself.
In fact, using hand sanitizer on a regular basis is health degrading. Here are 3 reasons why you should say “No thank-you” the next time you are offered some:
1. Chemicals in hand sanitizer can be absorbed into the blood.
The chemicals in hand sanitizer can enter the body through the skin or by being inhaled. Once they are in the body, they can be absorbed into the blood. This is a concern because some of the chemicals in hand sanitizers are linked to health problems.
2. Some of the chemicals in hand sanitizer are linked to health problems.
The most concerning chemical in hand sanitizers is triclosan. Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that is linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and immune system suppression. Additionally, triclosan has been shown to increase the levels of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
3. There are ways to reduce the risk of absorbing chemicals from hand sanitizer.
There are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of absorbing chemicals from hand sanitizer:
-Choose a hand sanitizer that contains ethanol instead of triclosan.
-Apply a small amount of hand sanitizer to your hands and rub them together for 20 seconds before rinsing off with water.
-Avoid using hand sanitizers that contain fragrance, as these can increase the amount of chemicals that are absorbed into the body.
If you love your hand sanitizer and do not want to give up the habit, look for brands that do not contain harmful chemicals like this one:
Lemyn Organics Medical Grade Hand Sanitizer Gel
Good things to know about Lemyn more natural hand sanitizer:
- 99.9999% effective against germs and bacteria causing illness
- Works in as little as 15 seconds
- Clinically Proven to be safe for sensitive skin for Ages 3 to 99+ – Dermatologist Tested – Hypoallergenic
- Moisturizing and Deeply Hydrating, Leaving Hands Feeling Super Silky – Vegan and Cruelty-Free – pleasant all-natural citrus scent
- 97% Organic Ingredients, 70% v/v USDA Organic Sugar-Cane Ethyl Alcohol, Green-Certified, USDA Certified Biobased Product 100%
- No harmful Impurities or Carcinogens – Non-Toxic. Every Batch is tested by an independent Lab. Made in California, USA, in certified OTC Facility
- 8 FL.OZ. with PUMP (PACK OF 4)
- Highly rated on Amazon
Using hand sanitizer in general is not a good idea to replace hand washing, or to use frequently at all. It kills the natural biome of the skin, dries it out and can cause negative health effects.
Hand sanitizer can help in a pinch, but it’s important to limit its use to specific times. Being too reliant on these products can do far more harm than good, especially if you start relying on it for birth control. Please do not do this.
Frequent use of hand sanitizers in general removes beneficial bacteria from the skin and disrupts the natural biome. This can lead to dryness and inflammation, as well as create an environment for infections and make it easier for norovirus to spread.
The best advice is always wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly–it’s a much safer option in terms of health and hygiene.
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