A surprising claim has taken social media by storm after model Any Awuada, also known as Nayara Macedo, stated that urinating immediately after sex prevents pregnancy. The video, amassing millions of views, was posted in response to a follower suggesting she might have a child with soccer star Neymar, whom she claims to have hooked up with at a party in São Paulo on March 10, 2025. Awuada, who gained attention following an interview with journalist Léo Dias on March 14, argued that her post-sex bathroom habit eliminates any chance of conception. Medical experts have swiftly debunked this notion, labeling it a baseless myth with no scientific grounding. In 2024, approximately 30% of contraception-related searches in Brazil involved unfounded folk remedies, highlighting the persistence of misinformation online. This incident underscores the urgent need for reliable reproductive health education in a country where 55% of pregnancies are unintended, according to recent statistics.
The viral moment stems from Awuada’s assertion during a Q&A with followers, reigniting debates after she detailed an alleged encounter with Neymar at a countryside estate, claiming she earned R$ 20,000 for the gig. Neymar’s team has denied his involvement in the event, but the spotlight shifted to the model’s misconception, which she first shared in a 2023 video that resurfaced in 2025. Doctors clarify that urination involves the urinary tract, entirely separate from the reproductive system where conception occurs. The episode reveals how celebrity influence and social platforms amplify unverified claims, reaching audiences far beyond Brazil’s borders. In 2023 alone, misinformation on social media led to a 15% spike in queries about dubious pregnancy prevention methods, prompting health authorities to ramp up awareness efforts.
While urinating after sex is a doctor-recommended habit, its benefits are unrelated to contraception. Gynecologists note it reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by up to 50%, a condition affecting one in three women at some point. This practical advice, however, has been misconstrued, as seen in Awuada’s case, leading experts to stress the importance of distinguishing between infection prevention and birth control. The public’s fascination with this myth reflects broader gaps in sexual health knowledge that continue to challenge healthcare systems worldwide.
Why urination fails as a contraceptive method
The female reproductive and urinary systems operate independently, a fact that dismantles the idea of urination preventing pregnancy. During intercourse, sperm travel through the vagina, past the cervix, and into the uterus and fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs—all within minutes of ejaculation. Urine, expelled via the urethra above the vaginal opening, has no access to this pathway. Medical professionals emphasize that urinating after sex does not disrupt sperm already on their journey, debunking the myth entirely. A 2023 survey found that 25% of Brazilian women aged 18-35 had encountered similar misconceptions, underscoring a persistent educational gap.
Experts further explain that the notion of “flushing out” sperm with urine lacks anatomical basis. The bladder and uterus are distinct organs, and urine cannot reach the reproductive tract to interfere with conception. Even in men, where urine and semen exit through the same urethra, urinating before or after sex does not eliminate viable sperm from pre-ejaculatory fluid, which can still cause pregnancy. This misunderstanding ties into other unreliable methods like withdrawal, which carries a 22% failure rate annually due to sperm in pre-ejaculate.
Urinating post-sex does offer health benefits, but they’re limited to infection prevention. By clearing bacteria from the urethra, it cuts UTI risks, a problem impacting 2 million Brazilians yearly, 70% of them women. This hygiene practice, while valuable, has no bearing on the fertilization process, and relying on it as contraception could lead to unintended outcomes, especially among the 60% of Brazil’s social media users aged 18-34 who encounter such myths online.
Proven birth control options to rely on
Safe and effective contraception methods abound, all backed by science and recommended by healthcare providers. The birth control pill, taken daily, suppresses ovulation with a 99% success rate if used correctly, and it’s chosen by 30% of Brazilian women of reproductive age. Intrauterine devices (IUDs), available in hormonal and copper variants, prevent fertilization or implantation, lasting 5-10 years; their use rose to 15% of women in 2024. The subdermal implant, a small rod placed under the skin, releases hormones for up to three years, boasting over 99% effectiveness and growing popularity globally.
Condoms, both male and female, serve dual purposes: preventing pregnancy and protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV and HPV. Male condoms achieve 98% efficacy with proper use, while female condoms reach 95%, with over 300 million distributed free by Brazil’s public health system in 2023. Hormonal injections, administered monthly or quarterly, appeal to 10% of women, offering a convenient alternative with near-perfect results when schedules are followed.
Dangers of trusting contraception myths
Believing that urinating after sex prevents pregnancy carries significant risks, particularly in a nation where one in five teen pregnancies is unplanned. Folk methods like withdrawal or fertility tracking fail 20-25% of the time, compared to hormonal contraceptives’ under 1% failure rate with proper use. In 2024, Brazil saw an 8% rise in consultations for unintended pregnancies, many linked to misinformation spread online. Awuada’s viral claim, originally posted on March 16, 2023, and reposted in 2025, drove a 40% surge in searches for “does peeing prevent pregnancy,” amplifying the issue.
The influence of public figures like Awuada, who claimed a hookup with Neymar, magnifies these risks. Her video’s reach—boosted by her R$ 20,000 party gig story—shows how celebrity statements shape perceptions, especially among young adults. Rural areas, where 40% of Brazilian women lack easy access to contraceptives, are particularly vulnerable, with limited healthcare resources compounding the reliance on unverified tips. Health campaigns in 2024 reached only 35% of these communities, leaving gaps that social media myths exploit.
Fertility cycles and common misconceptions
A typical menstrual cycle spans 21-35 days, with ovulation occurring around days 12-16. Some assume avoiding sex during this fertile window, tracked via calendar or basal body temperature, prevents pregnancy. Yet, these methods falter with up to 24% failure rates due to unpredictable ovulation shifts from stress or illness. In 2023, 12% of women using the calendar method faced unplanned pregnancies, highlighting its unreliability.
Other myths persist: breastfeeding as contraception works only for six months postpartum with exclusive nursing, while the morning-after pill, effective in 95% of cases within 72 hours, loses potency with frequent use. In 2024, 5% of hormonal irregularities were tied to overuse of emergency contraception, a risky trend fueled by misinformation.
Actual benefits of post-sex urination
Urinating after intercourse offers real health perks, though not related to pregnancy prevention. It slashes UTI risks by 50%, expelling bacteria introduced during sex—a benefit critical for the 1.5 million UTI cases reported in Brazil’s public health system in 2023, 70% among women aged 20-40. Men also see reduced urethritis odds, though less frequently, at 2% of annual cases. Experts advise doing so within 30 minutes for optimal effect.
This simple habit supports urinary health without impacting reproduction, making it a valuable routine alongside proven contraceptives like condoms or IUDs. Misinterpreting its purpose, as Awuada did, risks overshadowing its true value with dangerous falsehoods.
Pushing for better sexual health education
The spread of myths like Awuada’s underscores Brazil’s sexual education gap. In 2024, just 35% of public schools taught the subject, despite outreach efforts reaching 10 million youths online. Experts estimate that accurate information cuts unintended pregnancies by 15%, improving maternal and child health outcomes. The Ministry of Health’s 2023 distribution of 5 million contraception guides fell short in rural areas, where access remains patchy.
With 80% of 18-34-year-olds sourcing info from social media, combating misinformation requires innovative approaches. Partnerships with influencers and digital platforms could bridge this divide, countering viral myths and empowering individuals with facts over fiction.
Payment calendar for awareness campaigns isn’t fixed, but efforts peak annually:
- January: New year health drives
- June: Reproductive health month
- November: STI prevention focus
Containment efforts continue as myths persist.
