12 Common Birth Control Myths

Even today, there are many who believe in the myths about birth control. In this article, we will bust some of those common birth control myths. Being aware of birth control facts gives you clarity on the decision related to your pregnancy. This promotes a healthier way of family planning, keeps you healthy, and saves your fertility.

Continue reading to find out more about the misconceptions about birth control.

People tend to believe in several birth control myths. Unfortunately, some have been passing these misconceptions from generations, while others collect them from unreliable sources. 

The list below highlights certain misconceptions about birth control.

Myth 1: You Gain Weight on Birth Control

No studies prove weight gain is a prominent side effect of using birth control. Doctors state that weight gain happens due to lifestyle or other health factors. There are chances that when you are using contraception, your body is going through some major changes. In such situations, an increase in weight is possible.

Myth 2: Birth Control Prevents STIs

Only condoms, among all the other contraceptive methods, prevent sexually transmitted infections, but these may not be completely effective. For instance, herpes or other viral infections may exist on parts of the genitals that are not covered in a barrier method.

Myth 3: Older Women Do Not Need Contraception

It is commonly believed that women above 40 years of age have negligible chances of conception; still, there are possibilities. So, even if you are going through menopause, you should continue using birth control to avoid any surprises.

Myth 4: General Health Problems Can Occur From Contraception Pills

Women may experience minor side effects like irregular bleeding, nausea or headaches when using combined oral contraceptives (COCs). Nevertheless, these are not any signs of serious health issues. Yet, if these symptoms keep returning, it is better to consult a doctor for a different COC formulation.

Myth 5: Contraception Hampers in Natural Fertility

Except for permanent sterilisation techniques, birth control does not affect fertility. Using mediums of contraception, you stop the eggs and sperm from coming in contact. If you want to conceive, you may stop using the contraceptive method. Instead, your body resumes its natural reproductive functions. 

Myth 6: Birth Control Pills Are Cancerous

Another common birth control myth that surfaces around is that these pills can cause cancer. However, the fact is using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) can decrease the risks of ovarian and endometrial cancers. 

Myth 7: It Is Good to Take Breaks Between Birth Control Plans

Some women think taking breaks from their birth control plan is okay. This myth has developed because some misinterpret when doctors suggest reconsidering their birth control plans every 10-15 years. Contraception methods depend on women’s age and lifestyle. Hence with age, they should consult their gynaecologist.

Myth 8: Use of Contraception Encourages Infidelity Among Women

A common birth control myth states women who choose to use birth control are into prostitution or tend to debauch. The fact is that there is no evidence supporting that contraceptive methods affect women's sexual behaviour. Rather, using birth control implies a woman is being responsible for avoiding unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

Myth 9: Birth Control Pills can Work Immediately

The right time to take birth control pills is within five days of menstruation. In case you take the pills at any other point during your cycle, you must wait for another week to experience its effects.

Myth 10: Birth Control Pills Can Accumulate in the Wrong Body Parts

There is a misconception about birth control pills; they accumulate in different body parts and develop into tumours. However, once the pills are swallowed, they release the hormones and mix with the bloodstream. After producing the contraceptive effects, the hormones metabolised in the liver and gut and are eliminated from the body.

Myth 11: Some Forms of Birth Control are Better Than Others

It is up to the women which birth control method they choose. While some may prefer using IUDs as it is a permanent solution, and they do not have to remember about taking pills every day. Others may think differently and choose pills as they are already familiar with the concept. More or less, all these methods have some pros and cons, but in most cases, the cons outweigh the pros.

Myth 12: It Can Impact Sexual Desires

Some women feel regular birth control may reduce their sexual pleasure or cause loss of sexual drive. While a few sources suggest that contraceptive pills may have unwanted side effects, one of which is a decrease in libido. Nonetheless, other birth control methods do not interfere with a woman's sexual desires.

Before jumping on to know how contraception works, you must know what birth control is. In simple terms, birth control is a method of preventing pregnancy. It can be done by using certain devices or medicines.

There are several options for birth control, and each works differently. However, here are the common birth control methods.

Female or Male Sterilisation Surgery

The male and female sterilisation processes are different. Male sterilisation, known as vasectomy, prevents sperm from moving from the testicles. Specialists divide the tubes in the scrotum to perform this sterilisation process. 

The female sterilisation process prevents eggs from travelling along the fallopian tube. The process is such that professionals cut or block these tubes using clips or rings. This prevents the eggs from reaching the sperm.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) Methods

Two LARC methods exist: intrauterine device (IUD) and birth control implant. Both of these methods are equally effective and can last for years. IUD is a small 'T' shaped object inserted via the uterus and kept there. 

On the other hand, birth control implants are flexible, made with plastic and of a matchstick's size. It is inserted under the skin in the upper arm that releases progestin into the body. Doctors recommend changing this after using it for three years.

Short-Acting Hormonal Methods

There are six types of short-acting methods. These are methods that one must remember to use regularly or while having sex. This method can be again subdivided into two categories: barrier and hormonal methods.

Barrier methods include male and female condoms. At the same time, the hormonal methods include a combined pill, progestogen-only pill, contraceptive rings and patch.

Natural Rhythm Methods

Avoiding intercourse or using other forms of birth control on the specific days when you are the most fertile. This method is also known as the calendar method. To habituate this birth control method, track your menstrual cycle and note when you ovulate.

If you use this method to conceive, the best days to have sex are during ovulation. However, if you do not want to get pregnant, you may avoid having intercourse during those few days or use a barrier method for protection.

Hormonal birth control and birth control implants are safe, as several women have been using them for years. Moreover, with time the process of implanting birth control has also improved. Even today's contraceptive pills are lower in hormonal doses, minimising the risks and side effects.

Choosing to believe in those birth control myths can cause exposure to sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, to be safe, you must consult a gynaecologist and choose the ideal birth control method.

The withdrawal method is not an effective contraceptive process. According to sources, 22 women out of 100 get pregnant. This method is also known as "pulling out" when a man takes his penis out before ejaculating. Although this reduces the chances of sperm meeting the egg, it is not always possible for a man to control it as it takes immense self-control.

Even with a successful "pull out", there are chances of a woman getting pregnant. This is because the fluid in the tip of an erect penis contains sperm. In addition, this method is ineffective in protecting from STDs like HIV.

Till now, we discussed birth control pill myths and facts. First, it is necessary to debunk the myths surrounding the process of contraception. For teenage girls, it becomes overwhelming to choose the right birth control method. Hence, it is the responsibility of their guardians to educate them about the common birth control myths properly. To know the appropriate options, you can consult a gynaecologist.