Birth control myths cash in on the general ignorance about birth control methods, but you should always ask doctors for sexual advice and advice related to birth control rather than go by such myths. They are mere rumors that are virally transferred from one person to another, purely on a word of mouth basis with zero factual evidence.
The 10 birth control myths that you need to be wary of are:
Myth 1: The pill causes rapid weight gain in women
Although different people may react in a different manner to such medication, on an average basis, women do not gain weight due to birth control pills. The ones who do can lose the extra pounds by taking up an exercise routine, and this will also keep them fit and healthy. A good lifestyle can any day help in keeping the extra pounds off.
Myth 2: It’s hard to get pregnant once you're off the pill
This is another ridiculous myth that states that a woman’s fertility is permanently affected by constantly using the pill. It is important for you to understand that birth control pills don’t cause infertility in any way; you’ll just need some time to return to your fertile normal state once you’re off the pill. It’s definitely possible to get pregnant a month after you stop taking the pill.
Myth 3: Birth control pills should not be taken continuously
Women who experience breakthrough bleeding are the ones who can actually stop taking the pills, because this can help them return to normal. There are no other side effects involved with taking these pills continuously. You can stop taking these pills in a cyclic way if you’re planning on getting pregnant – but for no other reason.
Myth 4: Birth control pills cause breast cancer
It’s a wonder that they come up with such myths because studies have shown that this statement is untrue. While it is true that breast cancer is influenced by hormones, birth control pills have nothing to do with such cancer. Women who use birth control pills have an elevated risk of getting breast cancer, but this comes down once they wean off the pill.
Myth 5: Having sex during your periods can’t get you pregnant
The female reproductive system can release an egg anytime, so this statement is not true. Moreover, sperms can live within the female body for a period of six days, so you can get pregnant after your periods are done, if the sperms are still in your system.
Myth 6: Breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy
While the fact that breastfeeding can stop ovulation is true, it’s not true that breastfeeding can entirely prevent pregnancy. You’ll still need birth control pills to avoid getting pregnant.
Myth 7: Douching can prevent pregnancy
Douching means washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or some other liquid. It is highly unlikely that douching after intercourse can take out all the sperm and keep your vagina clean. Douching can often increase your risk of contracting an STD, so this is unadvisable. Douching can kick up the bacteria from your lower vagina into the higher pelvic region, increasing your risk of getting an STD.
Myth 8: You can’t get pregnant if the guy pulls out before ejaculation
This is not always a trusted method of avoiding pregnancy. Sperms may sometimes be released before both partners are even aware of the fact, and this can lead to pregnancy. This is too big a risk to take, so it’s always better to use condoms.
Myth 9: Birth control pills can help fight STDs
Birth control pills are called that way for a reason; as all that they do is prevent conception. There’s no way that such pills can fight against sexually transmitted diseases. You should always wear a condom to prevent any sexually transmitted diseases that you might be exposed to. This is the only way through which you can avoid STDs.
Myth 10: You can't get pregnant the first time
This is a very popular myth that many teenage girls fall for, only to realize in the last minute that they’re pregnant. It’s possible for you to get pregnant every single time you ovulate and every single time your partner’s sperms meet your egg, so this myth hardly makes any sense. There’s no difference between your first sexual encounter and your fifth one.
