15 Contraception Myths And Realities!

You will find various birth control options that are effective in preventing your pregnancy. Also, you will find lot of misinformation about how to use contraception.

Here are some myths and realities about contraception:

1. You can not become pregnant if you don’t have an orgasm

Pregnancy only occurs when a man’s sperm combines with your egg. This can happen whether or not you have an orgasm.

2. You can not become pregnant if you have the sex for first time

If you are ovulating, you will definitely become pregnant when you first time have sex regardless of your age and sexual history.

3. You can not become pregnant if you are breastfeeding

Though breastfeeding postpones ovulation, it is not a guarantee. You can ovulate even you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers should use contraceptives to avoid pregnancy.

4. You won’t become pregnant if you douch after sex

Douching is not a method of contraception. After ejaculation, man’s sperm enters into your cervix and are out of reach of any douching solution.

5. You don’t need any contraception because you only have sex during the safe time. You are fertile only one day a month

This type of myth arises due to lack of understanding on menstrual patterns. Mainly menstrual cycle is associated with four major hormones such as: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, estrogen and progesterone.

Subtle balance in these hormones can regulate the release of egg and if the egg is not fertilized, menstruation begins.

If your menstrual cycle is irregular at most of the times, the balance between these hormones can be disrupted by various factors such as: age, stress, medicines, etc. So, it is difficult to predict the right ovulation period.

6. You can use a balloon or plastic wrap instead of a condom

Balloon and plastic wrap are not the alternatives for condoms. They don’t fit well and they can be easily torn during the sexual activity. Condoms are particularly made to give a good fit and good protection during sex. Condoms are tested thoroughly for its maximum effectiveness.

7. You won’t become pregnant if your partner pulls out right before ejaculation

The method of pulling out before ejaculation is also called as withdrawal method. It is not a perfect method of contraception. Some people can release the fluid before they actually begin to climax and some are not able to withdraw in time.

8. Your won’t become pregnant if you urinate or bath right after sex

Urinating or bathing after the sex won’t stop the sperm from entering into your uterus through the cervix.

9. Having sex while standing up or you are on top won’t make you to become pregnant

People think that having sex in standing position will make the sperm to come out of the vagina. In reality, whatever position it might be, nothing will stop the fertilization.

10. Birth control pills are effective as soon as you start taking it

After taking, it needs one complete menstrual cycle to work the birth control pill effectively to prevent the pregnancy. Definitely, you should depend on other birth control method.

11. Contraceptive pill should only be taken for limited period

Healthy women can safely take the pill right from puberty to menopause. The effectiveness of the pill won’t go away as the age.

12. Birth control pills make you fat

Using low dose oral contraceptives won’t make any significant difference in your weight.

13. The pills can cause cancer

In reality, birth control pills can lower cancer risk such as ovarian and uterine cancers. Some women under 35 years, pill can cause slight increase in breast cancer.

14. IUDs can cause infertility

If a woman has sexually transmitted infection, IUD can spread the infection to uterus and also fallopian tubes, which can damage her fertility. As long as a woman does not get STI, IUD can be used safely.

15. Contraceptives guards against STIs

Pills and IUDs won’t give any protection against STIs. The only contraceptive that offers full protection against STI is condom.