Birth control facts & myths

Most Birth control myths are just a bad combination of bad experiences and misunderstandings.

MYTH 1: YOU NEED TO TAKE THE PILL AT THE SAME TIME EVERY DAY FOR IT TO WORK

Although its myth there’s certainly some truth to it.

This depends on what method of birth control you use. If you take the combined pill (containing both estrogen and progestin) you have more room to breathe. If you take progestin-only pills, then you will have to take them at the same time every day. This is because the effects of the progestin-only pills start to wear off after 26 hours. It’s recommended that, if you’re three or more hours late, use other methods of contraception for the next couple days.

The combination pill and estrogen only pills prevent ovulation, convincing your body that you are already pregnant. They take time to build up in your system.

With combination and estrogen-only pills, it is recommended that you take up to two pills the following day if you miss it the day before. There is no need for back up unless you miss more than a day in a row.

MYTH 2: YOU SHOULD TAKE A BREAK FROM THE PILL

There is no medical reason to take a break from your birth control method, unless you are experiencing dangerous side effects, or you want to become pregnant.

If you are using the birth control shot it is recommended for up to two years and after this period you should review other options with your doctor. Doctors also recommend that every woman should review their contraceptive needs after 15 years or at the age of 35. The synthetic estrogens in some hormonal birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clot formation in women after the age of 35.

MYTH 3: THE PILL CAN CAUSE CANCER

Hormonal birth control can actually reduce the risk of certain types cancer, such as endometrial and ovarian types.

However, a small amount of research indicates a possible link between birth control and breast cancer. It may be of concern if you have a family history of breast cancer. If you have a higher risk of breast cancer and/or are over age 40, you should use an alternate method.

MYTH 4: THE PILL CAN CAUSE INFERTILITY

There is no evidence that The Pill causes infertility. Oral contraceptives are absorbed into the blood, it will only take a few days for a woman’s hormones to return to what they were before she started taking them. Sometimes if you have been skipping periods, it can take a cycle or two to return to normal ovulation, this can make people think The Pill has impacted their fertility.

MYTH 5: BIRTH CONTROL PILLS MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT

According to research there is no direct link between weight gain and oral contraception.

The only contraceptive method that has been directly linked to weight gain is the shot, Depo-Provera. According to A 2009 study, majority of women who use the birth control shot gain weight as direct result.

Birth control pills can cause weight gain in some women but there also women who do not lose weight and some who do not experience any change in their weight.

In this case its often an indirect result. Certain birth control pills that contain progestin may result in an increase in appetite which causes weight gain if not counteracted with exercise and healthy diet.

MYTH 6: BIRTH CONTROL PROTECTS AGAINST STI’S

 No form of Birth control method which includes Oral contraceptives, the ring, the patch, the shot, and IUDs can protect you against STI’s.

 Barrier methods such as condoms can help to reduce the possibility of contracting an STI. Regular STI testing can also help limit the spread of disease between partners.

Source: https://eastsidegynecology.com/blog/birth-control-facts-myths/