Myths and Facts About Birth Control: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Birth control is an essential aspect of reproductive health. Accurate information on family planning is important for the proper management of sexual health and preventing unwanted pregnancies. In this article we debunk misconceptions associated with contraception and provide accurate information with contraception facts. We hope that by debunking these birth control myths, we can help you make an informed decision.

Myth 1 – Birth Control Affects Long-Term Fertility

Fact: Birth control does not cause permanent infertility. Fertility returns quickly after discontinuing  use.

Birth Control Pills: This is because the hormones in birth control pills are only in the body for a short period of time. Your fertility will restore in a few months after discontinuing birth control pills.

Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera): An exception is the birth control shot, DMPA. It can take six to twelve months for your fertility to return after your last injection. For some women it can take up to 18 months.

Other Methods:

Other birth control methods, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, patches, and rings, don’t  cause long-term infertility either.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider about your plans to start a family, so you can explore alternative birth control options if necessary. While birth control does not impact long-term fertility, other factors such as age, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices can influence fertility.

Myth 2 – Birth Control Causes Cancer

Fact: Birth control and cancer are slightly inter-linked. While some types of birth control can slightly increase the risk of some cancers, they reduce the risk of others.

Breast Cancer: Various studies have shown that the combined oral contraceptive pill, containing oestrogen and progestogen slightly increases risk of breast cancer during the time of its usage. It diminishes on stopping and returns to normal within ten years. The mini pill which contains only progestogen has the same pattern.

Cervical Pattern: Long-term use of oral contraception has proved to increase the risk of cancer of the cervix. The risk increases with duration of use, although it declines with time after its withdrawal.

Ovarian and endometrial cancers: On the other hand, the combined pill and the mini pill both reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers significantly. The protective effect continues for many years after stopping the pill.

Colorectal Cancer: Oral contraceptives also lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

Consult a doctor to understand this better.

Myth 3 – Only Women Need to Worry About Birth Control

Fact: One of the most common myths is that only women have birth control responsibility. However, birth control is a shared responsibility.

Male Contraceptives: Male contraception includes condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal before ejaculation. Condoms also prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs. Vasectomy is a permanent option performed through a minor surgery. A cut in the vas deferens is made so that the sperm doesn’t get into the semen. These measures will ensure that men can play an active role in family planning.

Shared Responsibility: A couple has to be cooperative and communicative with each other. Shared decision-making is important since both will feel comfortable and responsible towards one’s sexual health. Choosing the right method of contraception builds trust and improves relationships.

Communication and Joint Decision-Making: Each partner must openly discuss preferences, concerns, and responsibilities. It’s important that both partners take equal responsibility for family planning.

Myth 4 – Birth Control is Only for Preventing Pregnancy

Fact: Though birth control benefits are primary, there are many other non-contraceptive uses as well.

Menstrual Cycle Regulation:

Birth control pills can regularize periods, making them more predictable.

Reducing Menstrual Pain and Blood Loss:

It can also provide relief for women experiencing painful cramps or uncontrolled bleeding during their monthly periods. Birth control pills can lower the severity of menstrual cramps and reduce blood loss in women with endometriosis and menorrhagia.

Managing Hormonal Imbalances:

Birth control can manage the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, such as PCOS. It controls the release of hormones and thereby alleviates most of the symptoms like excessive hair growth (hirsutism) and severe acne.

Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

Hormonal contraceptives help in treating PMS symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness.

Acne Reduction:

These pills reduce levels of androgens, which in turn lower the amount of sebum produced. Sebum is a fatty substance that can block pores and lead to acne.

Myth 5 – Natural Methods Are as Effective as Modern Contraception

Fact: Modern methods of contraception are far more effective compared to natural methods.

Modern methods of contraception such as hormonal pills, intrauterine devices, and implants all have remarkably high success rates compared to natural birth control methods. For instance, the failure rate for hormonal pills when used normally is approximately 7% and less than 1% for intrauterine devices. This contrasts with natural methods such as fertility awareness, whose failure rate is about 24%.

High Failure Rates: Natural methods are less effective because of the requirements for thorough observation and self-control. Failing to monitor the ovulation period may result in an unwanted pregnancy.

No STI Protection: Unlike condoms, no protection from sexually transmitted infections is given by these natural methods.

Myth 6 – Birth Control Pills Cause Weight Gain

Fact: Many think birth control makes us gain weight. However, there is no proof of a link between birth control pills and weight gain.

Everybody’s body is different and reacts differently to hormonal contraception. While some women may gain or lose weight, others do not see any difference at all. Having a good diet and exercising frequently will keep most of the minor weight changes that occur initially.

Other side effects of the pill include nausea, headaches, and mood changes. If you experience extreme weight gain or other contraception side effects, speak with your doctor to find out alternative forms of contraception.

Conclusion

Today we have gone through some common myths related to birth control pills: they always make you gain weight, cause infertility, and lead to birth defects. Birth control education is necessary to tell the whole story: most women do not experience huge weight gain; it does not cause infertility and, it is safe for use. Consult a healthcare professional for right advice.