Contraception myths and truths
Contraception has been around for a long time (it’s over 40 years since ‘the Pill’ launched), but there are still confusions around how different methods work and should be used. Check out the top ten myths and truths about contraception below to make sure you are understanding facts, not fiction.
Myth: All contraceptive pills are the same1
Fact: Not all contraceptive pills contain the same type or amount of hormones. There are two types of contraceptive pills:
Fact: Not all contraceptive pills contain the same type or amount of hormones. There are two types of contraceptive pills:
- Combined oral contraceptive pill (COC or ‘the Pill’) - contains oestrogen and progestogen. Most of the currently available contraceptive pills contain the same oestrogen, but differ in the type of progestogen
- Progestogen-only pill (POP or ‘the mini-pill’) - contains only progestogen and does not contain oestrogen
Myth: Women should take a break from their hormonal contraception
Fact: It is not necessary for any woman to take a break from their hormonal contraception unless they experience side effects. Once your body is used to your hormonal contraception you should keep taking it to avoid irregular cycles and to keep yourself protected against an unplanned pregnancy.
Fact: It is not necessary for any woman to take a break from their hormonal contraception unless they experience side effects. Once your body is used to your hormonal contraception you should keep taking it to avoid irregular cycles and to keep yourself protected against an unplanned pregnancy.
Myth: I won’t get pregnant the first time I have sex
Fact: A woman can get pregnant any time ovulation occurs (she releases an ovum). Women can get pregnant the first time they have sex.
Fact: A woman can get pregnant any time ovulation occurs (she releases an ovum). Women can get pregnant the first time they have sex.
Myth: I’m breastfeeding so I can’t get pregnant
Fact: Women can still get pregnant while breastfeeding. The only time breastfeeding women are protected against unplanned pregnancy is during the first six months if: they are breastfeeding their baby fully (not supplementing with any milk or food) and at regular intervals during the day and night, no feeds are missed for any reason (e.g. illness) and periods have not returned.2
Fact: Women can still get pregnant while breastfeeding. The only time breastfeeding women are protected against unplanned pregnancy is during the first six months if: they are breastfeeding their baby fully (not supplementing with any milk or food) and at regular intervals during the day and night, no feeds are missed for any reason (e.g. illness) and periods have not returned.2
Myth: Taking contraceptive pills makes you fat
Fact: Research has not shown that women put on weight when they use the combined pill.3
Fact: Research has not shown that women put on weight when they use the combined pill.3
Myth: I won’t get pregnant if my partner pulls out before he ejaculates
Fact: Pulling out before the man ejaculates, known as withdrawal, is not a foolproof method for contraception. Some sperm might be released before the man actually begins to climax. In addition, some men might not have the willpower or be able to withdraw in time.
FACT: Having a shower or bath after sex won’t stop you getting pregnant, as sperm may have already entered the womb
Fact: Pulling out before the man ejaculates, known as withdrawal, is not a foolproof method for contraception. Some sperm might be released before the man actually begins to climax. In addition, some men might not have the willpower or be able to withdraw in time.
FACT: Having a shower or bath after sex won’t stop you getting pregnant, as sperm may have already entered the womb
Myth: I don’t need contraception because we only have sex during the ‘safe’ time. I’m only fertile once a month
Fact: While a woman’s cycle should be quite regular at most times, the balance of hormones can be disrupted by various factors, including age, stress, weight change and medicines. Therefore, it can be difficult to pin-point safe or fertile days. Couples who have success with the natural family planning method use it correctly and will have been taught how to use it. It is also essential to be aware that sperm can survive in the womb for up to 7 days.
Fact: While a woman’s cycle should be quite regular at most times, the balance of hormones can be disrupted by various factors, including age, stress, weight change and medicines. Therefore, it can be difficult to pin-point safe or fertile days. Couples who have success with the natural family planning method use it correctly and will have been taught how to use it. It is also essential to be aware that sperm can survive in the womb for up to 7 days.
Myth: You can only use emergency contraception 2 or 3 times in a year
Fact: Emergency contraception should be reserved for emergencies and should not be used as a regular contraception method. Emergency contraception can be used when necessary, but should never replace your usual method of contraception.4
Fact: Emergency contraception should be reserved for emergencies and should not be used as a regular contraception method. Emergency contraception can be used when necessary, but should never replace your usual method of contraception.4
Myth: The contraceptive injection can cause osteoporosis
Fact: Evidence suggests that the contraceptive injection may have some effect on bone mineral density. However this does not mean that it gives you osteoporosis. It means that women under the age of 18 (when major bone building is taking place) and over the age of 45 (when bone is being lost) should be advised carefully about using the contraceptive injection for a long-term. This is particularly important if there is a family history of osteoporosis.
Fact: Evidence suggests that the contraceptive injection may have some effect on bone mineral density. However this does not mean that it gives you osteoporosis. It means that women under the age of 18 (when major bone building is taking place) and over the age of 45 (when bone is being lost) should be advised carefully about using the contraceptive injection for a long-term. This is particularly important if there is a family history of osteoporosis.
Myth: An IUD can leave the womb and travel through a woman's body.
Fact: The device almost always stays in the womb until it is removed by a health professional. If it does come out through a tear, it will come through the uterine wall, and may need to be removed via surgery. To be sure the IUD is in place, women are advised to check for IUD threads each month.5
FACT: Condoms cannot get lost in a woman’s body, it is too big to get through the cervix
Fact: The device almost always stays in the womb until it is removed by a health professional. If it does come out through a tear, it will come through the uterine wall, and may need to be removed via surgery. To be sure the IUD is in place, women are advised to check for IUD threads each month.5
FACT: Condoms cannot get lost in a woman’s body, it is too big to get through the cervix
