We decided to explain to you the main myths about birth control. Birth control pills are very effective in unwanted pregnancy prevention but they are also included in this list.
What are the Most Popular Myths about Birth Control Pills?
Myth#1: Hormonal Birth Control Pills Promote Weight Gain
Modern COCs (combined oral contraceptives) do not affect weight: a dose of estrogen in them is lowered: micro-dosed COC and vaginal ring contain the minimal dose of hormones.
Myth#2: Alcohol and Birth Control Pills are not Compatible
Alcohol does not affect the contraceptive effect of combined birth control pills, but only if an overdose of alcohol does not cause vomiting. In this case, additional protection should be used.
Myth#3: Hormonal Birth Control Pills Approach Menopause
Just the opposite! The intake of hormonal birth control pills smooths menopause manifestation and can even slightly move its beginning. The whole thing is in the follicular reserve: if a woman has started taking medications earlier, menstruation lasts longer, since the egg is not produced when taking hormonal tablets.Myth#4: Hormonal Birth Control Pills Contribute to Cancer Development
There is no evidence of the connection between hormonal contraception and liver cancer. As for cervical cancer, there is a connection, but indirect: a woman who is protected by pills does not use barrier methods of contraception. And cervical cancer has infectious nature, it is caused by highly-cancerous strains of papillomavirus.
Myth#5: COC Reduces Libido
Changes in libido on the background of hormonal contraceptive means use is extremely rare. If this happens then, usually in the first few months of taking the drug and is due to the fact that body adapts to it. It can be manifested in form of increase, and decrease in sexual desire. Conversely, in a number of studies in the third part of women on the background of such hormonal contraceptives use as a vaginal ring, there was an increase in libido and frequency of sexual intercourse.
Myth#4: Taking Birth Control Pills Leads to Infertility
According to statistics, infertility in women taking combined birth control pills is much less common than that of their peers who had childbirth and abortions without using contraception.
Myth#5: To Reduce Side Effects, It Is Better to Take Breaks in Taking Hormonal Contraception
To date, there is no proven-based evidence indicating the need to interrupt combined birth control pills administration every few years. From a medical point of view, there is no benefit to the body from such interruptions, moreover, with a resumption of admission after withdrawal, the incidence of side effects (including intermenstrual bleeding) during the first 3 months may be higher since the body will have to adapt again to COCs administration. Also, breaks in the reception of contraceptives are fraught with the fact that every fourth young woman has an unwanted pregnancy, which causes doubts about the need for such interruptions; Can go “to nothing” and positive non-contraceptive effects associated with the use of COCs.
Myth#6: Birth Control Pills from Canadian Pharmacy are for Girls over 20 Years oа Age
In fact, modern birth control pills can be used at a young age, of course, after consulting a gynecologist. There are drugs that have not only a reliable contraceptive effect, but also reduce skin greasiness and amount of acne on face. But this is a great problem for young girls!
Myth#7: If Woman is Breastfeeding – she will not Become Pregnant
Egregious error leads to the fact that 10% of women go to medical institutions for abortion in the first year after childbirth. The female reproductive system returns to usual rhythm of performance already 3-4 weeks after birth and it is necessary to use contraception.
Myth#8: With Irregular Sexual Life it is Better to Use Emergency Contraceptive Methods
Those who think that if you rarely engage in sex, it is safer to take a pill once a month, than swallowing them every day, put your body at great risk. Not only that one tablet of postcoital contraceptive contains 6 times more hormones than usual, such a “one-time” introduction of hormones is the hardest shake for the body. “Emergency” contraception, therefore, is called, that it should be used only in special cases.
Regularly referring to “fire” contraception, you can damage your endocrine profile. If a girl needs at least twice in a month to apply birth control pills, then it means a regular sexual life, and, therefore, you need to choose appropriate means: a barrier or hormonal.
Myth#9: If you Have sex during menstruation, Chances of Getting Pregnant are Zero
In fact, despite the fact that many women are really more likely to get pregnant midcycle, the probability of conception exists at any period of the menstrual cycle. Another fact is that every woman should know: sperm persists in the female body for five days.
Myth#10: Interrupted Intercourse Gives 100% Protection from Pregnancy
This is one of the most common misconceptions that women believe in. Yes, you can get pregnant, even if your partner takes this precaution. In fact, before ejaculation there is the emission of a small amount of lubricant, also containing spermatozoa.
Myth#11: Women over 45 years do not Become Pregnant
The age after 45 years is, so-called, the late reproductive period. As a rule, by this time woman already has children and is actively engaged in their upbringing. But for her, late births are also not excluded.
Myth#12: Hormonal Contraceptives Retain Effect with Regular Intake
Hormonal birth control pills cannot be taken with ascorbic acid – vitamin C: loading doses (up to 1 g per day) absorb estrogen. Paracetamol also has the same action. Hence, break between these drugs application should be two hours. Drug absorption and its contraceptive effect are also influenced by intake of certain antibiotics and anticonvulsants – they reduce the contraceptive reliability of tablets. If you take any medications, be sure to consult gynecologist!