7 Myths of Contraception

There are a number of birth control methods that are highly effective in preventing pregnancy. There is also a lot of misinformation about how to use birth control, as well as some methods that simply do not work.

Myth: I’m breastfeeding so I can’t get pregnant #

Fact #

• Breastfeeding may help prevent pregnancy if a woman is within six months of delivery, has not had a menstrual cycle AND the baby is only feeding on breast milk (no formula or soft food supplementation).

• All three of these criteria must be met for breastfeeding to be an effective form of contraception.

• In all other situations, ovulation can occur even when a woman is breastfeeding.

• The nursing mother should use birth control if she wishes to avoid pregnancy.

Myth: You can’t get pregnant if the woman doesn’t have an orgasm #

Fact #

• Pregnancy occurs when a sperm from the man fertilizes an egg from the woman.

• While the man must ejaculate to release sperm, it is not necessary for the woman to have an orgasm to get pregnant.

• A woman of childbearing age releases an egg each month as part of her regular menstrual cycle.

• This occurs whether or not the woman has sex or an orgasm.

Myth: I won’t get pregnant if I douche after sex #

Fact #

• Douching is not an effective method of contraception.

• After ejaculation, the sperm enter the cervix and are out of reach of any douching solution.

• Also, douching is not recommended as it can disrupt the delicate bacterial balance of the vagina, causing irritation or infection.

Myth: I won’t get pregnant if we have sex standing up or if the woman is on top #

Fact #

• Some people believe that having sex in certain positions, such as standing up, will force the sperm out of the woman’s vagina.

• In truth, positions during sex have nothing to do with whether or not fertilization occurs.

• When a man ejaculates, the sperm are deposited well into the vagina.

• The sperm will, by nature, begin to move up through the cervical canal immediately after ejaculation.

Myth: You can use plastic wrap or a balloon if you don’t have a condom #

Fact #

• Plastic wrap and balloons are not good to use as condoms.

• They don’t fit well and can easily be torn during sex.

• Condoms are specifically made to provide a good fit and good protection during sex, and they are thoroughly tested for maximum effectiveness.

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 an effective method of contraception.

• Some ejaculate (fluid that contains 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.

• If 100 women use the withdrawal method for pregnancy prevention each year, roughly 22 will have an unintended pregnancy.

Myth: The pill is effective immediately after you begin taking it #

Fact #

• In most women, at least one week is needed for the hormones in the pill (oral contraceptive) to work with the woman’s natural hormones to prevent ovulation.

• To be effective, the pill must be taken as directed.