7 Myths of Contraception

Posted October 16, 2022 by Anusha ‐ 3 min read

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.

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