5 Common Birth Control Myths Women Should Watch Out For

Birth control is an essential piece of a woman’s life. It’s a powerful tool that enables women to take responsibility for their sexual health and family planning.

But with so much advice (and sometimes lies) available online, it’s easy to get confused. This article aims to debunk some of the most common myths about birth control, helping you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

Myth 1: Birth Control Causes Infertility

One widespread myth is that birth control causes infertility. This belief can cause significant anxiety for women who want to use contraception but also plan to have children in the future. 

However, extensive evidence indicates that birth control does not cause lasting infertility. The only exceptions to this are sterilization techniques like tubal ligation or vasectomy, which last permanently. 

However, once you stop using other contraception, your fertility falls back to baseline in a few months. Medical News Today states that hormonal medications, including birth control tablets, patches, and shots, do not permanently affect a woman’s ability to conceive.

However, there are some exceptions. Depo-Provera, a birth control shot, can take a bit longer for your fertility to return – up to a year in some cases. Moreover, a 2023 Ethiopian study reveals that when you factor in aging, it significantly delays fertility. It’s always best to discuss your situation and future family planning goals with your doctor before choosing a birth control method.

Myth 2: IUDs Are Dangerous and Cause Severe Health Issues

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective forms of birth control, yet many myths surround their safety. Some believe that IUDs are dangerous and lead to severe health issues. 

This misconception might stem from outdated information or rare cases highlighted in the media. Modern IUDs, both hormonal and copper, are safe for most women. While you can experience short-term side effects, they do not last more than a few months. Possible negative effects include irregular bleeding and cramping. 

Yale Medicine asserts that IUDs have a strong safety record and are highly effective in preventing pregnancy. While complications can occur, they are rare.

Even then, the famous Paragard lawsuit has raised questions about the safety of this particular IUD. It’s important to recognize that while lawsuits highlight manufacturing defects, the overall safety record of IUDs remains robust. 

Many women use IUDs without experiencing severe complications. However, it’s always best to check with your medical provider to find the appropriate contraceptive option for your needs. 

In case you or a loved one has been injured after receiving a Paragard IUD, you can file a lawsuit. Typical injuries include organ perforation, internal bleeding, infections, etc. TorHoerman Law suggests contacting a personal injury lawyer for complete details. They’ll help you gather compensations between USD 10,000 and USD 400,000, depending on your injuries.

Myth 3: You Don’t Need Birth Control if You’re Breastfeeding

Many believe that breastfeeding alone can prevent pregnancy. While breastfeeding can hinder ovulation, it is not a surefire way of conceiving. This approach, known as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM), is effective only under specific conditions.

For LAM to work, the mother must exclusively breastfeed. This means feeding the baby for a minimum of four hours during the day and every six hours at night. This method works because milk production disrupts ovulation. However, this method is only reliable for the first six months postpartum. After this period, or if breastfeeding frequency decreases, the risk of ovulation and pregnancy increases.

To ensure effective contraception while breastfeeding, consider using additional birth control methods. Non-hormonal options like condoms or copper IUDs are suitable choices, as are some progestin-only hormonal methods that do not affect milk supply.

Myth 4: You Need Breaks From Birth Control

There’s a misconception that taking breaks from hormonal birth control is necessary for your overall health. This isn’t the case. 

Many birth control methods, like birth control pills, can be used continuously without any health risks. Furthermore, continuous use can offer additional benefits, such as regulating your menstrual cycle and reducing your risk of certain health problems.

However, there might be situations where your doctor recommends a break from birth control based on your individual needs and medical history. It’s best to confide in your doctor under such circumstances.

Myth 5. Birth Control Causes Cancer

There’s some truth to this myth. NBC News reports that hormone-based contraceptives can increase the likelihood of breast cancer by up to 30%. The risk ups the odds by 0.2% over 15 years, so it’s still minimal.

Another study found that two-hormone combo pills can push breast cancer rates by about 8%. Thankfully, once you stop using it, the risks subside gradually. In contrast, other research suggests hormonal contraception lowers the likelihood of uterine, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Of course, every woman’s body is unique, and it’s important to be aware of individual risk factors for different types of cancer. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about your family history and any personal risk factors you might have.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q1. Can You Skip Periods Using Contraceptives? Is It Safe?

Skipping periods using birth control is safe for many women. It doesn’t cause harm to your body or future fertility. Some women prefer this option to manage menstrual symptoms or for convenience. Always consult your doctor before changing your birth control regimen.

Q2. What Are the Negative Effects of Birth Control That One Should Expect?

Side effects are normal, and you shouldn’t worry about them. Most side effects are mild and temporary, like cramps, bleeding, irregular periods, or mood swings. However, everyone reacts differently. Talk to your doctor; they can help you find a birth control with minimal side effects that works best for you.

Q3. How Soon Can I Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control?

It depends. Most birth control methods allow your fertility to return quickly, often within a few months of stopping. However, some options, like Depo-Provera, can take longer. It’s best to consult your doctor to understand how long until you’re ready for pregnancy after stopping birth control.

While birth control is a personal decision, it’s critical to be well-informed. By debunking these common myths, we can encourage women to make responsible choices about their sexual well-being.

Understanding the facts about contraceptive methods can reduce unnecessary fears and promote better health choices. Remember, your doctor is your ultimate guide for personalized guidance on birth control options. Don’t wait to set up a consultation to discuss your questions and concerns.

Author Bio

Sujay Bhavsar is a creative content writer with a talent for creating engaging blogs, ad copies, and web content. With a background in digital marketing and engineering, he understands how to make words work for SEO and branding. 

When Sujay isn’t writing, you can find him reading, enjoying coffee, or appreciating football. His secret to staying grounded? A healthy mix of calisthenics and playing the tabla. If you want content that sings and converts, Sujay’s your go-to guy.

However, just don’t ask him to write about how great Manchester United is!