Misconceptions lead to unnecessary fears and may prevent some people from using the most suitable contraceptive methods for them.
Misconceptions about Contraception
- Misconception 1: Hormonal methods are the only option
- Misconception 2: Contraception causes cancer
- Misconception 3: Natural methods are ineffective
- Misconception 4: Contraception can prevent sexually transmitted diseases
- Misconception 5: Hormonal contraceptives cause miscarriage
- Misconception 6: Contraception causes weight gain
- Misconception 7: Contraception damages fertility
- Misconception 8: Emergency contraception is the same as abortion
Many misconceptions surround the safety and effectiveness of contraceptive methods. (Image: Dudasdemujer).
Misconception 1: Hormonal methods are the only option
People often use the term contraception to refer to hormonal contraceptive methods such as birth control pills, patches, implants, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs).
However, hormonal contraception is just one of many contraceptive options. Some individuals choose not to use or need to avoid hormonal methods, so they may opt for alternative methods.
Some other contraceptive methods can be just as effective as hormonal options. For instance, non-hormonal IUDs can be up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, which is even more effective than oral contraceptives.
Misconception 2: Contraception causes cancer
Another common misconception is that birth control causes cancer. Contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly breast and cervical cancer.
A 2010 study found a slight increase in breast cancer rates among women who used birth control pills. Nevertheless, the overall risk remains low.
The increased risk is primarily seen in women who used the pill for three times or three different hormonal doses during their cycles.
Being a prospective study, it cannot control for all other risk factors. Moreover, hormonal contraceptives may reduce the risk of other types of cancer. Research often indicates a slight increase in breast and cervical cancer, but hormonal contraception can lower the risk of:
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Misconception 3: Natural methods are ineffective
Lifestyle-based contraceptive methods can be more challenging to implement accurately. This is why some people believe they are ineffective. Fertility awareness is a natural contraceptive method that can be effective if done correctly.
It involves diligently tracking body temperature, observing daily changes in cervical mucus, and knowing exactly when menstruation occurs.
Misconceptions create unnecessary fears and may prevent some individuals from using the most suitable contraceptive methods for them. (Image: Flo.health).
Breastfeeding can also be an effective contraceptive method. However, you must breastfeed the baby exclusively for the first six months, with minimal or no other food intake, and you should not have had your period return. This is known as the lactational amenorrhea method.
Any extended periods without breastfeeding will significantly increase the chance of pregnancy. If the baby consumes formula or other foods, ovulation will resume, and menstruation will follow.
The withdrawal method is also controversial. However, it is shown to be 78% effective if used correctly and consistently. For many, a 22% chance of pregnancy is considered too high. Those who choose this method may combine it with other approaches to increase effectiveness.
You can always carry emergency contraception (emergency contraceptive pills) in case your partner does not withdraw in time, allowing sperm to enter the vagina. Emergency contraception is effective up to five days after unprotected intercourse.
Misconception 4: Contraception can prevent sexually transmitted diseases
Barrier methods such as condoms can reduce the risk of contracting many sexually transmitted infections. However, these methods cannot prevent all of them.
There is no completely safe way to engage in sexual intercourse with someone you know has an infection. For example, herpes can reside on areas that condoms do not cover.
Hormonal contraception, permanent sterilization, natural birth control, IUDs, and other methods still allow for the transmission of infections between partners during intercourse.
Misconception 5: Hormonal contraceptives cause miscarriage
Some people still misunderstand that contraceptive methods, particularly hormonal contraception, can cause miscarriage.
In reality, contraception cannot cause miscarriage. This is because all forms of hormonal contraception work by preventing ovulation and fertilization. Fertilization is the beginning of pregnancy.
Misconception 6: Contraception causes weight gain
Many individuals worry that hormonal contraceptives cause weight gain. However, numerous studies have shown that these methods do not lead to weight gain, or that users only gain a few pounds on average.
A 2014 study involving both moderate-weight participants and those with obesity found no significant changes in weight or body composition after using birth control.
Many people worry that hormonal contraceptives cause weight gain, but there is no evidence to support this. (Image: Mkhealth).
Other reviews have also found little to no evidence of weight gain when using contraceptive methods. Even among studies showing slight weight increases, the average gain was only 2 kg.
Misconception 7: Contraception damages fertility
You may take several months to return to a normal menstrual cycle after using hormonal contraceptive methods (pills, patches, and implants). However, there is no evidence that hormonal contraceptive methods have a long-term impact on fertility.
Infertility is common, particularly as people age. Approximately 12-13% of couples experience difficulty conceiving. Challenges with fertility after contraception do not imply that birth control causes infertility.
Misconception 8: Emergency contraception is the same as abortion
Taking emergency contraception is not the same as having an abortion. Abortion is a procedure that interrupts an established pregnancy. Emergency contraception reduces the need for later abortions due to unintended pregnancies. It does not terminate a pregnancy but prevents fertilization from occurring in the first place.
Most people can find a safe contraceptive option for themselves. Sometimes, an individual may need to try different methods or combine several approaches to identify the most convenient and least side-effect-prone option.
