Birth Control Myths: Contraceptive Methods That Always Fail

In spite of huge campaigns by various health sectors in the the federal government concerning contraceptive methods, a lot of women still remain reluctant to respond the call. The options are many and each of these approaches is thoroughly studied; their advantages and disadvantages well elucidated. However, what's troubling most females is not the scientific implication of contraceptive use, rather the socio-cultural beliefs that are associated with it.

Myth #1: I am breastfeeding so it's not possible for me to get pregnant

Fact: Breastfeeding has an inhibitory effect on the hormones responsible for ovulation. But that is not absolute. A woman is protected only from unplanned pregnancy during the first six months and the condition need to be that, first, she must breastfeed completely her child with out supplementing milk formula or baby food. Second, she should breastfeed at regular intervals through day and night and that no feeds are skipped for any reason. Third, she must make sure her menstrual periods have not returned.

Myth #2: All hormonal techniques of contraception are the same

Fact: Hormonal method of birth control can be either combined which contain two bodily hormones - estrogen and progestin, or progestin only. Even though both are very effective (92% to 97%), combined contraceptive has a lot more side effects. If the mother is breastfeeding, progestin-only is less dangerous compared to combined.

Myth #3: Any woman can take contraceptive pills

Fact: Before starting on contraceptive pills, one should consult her ob-gynecologist. Combined oral contraceptive pills are not appropriate for women who possess the following health hazards: being a smoker older than 35 years old, have migraines, high blood pressure, stroke, blood clots, heart ailment, diabetes, liver diseases.

Myth #4: I'm frightened of using IUD (intrauterine deivce). It may get misplaced and travel through my body.

Fact: IUD is a small T-shaped device with a single string affixed to the bottom of the stem. It is inserted into the uterus and almost always stays inside. If it does come out, it will come out from a tear in the uterine wall, which in that case will require surgery in order to be removed. To be sure that IUD is in place, have it checked monthly with your health professional.

Myth #5: Condoms can get lost in the woman's body

Fact: Condoms are too big to get into the small opening of the cervix.

Myth #6: I won't get pregnant simply because I haven't had my period yet

Fact: Absence of menstruation does not essentially mean absence of ovulation. There are many instances of teenage pregnancies whereby menstruation has not yet occurred. This is possible. The menstrual cycle of young females is expected to be irregular through the first few months due to hormonal imbalance. Because ovulation precedes menstruation, it might be that, a young girl is ovulating for the first time and had sexual intercourse, paving the way for fertilization and pregnancy, instead of her first menstruation.

Myth #7: I don't need contraception to avoid getting pregnant because we only have sexon my "safe" time

Fact: If a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, a "safe" time can be theoretically determined. That is the time when she is not fertile or ovulating and therefore safe from getting pregnant. Nonetheless, it should be realized that the entire menstrual cycle is an interplay of 4 various bodily hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and progesterone. What regulates ovulation is a delicate balance of these hormones. However, this balance can be disrupted by many factors like stress, age group, medications and weight change. Due to these uncontrollable external factors, it is therefore tough to pinpoint the "precise safe" days, making any woman still at risk for pregnancy. It is one of the reasons why rhythm method of birth control has high failure rate.

Nowadays, only a handful of females will frankly inquire their health care provider how true contraceptive myths are. And seeing how these false beliefs highly influenced their choice of birth control method, it is high time for both the woman and her health care provider to talk a lot more about disconcerting myths and get it out of the closet.


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