Do you believe these 5 myths about contraception?

Before you channelize your inner adventurer in bed, let us get one thing straight to your head—that daredevil act of having unprotected sex can not only lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but also an unplanned pregnancy, which can further haunt you to bits.

An unplanned pregnancy is not just damaging to the mother, emotionally and physically, but the economic and social ramifications are even harsh, both for the mother and her partner as well.

Hence, it gets extremely important to use contraception methods to steer clear of the risk of having unplanned pregnancy. But a sad part to this is that a lot of people are misinformed about contraception methods.

“It is observed that many young people avoid using contraceptives or discontinue use, either due to misinformation or because they are worried about side effects.

It is important to dispel misinformation to ensure that young people choose a suitable method of contraception and continue to use it appropriately,” says Dr Anita K Mohan, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate.

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She shares some common myths about contraception and explains why they are just myths.

1. Myth: Contraceptives cause cancer!
Fact: Oral contraceptive pills are considered protective as they actually reduce the risk of ovarian and rndometrial (inner lining of the uterus) vancer. Some association may exist between the pills and breast cancer; consult your doctor before starting on a pill.

2. Myth: Condoms give 100% protection from unwanted pregnancy
Fact: Condoms provide just 80% protection, which means that 2 out of 10 couples using condoms can end up with a pregnancy. Same holds true for ‘safe period’ and ‘withdrawal method’. However, condoms do protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

3. Myth: If I take pills now, I may never have babies in the future
Fact: Oral contraceptive pills, or the combined oral contraceptives, are effective only while the woman is taking them regularly. As soon as she stops the pills, she can get pregnant—so there is no need to fear them.

4. Myth: Weight gain happens due to the pills
Fact: Women gain weight due to various reasons, but there is no significant weight gain due to the pills. In fact, the pills can reduce menstrual bleeding and menstrual cramps. They also improve complexion and reduce facial hair and acne. The pills help to control polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

5. Myth: Contraception is a woman’s problem
Fact: Pregnancy planning is a couple’s decision, so is contraception. The couple needs to find out which method is the most suitable for them; a gynaecologist can help them in this process.

So, make an informed and calculative decision before you plan to ditch those contraceptive methods.

With inputs from IANS