Contraception options were invented to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Some contraceptives like male and female condoms can also lower the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.
Unfortunately, many people misunderstand the way contraception works or simply don’t consider it necessary. In this article, we have gathered nine common myths about contraception that you shouldn’t believe in.
It is important to understand that conception is made to prevent pregnancy. Only condoms can help prevent the transmission of STDs. However, you should know that they don’t provide complete protection from some STDs like human papillomavirus and genital herpes that can be passed through skin-to-skin contact.
Many people think that women can’t get pregnant during periods. Indeed, female fertility is decreased during periods but you should understand that the sperm can remain active for 5 days in the female reproductive system. So if your ovulation occurs during this period, you can easily conceive.
Some women who use hormonal contraception think that they don’t need any other conception option. Indeed, hormonal contraceptives are extremely effective. But, as mentioned above, they don’t protect from STDs. That’s why it is recommended to combine your birth control with condoms to prevent STDs.
One of the most common misconceptions about hormonal birth control is that it can cause infertility. But the reality is that hormonal birth contraceptives are often used to treat gynecological disorders (like polycystic ovary syndrome) that cause problems with getting pregnant. Additionally, women can get pregnant for a few months after they stop using hormonal contraceptives if they don’t have any problems with fertility.
There is a common myth that douching can flush away the sperm from the vagina and this can help prevent conception. However, the effect of douching can be quite opposite since the water jet can transfer the sperm further. Additionally, douching can be quite harmful to your health since it can provoke irritation and bacterial vaginosis.
Indeed, you need to use condoms during vaginal sex to protect yourself from STDs. But you should understand that STDs can be transmitted not only through sperm or natural lubrication. STDs can also be passed through blood and even skin-to-skin contact. That’s why it is better to use condoms during any type of sex.
Many people think that a woman can’t get pregnant if the ejaculation doesn’t occur or if her partner uses the pull-out (withdrawal) method of contraception. The reality is that a pre-ejaculatory liquid is high in sperm and can quickly reach an egg. Additionally, this method doesn’t provide any protection against STDs.
Even though you can buy birth control pills without a prescription, it is better to avoid such things. The point is that there are a few types of pills that contain different amounts of hormones or different hormones that prevent pregnancy. That’s why it is better to visit the best gynecologist and ask a doctor about the best birth control pills for you.
The morning-after pill doesn’t cause abortion, it is used during the first days after sex to prevent conception. If you have had unprotected sex and want to avoid pregnancy, you can take the morning-after pill. This pill contains the same hormones as regular birth control but the amount of these hormones is much bigger. Thanks to this pill, fertilization doesn’t occur.
