Image: Shutterstock
An unexpected pregnancy can throw your life into turmoil. And, while you may think that you have it “covered”, and use protection, there are many myths about birth control that can be damaging and put you at a risk of becoming pregnant. Yes, you read that right. Below, we help uncover these myths and shed some light on what is and what isn’t good for you.
1) Pulling Out Is An Effective Method
No, it isn’t! According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coitus interruptus or the Withdrawal method, or what we colloquially call pulling out, isn’t a foolproof contraceptive method. It does represent a risk, and there is a 22% chance that couples using this contraceptive method, will end up having an unintended pregnancy. This is because a) your partner may not do it at the right time, and b) pre-ejaculate, which could contain sperms, may have already entered the cervix, and pulling out isn’t going to help now.
2) The Morning-After Pill
The next morning pill is a good primary source of preventing pregnancies, but there are some problems with using it as a backup resource for pulling out, or as an emergency contraceptive. We have already mentioned that pulling out isn’t the safest possible bet, the pre-ejaculate and the timing of the withdrawal are rather important. Moreover, emergency contraceptives are expensive, and not everyone has easy access to them. Don’t forget that there is still a 1 out of 10 chance that you may become pregnant using this contraceptive method.
3) Storing Condoms In The Wallet
This one’s rather important. Condoms shouldn’t be stored in wallets, and that’s because they are at a higher chance of suffering wear and tear. Wallets are exposed to heat and friction, which isn’t good for any medical resource. The US National Center for Biotechnology Information states that condoms need to be stored in a cool and dry place. And, make sure you check for expiry dates when you use condoms. If you must use a condom, make sure your partner uses a spermicide to reduce the chances of an unintended pregnancy.
4) Birth Control Pills Don’t Work
Well, that’s not true! They work, but women need to be careful. While there are quite a few instances of women accidentally becoming pregnant, using birth control pills, but if you plan well, you can reduce your chances of conceiving. If you are the forgetful kind, set reminders on your phone, or consider getting an IUD, which you can remove when you finally decide to become pregnant later. According to Planned Parenthood, the chances of you becoming pregnant, while following a regular pattern of taking these pills, is around 0.8%.
5) You Can’t Conceive On Your Safe Days
That’s not true. You may have planned and studied, and logged all your dates, and are confident that today is a safe day, what you need to remember is that the menstrual cycle is something that is rather unpredictable, and it can be difficult to guess the safe date. And, this isn’t something that you can leave to chance. Moreover, sperm can survive in the woman’s body for many days; so you could have sex well before the ovulation date, but become pregnant.
6) Positions Don’t Matter
Well, this rumor is rather laughable. The science behind the woman on top versus the missionary position reckons that gravity will restrict the sperm from getting into the cervix. It isn’t so. Gravity plays no part here, as other processes guide the sperm into the cervix. So, standing up, lying down, or woman on top, it rarely makes any difference when preventing pregnancy.
So, which of these myths have you heard or fallen prey to? Share some other birth control myths with us in the comment section below.
