What are the Common Misconceptions About Birth Control?

Birth control is something that most people are aware of, but there is a lot of misinformation surrounding this commonly dispensed medication. Despite all of the benefits that are offered by birth control, and its readily available nature, many people still vilify this medication and claim that it causes issues for people’s health that it does not.

Learning more about how birth control actually works and what it can do for women’s health is an important part of becoming educated on the topic. If you are ready to learn more about the way in which birth control can benefit the lives and health of women all over the world, read on!

Common Misconceptions About Birth Control

1. It Will Make Me Gain Weight

Birth control pills can affect people in various ways. While some women do report that they have gained a little weight since they have started taking the pill, there has been no direct link made between weight gain and the pill in extensive studies. The cause of weight gain that is incorrectly attributed to the pill is likely just the result of women’s bodies changing naturally over time in totally normal ways.

2. Birth Control Pills Cause Cancer

This is one of the many myths that parents will often cite when they want to prevent their daughters from taking the pill. There is no link between birth control pills and cancer despite extensive study about the topic. There are a few unique kinds of birth control that could cause you to be predisposed to cancer, and these forms of birth control are labelled as such.

3. Birth Control Will Stop me From Having Kids Later

This is a very common myth surrounding birth control that has no basis in the face. You will be able to stop taking the pill and get pregnant almost right away in most cases. You have only to look at the statistics about the number of women who get pregnant while on birth control to be able to see that birth control does not limit your fertility. Human fertility is variable, and birth control is not usually the reason for a lack of fertility later in life.

4. Birth Control Causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This is a myth that is likely caused by a misunderstanding about what causes PID. PID is not a result of birth control and is the result of contracting STIs during sexual activity. Making sure that you protect yourself with a condom when you are having sex can prevent PID, but birth control will not cause or prevent this condition.

5. The Birth Control Ring Falls Out

This is another common misconception about ring birth controls. These are easy-to-use birth controls that offer the chance to maintain your hormone levels without taking an oral medication. The ring will stay in place as long as it is not removed intentionally. You will not have issues with the ring staying in place as long as you do not pull on it hard and try to remove it.

6. IUDs Can Tear Your Uterus

IUDs are safe and have been studied extensively. There is a tiny risk that an IUD might cause you some form of harm if it becomes dislodged, but this is very, very rare. IUDs are some of the best and safest birth controls that you can select.

Birth control is a necessary and vital part of the process of allowing women to control their bodies and their overall health. Being allowed to support your hormone health and prevent pregnancy is a necessary part of women’s right to choose.