By News18,Swati Chaturvedi

Copyright news18

The number of unplanned pregnancies is a serious global health concern affecting millions of women. According to The State of World Population 2022 report (UNFPA), almost half of all pregnancies worldwide, 121 million every year are unplanned. For the women and girls affected, the most life-altering reproductive choice, whether to become pregnant is often no choice at all, explains the report.
One significant reason for this alarming statistic is a pervasive lack of knowledge and the widespread myths surrounding contraception. It’s common to hear young patients express concerns about birth control pills, such as the belief that they will “ruin their chances of having children later” or that contraceptives cause sudden weight gain. These stories, while frequently shared, are often rooted in misinformation and act as a barrier to contraceptive use.
Dr. Satwika Dey, MBBS, DGO, DNB – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Newmi Women and Child Clinic, Noida debunks the biggest myths around modern contraception:
Myth #1: Hormonal birth control makes you gain weight
Fact: Studies examining combined birth control pills and patches, as well as progestin-only methods like the minipill, hormonal IUDs, and implants, have found no strong evidence linking them to increased weight. Some specific injectable contraceptives may cause an average gain of about five pounds over a year in some individuals due to high doses of appetite-stimulating progesterone. For other methods, any temporary weight fluctuations are more likely due to water retention in the initial months or other lifestyle factors, rather than the contraception itself.
Myth #2: Withdrawal is effective birth control
Fact: While often considered a form of birth control, the withdrawal method is not as effective as many other options. When used consistently and correctly ensuring no ejaculation near the vulva or vagina, it can prevent pregnancy in 96 out of 100 users. However, consistent and correct use is challenging in practice, leading to about 22 out of 100 users getting pregnant each year. Withdrawal is better than no protection but significantly less effective than other methods. Combining withdrawal with condoms can substantially increase pregnancy prevention.
Myth #3: Birth control prevents STIs
Fact: Birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While these medications are highly effective at preventing pregnancy by regulating hormones, they do not prevent infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. According to WHO, over a million curable STIs are acquired daily worldwide among people aged 15–49 years, many without symptoms. For comprehensive protection, healthcare providers recommend “dual protection,” using condoms in conjunction with a hormonal birth control method.
Myth #4: Birth control damages fertility
Fact: Long-term use of hormonal birth control does not harm future fertility. Once the hormones leave the body, fertility typically returns. The only exception is the birth control shot, which can take several months or longer for some individuals for ovulation to fully resume. IUDs, when properly inserted, do not lead to fertility problems.
Myth #5: It’s only for pregnancy prevention
Fact: Hormonal birth control offers numerous health benefits beyond contraception. It regulates menstrual cycles, reduces period pain, alleviates hormonal acne, and decreases the risk of ovarian cysts. It also helps manage conditions like endometriosis and menstrual migraines and can significantly lower the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and potentially colorectal cancers.
Myth #6: IUDs are only for women who’ve had children
Fact: Both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs are suitable for women of all ages, regardless of whether they have given birth. They offer long-lasting contraception with high effectiveness, and hormonal IUDs can reduce heavy or painful periods. Sub-dermal implants are also safe and highly effective for young women, including those who haven’t had children.
Myth #7: Breastfeeding means you don’t need birth control
Fact: While breastfeeding can delay ovulation and the return of menstrual cycles, it is not a reliable method of birth control for all women. Pregnancy can still occur, even before the first postpartum period. Contraception is necessary to prevent unintended pregnancy while breastfeeding. Estrogen-containing methods may reduce milk supply, so progestin-only methods or barrier methods (like condoms) are often recommended.
Addressing myths
The widespread myths about modern contraceptives are a significant barrier to reproductive health, contributing to a global crisis of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Advanced methods offer far more than just pregnancy prevention, providing numerous health benefits and dispelling common fears about weight gain, cancer, and fertility.
Replacing misinformation with accurate, evidence-based knowledge is vital. Empowering individuals with the truth about modern contraception is key to making informed choices, improving health outcomes, and building healthier communities worldwide.