Misconceptions about Contraception Overshadow the Facts: Expert Dispels Common Myths

Clouded by myths and cultural taboos, misinformation about contraception spreads like wildfire. From whispers among friends to elder-approved advice, misconceptions about contraception overshadow the facts. Making the right choices about family planning requires science-backed information. Moreover, when you are not actively planning for pregnancy, a lack of knowledge of contraception can be a leap in the dark.

So, we turn to Dr. Jogitha Unni, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Fernandez Hospital, who says let’s avoid the guessing games and bust all the common myths surrounding contraception.

Myth 1: Contraceptives lead to infertility.

Fact: Many believe that using a contraceptive pill or IUDs can lead to permanent infertility. This claim has no scientific backing and is a commonly perceived misconception. "If you are someone who takes birth control pills, once you stop taking them, you have a chance to get pregnant as much as anyone who has never taken a pill. Most contraceptive methods are reversible, and once stopped, fertility returns within a few months," says Dr. Unni.

Myth 2: All contraceptives are effective in keeping away STIs.

Fact: Not all contraceptives can protect against STIs. "Oral contraceptives, IUDs, and implants cannot prevent the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)," says Dr. Unni. However, she says, female and male condoms can reduce the chances of infections like HIV when they are used correctly and consistently.

Myth 3: You can't get pregnant if you are breastfeeding.

Fact: Exclusive breastfeeding can delay ovulation. However, it is not a recommended method of contraception, as a breastfeeding mother can regain her fertility at any point. "If you want to follow the Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) of contraception, there are a few guidelines to consider. You must be within six months of giving birth, and your baby should only be feeding directly on breast milk (no formula or foods); you should breastfeed at least every four hours during the day and every six hours overnight; and your menstrual cycle should not have started," she says.

Myth 4: A good pull-out game works wonders.

Fact: Absolutely not! Withdrawal, or ‘pulling out’ as it’s commonly known, is not a very reliable technique. According to Dr. Unni, the sperm can enter the vagina if the withdrawal is not timed correctly or if the pre-ejaculate fluid containing some amount of sperm is released. It is also not safe against STIs.

Myth 5: Condoms are 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Fact: Condoms are the easiest and most widely available contraception formula, and it is strongly recommended for keeping STIs away. "If used in the right way, they are effective in stopping pregnancy. Even so, one should not rule out the fact that condoms can tear, leak, or slip off, or be placed incorrectly," she says.

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