5 Myths About the Birth Control Pill

There are so many options of contraceptive methods on the market that it is perfectly acceptable not to know absolutely everything about each of them. However, when choosing the right one for you, it is crucial to clarify all your doubts so as not to be fooled by the false myths surrounding each one. To help you with this difficult task, we've uncovered some of the most common myths about one of the most commonly used methods by women: the birth control pill.

Myth 1: Birth Control Pill Get Fat

Every woman taking a contraceptive wants to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, but there are cases where this method is ignored for fear of getting fat. The truth is that in the package inserts of some birth control pills there is information about the possible weight loss, but this is not a rule.

In contrast, there are studies that claim that there is no relationship between pill use and weight gain. This myth is old and comes from the time when the pills contained large amounts of hormones. Currently, the dosage is low and the likelihood of gaining weight through contraceptive use as well, which may happen is some swelling due to fluid retention and the presence of estrogen, but such swelling disappears over time.

Myth 2: You need a temporary contraceptive break

There are birth control pills in 21 and 28 pills. In the 21-pill pack, a week-long break should be given for menstruation and the new pack to start on the eighth day, while in the 28-pill pack, the new pack is started the day after the previous one without interruption. and menstruation coincides with the last pills.

In addition to the range of 21-packs, some believe it is necessary to take a longer break to detoxify the body, a myth, as the hormone dosages of the pills are low and do not intoxicate the body. Taking a break for one or more months may increase the risk of an unwanted pregnancy, as well as making a woman feel the initial symptoms of affecting women when they start taking the pill when they return.

Myth 3: The birth control pill is a 100% safe method

There is no totally safe contraceptive method, they all have a chance of failure of at least 0.01%. The chances of the pill not working can reach 8% if not taken daily and with the required regularity. If the regularity of days and times is maintained, the chances of it working properly can be as high as 99.9%.

Myth 4: Birth Control Pill Causes Cancer

Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that both the birth control pill and the intrauterine device (IUD) are effective allies in preventing uterine cancer. Much has been said about the increased likelihood of women taking pills to develop breast cancer, but there is no scientific evidence yet.

Myth 5: Contraception is all the same.

One woman just praises her own pill and the other woman wants to know the name and know it, but there are different types of pills on the market and each one is suitable for a person profile.

And it's not just the brand that changes, the amount of estrogen and progestin changes, the order in which they are taken, and more. When prescribing the right type for each person, the gynecologist investigates habits, a history of illness and various factors that lead him to indicate one type or another.

Now that you know a little more about the birth control pill, you just need to make an appointment with a trusted gynecologist so that together they can define the one that best suits your needs. It is worth remembering that birth control does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases, so it should be associated with condom use. Take care!

Top 6 Birth Control Myths (April 2024)