Sex and contraception is a delicate subject that most people feel uncomfortable
talking about freely. But not talking about it can be very unhealthy, leaving one
uninformed and confused.
Which is why, our expert advisors we would like to bring to the front various myths
in connection to contraception and prepare to separate fact from fiction.
Myth: Some people believe that consuming papaya can help in avoiding pregnancy.
Fact: Aside from the fact that papaya is a very tasty and healthy fruit,
it can in no way help prevent pregnancy.Consuming papaya, in anyway, cannot be considered
an effective way of contraception.
Myth:Emergency contraceptive pill causes acne.
Fact: There is no definite proof that Emergency Contraceptive Pills cause
acne.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Myth: Emergency Contraceptive Pills will make me fat.
Fact: Emergency contraceptive are not the reason. It is usually the change
in lifestyle habits that lead to this.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: I cannot conceive after the age of 35.
Fact: There is no age limit for conception. People can get pregnant well
into their old age. Always use protection.
Myth: Having sex standing up prevents pregnancy.
Fact: Having sex in any position can possibly lead to pregnancy. Using various
contraception methods can help prevent unplanned pregnancy.
Myth: Just to be safe, taking 2 Emergency Contraceptive Pills is better
than taking just 1.
Fact: Emergency contraceptive pills contain high dose hormones and frequently
consuming they, i.e. multiple times in one cycle, may cause severe menstrual cycle
disturbance that may take a long time to normalise. Sexually active people can instead
use other forms of contraceptives.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: Condoms take the fun out of sex.
Fact: The right kind of condom can enhance sex for both partner if they pick
the correct size and shape. Proper contraceptive methods when used right can help
make sex quite enjoyable. Moreover, condoms can be used as birth control and reducing
the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills and abortion
Myth: The 'Morning After' Pill Causes an Abortion.
Fact: Levonorgestrel-only ‘Morning After’ Emergency Contraceptive Pills do
not cause abortion. If you are already pregnant, consuming a ‘morning after’ pill
will not make a difference.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: Consuming Emergency Contraceptive Pills will affect my chances at
pregnancy in the future.
Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills has no long term effects. It only works
on your body for 72 hours, after which your body comes back to normal. Rest easy
in knowing that it will not affect your future chances at pregnancy.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: Taking an Emergency Contraceptive Pills while I am pregnant will
cause me harm.
Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are not abortion pills. If you are already
pregnant when you consume the EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS it will have absolutely
no effect on your body. So don’t worry.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: In case of an emergency, using a makeshift condom can be a contraceptive.
Fact: Only a traditional condom can act as a contraceptive. Using plastic
bags, balloons etc. are not effective. Unplanned pregnancy can be prevented by using
proper contraceptives.
Myth: Periods delayed even after taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills means
you are pregnant.
Fact: Since Emergency Contraceptive Pills may cause a fluctuation in your
period cycle, chances are that your dates may change. But no contraception provides
100% protection from pregnancy. So if your period is delayed more than 10 days,
please conduct a pregnancy test.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: You Can Catch an STD from a Toilet Seat
Fact: You cannot catch an STD but proper hygiene need to be maintained so
that infections can be prevented.
Myth: You can get pregnant by kissing.
Fact: Kissing is an expression of love. You cannot get pregnant by kissing
alone. Intercourse is what leads to pregnancy. To prevent unplanned pregnancy use
proper contraceptive methods.
Myth: Light periods after taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills means you
are pregnant.
Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills can cause fluctuation in your period
cycle because of which the quality of bleeding may vary. This doesn’t mean you are
pregnant. It is temporary and should be back to normal by your next cycle.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: Oral sex is safer that vaginal sex.
Fact: Oral sex as well as vaginal sex can lead to STD. This is not a preventive
measure. Use protection.
Myth: You Can't Get Pregnant the First Time You Have Sex.
Fact: You are just as likely to get pregnant the first time you have sex
as any other. To prevent unplanned pregnancy always use protection.
Myth: Emergency Contraceptive Pills cause a lot of side effects.
Fact: There have been some reports of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular
spotting in between periods, disturbed menstrual cycle etc. but these disappear
after a few days and is not common to all.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: Cleaning your vagina after sex can prevent pregnancy.
Fact: Cleaning your private parts after sex is hygienic and should be practised
but does not prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex. Using proper contraceptive
is advised.
Myth: Having sex on ‘safe days ‘can prevent pregnancy.
Fact: Safe days are not always constant. They can fluctuate due to various
reason which is why one should be careful and use protection if they want to prevent
pregnancy even on safe days.
Myth: You can only know an Emergency Contraceptive Pills worked if you
bleed after taking it.
Fact: Bleeding is not an effective indicator to confirm if the pill worked
or not. Though some women have mentioned bleeding because of hormonal fluctuation
in the body, this is not common in all women.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: Jumping up and down after sex can prevent pregnancy.
Fact: The human reproductive system is built in a way to help the sperm reach
the egg so that humans can procreate. On having unprotected sex, no amount of exercise
can help cleanse the system and prevent pregnancy. Always use protection.
Myth: Pregnancy can be prevented if you masturbate before sex.
Fact: Even if you masturbate before sex, the body replenishes the sperm reserve
by the time you are ready to have sex again. Even a small amount of ejaculation
can lead to pregnancy. Always use protection.
Myth: Emergency Contraceptive Pills should be consumed even if we don’t
have proper intercourse, just in case.
Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills have no harmful effects on your body
but they can cause menstrual imbalance if taken often, unnecessary consumption should
be avoided. Use other contraceptive methods instead.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: Premature ejaculation can only occur in younger men.
Fact: Premature ejaculation occurs in both older and younger men. There is
no age limit, which is why, this is not a guaranteed way of preventing unplanned
pregnancy. Always use protection.
Myth: Drinking Carbonated Soda can lower men’s fertility.
Fact: There is no study to prove that drinking any type of Carbonated Soda
can decrease the fertility in men. To prevent pregnancy, it is advised to use proper
contraception methods.
Myth: Taking an Emergency Contraceptive Pills while I am breastfeeding
is harmful for my child.
Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills only act as form of contraception. This
will have no effect on your breast milk and in turn is safe for your child.
NOTE : Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency
only when regular contraception fails.
Myth: Having sex with clothes on can lead to pregnancy.
Fact: Unless actual penetration into the vagina takes place during sex, there
is no possible way for a couple to get pregnant. It is advised to use proper contraception
during sex.