From a young age, we’ve probably encountered plenty of myths surrounding contraceptive use and fertility. Some were due to a lack of access to clear information, whilst others may have been false rumours spread for ulterior religious or social agendas.
Let’s bust the myths around 5 common misconceptions.
Myth 1: “There are only hormonal options for emergency contraception.”
Whilst hormonal ‘morning-after’ pills are seen as the go-to method to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, the copper intrauterine device (Copper IUD) can also be used. In fact, the IUD is more effective (99% efficiency) than the pill, and can also be left in as an ongoing, long term contraceptive.
Myth 2: “Taking the morning after pill is like having an abortion”
Variations of the pill work by delaying the release of the egg (ovulation), preventing pregnancy from ever occurring. You are required to take 1 pill up to 5 days after unprotected sex, depending on the brand. This is not the same as an abortion, which is when an existing pregnancy is terminated using 2 pills (mifepristone and misoprostol).
Myth 3: “It is bad for your body to use the combined pill to reduce or eliminate periods.”
Contrary to popular belief, your uterus does not get ‘clogged up’ as the hormones in the pill indirectly suppress the lining of the uterus from shedding, preventing a period. The pill is safe and effective for long term use, and many medical studies show that there are no significant negative effects when using the combined pill to skip periods. It is worth noting that these studies have not extensively examined the long term effects of skipping periods using this method, so more research does need to be conducted.
Myth 4: “You don’t need contraception anymore once you start to have menopausal symptoms”
Although chances are slim, you can still get pregnant up until you have had 12 consecutive months without menstruating. Many people experience menopausal symptoms, including missed periods, during a phase called perimenopause, which can last many years. Whilst your fertility levels are very low and you may think you’ve entered menopause, you can still get pregnant, and it may be classified as high risk.
Myth 5: “You can’t get pregnant if you have unprotected sex whilst on your period.”
You can get pregnant at any time during your cycle if you have unprotected sex, even during your period. Granted, it’s very unlikely, but it’s not impossible! Sperm can survive for around 3 days after ejaculation, so if you have sex towards the end of your period, the chances of pregnancy increase.
It is so important to ensure we have access to correct and accurate information when making decisions about our unique bodies. If you have any doubt, speak to a trusted medical professional.