Myth: The pill causes infertility
Regardless of how long a woman takes birth control pills, there is no connection between taking the pill and infertility. Fertility returns almost immediately after stopping the pill, which is why it is so important not to miss a pill.
Myth: The pill protects against STDs, so there's no reason to use a condom
The pill offers no protection against HIV/AIDS or any other Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). If you are going to have sex, the best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to use a condom, each and every time you have sex. Condoms or dental dams can also provide protection during oral sex. For further protection, you may want to consider visiting a clinic for STI testing.
Myth: The pill isn't very effective
Taken correctly, the pill Is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy, making it one of the most effective methods of contraception available. If you forget to take your pills, it becomes less effective (there is an 8% “user failure rate”), which is why it is important to take your pills consistently and correctly. If you have trouble remembering to take your pills, you may want to consider an alternative method of contraception such as the contraceptive ring, patch or an injectable contraceptive (Depo™ Provera).
Myth: The pill causes weight gain
This is a very common myth about oral contraceptives. However, studies have found that there is no relationship between the pill and weight gain. The estrogen in the pill may make some women feel bloated at first, but this typically gets better with time. Many women also start birth control pills while they are young, at an age when their body has not reached adulthood and when weight gain is common.
This article comes from Sexualityandu.ca
