Contraception Mythbusters
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MythA woman can't become pregnant if she has sex during her period
FactIt is true that a woman having her period is not ovulating (releasing egg cells). However, the time of ovulation in women can be irregular. Because sperm can live inside a women’s body for five days, a woman who ovulates within seven days after having sex can get pregnant. Having unprotected sex during your period is not a reliable method of contraception.
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MythA woman can’t get pregnant if she doesn’t have an orgasm
FactWhile the man must ejaculate to release sperm, it is not necessary for the woman to have an orgasm to get pregnant. Ovulation (release of egg cell) in women can occur without having sex or an orgasm.
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MythA woman will not become pregnant if she takes a shower or bath right after sex, or if she urinates right after sex
FactIt's possible for a woman to become pregnant if she washes or urinates straight after having sex. Washing or urinating after sex will not stop sperm that have already entered through the cervix (the neck of the womb).
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MythA woman won’t get pregnant if she has sex standing up or if she is on top
FactAfter a man ejaculates inside a woman's vagina, his sperm move up through the cervical canal towards her womb. The woman’s position during sex has no effect on the sperm's movement. Similarly, jumping up and down after sex can not prevent pregnancy.
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MythAll contraceptive pills are the same
FactThere are two different groups of contraceptive pills available: combined contraceptive pills (that contain oestrogen and progestogen) and progestogen-only pills. There are a few pills belonging to each group. Your doctor or nurse can help you in choosing the best pill for you.
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MythContraceptive pills cause cancer
FactContraceptive pills have been around for over 60 years. So far, no conclusive link has been shown between the pill and breast cancer. Studies also suggest that women on the pill may be less likely to develop cancer of the ovaries or the womb.
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MythI don’t need contraception because I only have sex during the "safe" time
FactOvulation (release of egg cell in women) is the result of a delicate balance between four different hormones. Identification of the exact time of ovulation is not easy and requires careful monitoring of several menstrual cycles before using this method. Because of its complexity, this is not a reliable method of contraception.
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MythI won’t get pregnant if I douche after sex
FactAfter a man ejaculates in a woman's vagina, his sperm enter the woman's cervix (the neck of the womb) and are out of reach of any douching solution.
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MythI won’t get pregnant if my partner pulls out before he ejaculates
FactA man pulling out before he ejaculates is not a reliable method of contraception. Some of the fluid that contains the man's sperm might be released before he actually begins to climax (ejaculate). Also, some men might not be able to withdraw in time.
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MythLong-term use of the contraceptive pill can affect women’s fertility
FactThere is no evidence that women’s fertility can be affected by the pill. Women can become pregnant quickly after stopping the pill. For this reason, women who miss their pill are advised to take another form of contraception until their next period.
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MythThe contraceptive pill is effective immediately after you begin taking it
FactHow soon the pill is effective depends on when you start taking the pill. It usually takes seven days before it is effective, but you should always check.
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MythThe most risky time to miss a pill is in the middle of the pack
FactOvulation (release of the egg) is prevented if women take the contraceptive pill for at least seven days. It is therefore least risky if the pill is stopped in the middle of the pack. The most risky time for missing the pill is near the beginning or the end of the pack.
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MythThe only use of the contraceptive pill is contraception
FactDoctors use the pill for some women for its other benefits, including: controlling the timing of menstruation (the period) reducing cramps during menstruation periods inducing more regular periods helping to treat acne and reduce excessive facial and body hair
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MythThe pill is not safe and causes birth defects
FactEven natural pregnancy, when mothers don’t use any medicines, can be associated with birth defects. Taking the pill does not increase the risk.
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MythToothpaste kills sperm
FactToothpaste has no effect on sperm and can not be used to replace spermicides.
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MythWomen on the pill put on weight
FactResearch has not shown any relationship between weight gain and use of the contraceptive pill. The oestrogen in the pill may make some women feel bloated, and the hormone progesterone may increase appetite. Some women seem to put on weight that may be related to their increased appetite, or natural changes in body weight that occur in certain phases of life.
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MythYou can use plastic wrap or cling film instead of a condom
FactPlastic wrap and cling film can not be used instead of a condom. Condoms are specifically made to provide a good fit and good protection during sex, and they are thoroughly tested for maximum effectiveness.
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MythYou can't get pregnant the first time you have sex
FactWomen can get pregnant the first time they have sex. If you are thinking of having sex, you should use a reliable method of contraception and a condom. Contraception
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MythYou should not take the contraceptive pill for long
FactIt is believed that the pill can be taken for more than 15 years without risk. Taking a break from the pill may result in you becoming pregnant. If you choose to change from the pill, you should discuss an alternative method of contraception with your doctor.