Myths about contraception have lengthy proliferated within the US (thanks partly to the abysmal state of intercourse ed), however latest occasions have amplified their unfold—specifically, the rise of influencers sharing deceptive details about the tablet on social media and the passage of laws threatening entry to varied sorts of contraception.
These misconceptions can have far-reaching repercussions, as an example placing individuals in danger for unintended being pregnant or preserving them from the non-pregnancy-related upsides of hormonal contraception, like reduction from heavy intervals and gut-wrenching menstrual cramps. So we requested ob-gyns to debunk all the largest contraception myths they’ve heard as of late.
1. Delusion: Contraception is a type of abortion.
For years, politicians have conflated contraception with abortion, most just lately a spokesperson for the US Company for Worldwide Improvement (USAID), who referred to hormonal contraceptives as “abortifacient contraception” in a press release to The New York Instances. The truth is, no type of contraception—not even the emergency variety—is designed to finish an current being pregnant; slightly, these merchandise maintain a being pregnant from getting began.
The 2 predominant methods they work are: stopping ovulation (the discharge of an egg from an ovary), within the case of hormonal contraceptives, and blocking sperm from reaching an egg, both by thickening the cervical mucus (hormonal choices) or interfering with sperm motility and performance (copper IUDs). All of that forestalls a being pregnant from ever having the ability to get underway, Sameena Rahman, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified gynecologist and menopause specialist, tells SELF.
The place the parable arises could must do with what occurs subsequent. Within the extraordinarily uncommon state of affairs {that a} sperm someway nonetheless wriggles its option to an egg and fertilizes it, that fertilized egg could not in the end implant into the uterus, as each hormonal contraceptives and copper IUDs may cause adjustments within the uterine lining. However even this doesn’t represent a unfavourable impact on an current being pregnant, Dr. Rahman factors out, as a result of being pregnant doesn’t begin till after implantation happens, in accordance with the American School of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). The label on Plan B, a preferred model of emergency contraception, used to recommend it might equally intrude with implantation, however in 2022, the FDA up to date it to make clear that it has no such impact—and solely prevents being pregnant by delaying ovulation.
In contrast to the entire above, medicine abortion shrinks the uterine lining, inflicting an already-implanted embryo to detach, after which triggers uterine contractions to push it out.
2. Delusion: Utilizing any type of contraception protects you from STIs.
The one sorts of contraception that shield towards each being pregnant and sexually transmitted infections are condoms (each the exterior variety worn on a penis and the inner pouch you insert right into a vagina). As barrier strategies, they lower down on the 2 attainable vectors of STI transmission: sexual fluids and skin-to-skin contact.
And even condoms can’t absolutely get rid of skin-to-skin contact so while you use them, you’re nonetheless liable to getting sure STIs, corresponding to herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes most cervical most cancers. For this reason getting examined usually so you understand your STI standing is a large a part of staying as protected as attainable.
3. Delusion: You may have somewhat intercourse then throw on a condom earlier than any ejaculation occurs, and also you gained’t get pregnant.
Slipping on a condom simply earlier than the individual with the penis finishes means their associate will get uncovered to pre-ejaculatory fluid (a.ok.a. pre-cum), Lauren Streicher, MD, a medical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern College Feinberg Faculty of Medication, tells SELF. There’s controversy surrounding whether or not or not pre-cum all the time accommodates sperm, however it’s a risk, Dr. Streicher says, so you can increase your probabilities of being pregnant. To not point out, you gained’t be defending your self in addition to you can towards STIs.
4. Delusion: Should you haven’t had youngsters, you’re not candidate for an IUD.
“It was beforehand thought that in case your cervix hadn’t dilated throughout a being pregnant, we couldn’t get an IUD by means of the cervical canal,” Dr. Rahman says, “however we’ve since realized that we completely can.” It’s the rationale ACOG even recommends IUDs for youngsters, most of whom, after all, haven’t given start.