12 Birth Control Myths You Need to Stop Believing

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Long before Google and gynaecologists existed, women found guidance in the familiar voices of their grandmothers or Dais (traditional midwives). These trusted sources for women’s health advice offered time-tested guidance, though it often conflicted with scientific evidence.

Let’s examine some age-old beliefs that have been handed down through generations:

1. Birth Control contraceptives cause infertility.
2. Natural birth control options are as effective as medical ones.
3. Hormonal birth control methods like the pill ruin your body forever.

Not the first time you’ve heard that, is it? If you’ve ever listened to these from a friend, grandma, or even a midwife, you’re not alone. For generations, women have shared their ideas about birth control, from stories they have heard over and over again. Some of these beliefs stem from personal experiences, but they often lack medical accuracy.

Therefore, it’s time to clear the air, cut through the myths, and get to the facts straight to make informed choices about your health and contraception.

12 Birth Control Myths You Must Unlearn

Not all lessons we’ve learned are correct. Some need to be unlearned immediately, especially if they shape our thoughts about our bodies and choices. Discover a few birth control myths that continue to cloud the truth. It’s time to clear the air.

Myth 1: The birth control patch doesn’t work as effectively as the pill.

Busted: Do you think the patch is second-best? Think again. The birth control patch is just as effective as the pill when used properly. Both methods release the same hormones, estrogen and progestin, which play key roles in preventing ovulation. The difference? The pill is taken regularly, while the birth control patch is changed weekly, making it undoubtedly an easier way to use consistently.

Myth 2: Hormonal birth control makes you infertile.

Busted: Thankfully, it doesn’t. It temporarily prevents ovulation, and once stopped, your ability to get pregnant returns naturally. In certain circumstances, hormonal birth control may mask underlying conditions like PCOS, but birth control isn’t to blame. Studies confirm your fertility stays intact long-term, but if you’re unsure, your gynaecologist is the best person to talk to.

Truth Pills: Some hormonal birth control pills can improve your skin and emotional well-being. 

Myth 3: Using the birth control patch will make you gain a lot of weight.

Busted: Weight gain and birth control are often linked with contraception side effects. However, science has a different story to tell, where studies confirm that the birth control patch doesn’t cause noticeable weight gain. While some individuals may experience mild bloating, it may not affect others the same way.

Myth 4: If you miss a pill, you’re immediately at risk of pregnancy.

Busted: Missing a pill doesn’t require hitting the panic button, especially with progestin-only pills. However, taking the missed pill as soon as possible and using a backup method like condoms helps reduce the risk. If you’ve missed more than one pill, using contraception can help prevent pregnancy.

Myth 5: The contraceptive patch releases too many hormones.

Busted: Hormones may sound intimidating, but they’re not your enemy. The claim that the birth control patch releases too many hormones doesn’t fully capture the complete picture of how it works. While the patch releases more estrogens than pills, the risk of severe side effects like blood clots is considered low in healthy and non-smoking women below the age of 35.

Myth 6: Emergency contraceptive pills cause abortion.

Busted: There’s a big difference between preventing a pregnancy and ending one. Emergency contraceptive pills do not end a pregnancy; instead, they work by preventing fertilisation if taken soon after unprotected sex. Unlike abortion pills, which are used to terminate an existing pregnancy, emergency contraception only works before pregnancy begins.

Myth 7: Cervical cap birth control is outdated and doesn’t work.

Busted: In the ever-growing world of contraceptive choices, the cervical cap is a quieter player. They are undoubtedly not as effective as hormonal methods like pills or patches; however, this sort of birth control is suitable for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. Some women may prefer this method due to its reusability and relatively low cost.

Myth 8: One shot of injectable birth control lasts forever and stays in your body permanently.

Busted: Injectable birth control offers peace of mind, but not forever. For instance, Depo Provera is long-lasting but not permanent. It works for about three months, after which another injectable birth control shot is needed to stay protected. Your body slowly flushes out the hormones, and your ability to get pregnant typically comes back within a year.

Truth Pills: IUDs are tiny but mighty to offer you up to a decade of protection, making them highly effective. 

Myth 9: You don’t need birth control contraceptives if you’re breastfeeding.

Busted: It’s amazing how your body nourishes a baby and pauses your cycle. Breastfeeding can delay your cycle through the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), but it’s a short-term option with less reliability. Ovulation can sneak in early, so it’s safer to use another birth control method.

Myth 10: You can’t get pregnant during your periods, so no need for protection.

Busted: Just because you’re bleeding doesn’t mean you’re protected. While the possibilities are lower, you can still get pregnant during your periods, especially if you have an irregular cycle. Also, spotting from ovulation is often confused with menstruation, which puts you at high risk of pregnancy without being aware of it.

Myth 11: Men don’t have any real birth control options.

Busted: Let’s face it- when it comes to birth control, the burden has mostly fallen on women, but men still have skin in the game. New methods like gels, pills and injections are still in development, beyond condoms and vasectomy. Challenges like potential side effects and a lack of market interest have presented roadblocks to faster innovation.

Myth 12: Birth control is the latest trend.

Busted: It’s not just patches and pills, it’s about power, purpose and rising population. It’s a timeless empowerment tool. From ancient methods to advanced solutions, birth control has given individuals control over their life paths. On World Population Day, it’s a gentle reminder that access to contraception contributes to better health, a balanced planet, and a fairer world.

Truth pills: Long before pharmacies existed, the Egyptians were already experimenting with their methods by using honey, acacia, and lint as natural contraceptives.

What to Keep in Mind When Choosing the Right Birth Control?

The idea of birth control isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for your sister or best friend might not work for you. There are so many types of contraceptives, from pills to patches, that can overwhelm you. But you’re not alone. This guide will help you cut through the confusion so you can pick confidently what feels right for your body and lifestyle.

Effectiveness: Not all contraception is created equal. Therefore, when choosing the right birth control, effectiveness matters. Some methods, like IUDs, protect you almost automatically, but options like condoms or pills require consistency to work well.

Side Effects: Your body, your choice, but that includes contraception side effects. Watch out for side effects because some birth control methods may come with side effects like headaches, hormonal shifts or spotting. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid surprises.

Ease of Use: Let’s be real, life gets busy, and you want low effort yet high peace of mind. There are specific birth control options that often require daily or immediate action, while others take care of themselves once they’re in place. Just go with what feels effortless and not stressful.

STI Protection: Pregnancy shouldn’t be the only thing you should get protection from. There are certain methods like IUDs, pills and implants which are great for preventing pregnancy. However, only condoms offer protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Relationship Factors: It’s not about your body. Talking openly with your partner turns birth control into a shared responsibility, not just a solo mission.

Future Family Planning: Birth control isn’t just about now, it’s about later, too. Where do you see yourself in a few years- with a baby, or still building your career? Your birth control choice should reflect your timeline. One must understand that a few methods are easily reversible, while others are better suited for long-term prevention.

Do you know that if starting a family is in your future, maternity insurance isn’t just helpful —it’s essential. Maternity insurance saves you from stress and unexpected costs later. From prenatal checkups to delivery and newborn care, the right maternity health insurance ensures you’re financially ready for everything from ultrasounds to hospital stay.

>> Also Read: Health Insurance for Maternity: A Quick Guide for Pre and Post-Natal Care

Be Informed, Stay Empowered

Now that birth control myths are out of the way, you’re one step closer to making an informed decision. If you’re still unsure, a well-chosen health insurance policy with optional Care OPD can support expert consultations, including women’s health experts. It’s your access pass to real answers from real professionals that give you peace of mind knowing you’re making choices backed by trusted medical support. So get ready to break the confusion because your body deserves clarity, not myths.

Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus and policy documents carefully.