Contraception Myths

Myth: Some people believe that consuming papaya can help in avoiding pregnancy.

Fact: Aside from the fact that papaya is a very tasty and healthy fruit, it can in no way help prevent pregnancy. Consuming papaya, in any way, cannot be considered an effective way of contraception.

Myth: Emergency contraceptive pill causes acne.

Fact: There is no definite proof that Emergency Contraceptive Pills cause acne.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: Emergency Contraceptive Pills will make me fat.

Fact: Emergency contraceptive are not the reason. It is usually the change in lifestyle habits that lead to this.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: I cannot conceive after the age of 35.

Fact: There is no age limit for conception. People can get pregnant well into their old age. Always use protection.

Myth: Having sex standing up prevents pregnancy.

Fact: Having sex in any position can possibly lead to pregnancy. Using various contraception methods can help prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Myth: Just to be safe, taking 2 Emergency Contraceptive Pills is better than taking just 1.

Fact: Emergency contraceptive pills contain high dose hormones and frequently consuming them, i.e. multiple times in one cycle, may cause severe menstrual cycle disturbance that may take a long time to normalize. Sexually active people can instead use other forms of contraceptives.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: Condoms take the fun out of sex.

Fact: The right kind of condom can enhance sex for both partner if they pick the correct size and shape. Proper contraceptive methods when used right can help make sex quite enjoyable. Moreover, condoms can be used as birth control and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Myth: The 'Morning After' Pill Causes an Abortion.

Fact: Levonorgestrel-only Morning After Emergency Contraceptive Pills do not cause abortion. If you are already pregnant, consuming a ‘morning after pill will not make a difference.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: Consuming Emergency Contraceptive Pills will affect my chances of pregnancy in the future.

Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills have no long term effects. They only work on your body for 72 hours, after which your body comes back to normal. Rest easy in knowing that they will not affect your future chances of pregnancy.

Myth: Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills while I am pregnant will cause me harm.

Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are not abortion pills. If you are already pregnant when you consume the Emergency Contraceptive Pills, they will have absolutely no effect on your body. So don't worry.

Myth: Periods being delayed even after taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills means you are pregnant.

Fact: Since Emergency Contraceptive Pills may cause a fluctuation in your period cycle, chances are that your dates may change. But no contraception provides 100% protection from pregnancy. So if your period is delayed more than 10 days, please conduct a pregnancy test.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: You Can Catch an STD from a Toilet Seat

Fact: You cannot catch an STD but proper hygiene need to be maintained so that infections can be prevented.

Myth: Light periods after taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills means you are pregnant.

Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills can cause fluctuation in your period cycle because of which the quality of bleeding may vary. This doesn't mean you are pregnant. It is temporary and should be back to normal by your next cycle.

Myth: Oral sex is safer that vaginal sex.

Fact: Oral sex as well as vaginal sex can lead to STD. This is not a preventive measure. Use protection.

Myth: You Can't Get Pregnant the First Time You Have Sex.

Fact: You are just as likely to get pregnant the first time you have sex as any other. To prevent unplanned pregnancy always use protection.

Myth: Emergency Contraceptive Pills cause a lot of side effects.

Fact: There have been some reports of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular spotting in between periods, disturbed menstrual cycle etc. but these disappear after a few days and is not common to all.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: Cleaning your vagina after sex can prevent pregnancy.

Fact: Cleaning your private parts after sex is hygienic and should be practised but does not prevent pregnancy if you have had unprotected sex. Using proper contraceptive is advised.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: Having sex on safe days can prevent pregnancy.

Fact: Safe days are not always constant. They can fluctuate due to various reasons which is why one should be careful and use protection if they want to prevent pregnancy even on safe days.

Myth:You can only know that an Emergency Contraceptive Pill has worked if you bleed after taking it.

Fact: Bleeding is not an effective indicator to confirm if the pill has worked or not. Though some women have mentioned bleeding because of hormonal fluctuation in the body, this is not common in all women.

Myth: Jumping up and down after sex can prevent pregnancy.

Fact:The human reproductive system is built in a way to help the sperm reach the egg so that humans can procreate. On having unprotected sex, no amount of exercise can help cleanse the system and prevent pregnancy. Always use protection.

Myth: Pregnancy can be prevented if you masturbate before sex.

Fact: Even if you masturbate before sex, the body replenishes the sperm reserve by the time you are ready to have sex again. Even a small amount of ejaculation can lead to pregnancy. Always use protection.

Myth: Emergency Contraceptive Pills should be consumed even if we don't have proper intercourse, just in case.

Fact: Emergency Contraceptive Pills have no harmful effects on your body, but they can cause menstrual imbalance if taken often, unnecessary consumption should be avoided. Use other contraceptives.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: Drinking Carbonated Soda can lower men's fertility.

Fact: There is no study to prove that drinking any type of Carbonated Soda can decrease the fertility in men. To prevent pregnancy, it is advised to use proper contraception methods.

NOTE: Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used in emergency only when regular contraception fails.

Myth: Having sex with clothes on can lead to pregnancy.

Fact: Unless actual penetration into the vagina takes place during sex, there is no possible way for a couple to get pregnant. It is advised to use proper contraception during sex.