5 Common Myths About Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives, commonly known as The Pill, is one of the most effective contraception methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy and abortion. However, there are myths and misconceptions about The Pill that may be scaring some women out of using this reliable method of contraception. Read on to learn the truth about birth control pills. 

Myth #1: “The Pill will make me gain weight.”

This is the most common misconceptions that put many women in fear of using The Pill. Contrary to this popular misconception, studies have found that only a very small number of women reported weight changes after taking The Pill compared to the majority, for whom The Pill do not affect their weight.

Myth #2: “Taking The Pill will reduce my chances of getting pregnant in future.”

The truth is that The Pill does not delay or prevent conception in the future. In fact, the fertility of women who stop using The Pill return to normal as quickly as those who cease non-hormonal contraception. This is true regardless the period of usage and the number of children born.

Myth #3: “Getting pregnant while on The Pill will lead to birth defects.”

Taking The Pill does not cause birth defects. If you take them accidentally while expecting, they will not harm the fetus. Studies have not found an increased risk of anomalies in the offspring of women who took oral contraceptives before knowing her pregnancy.

Myth #4: “Taking The Pill increase the chances of cancer.”

On the contrary, oral contraceptives have proven to decrease the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. This protection continues for 15 or more years after you stop taking them. The risk of breast and cervical cancers, meanwhile, does not outweigh benefits, such as regular and shorter periods, decreased severity of menstrual cramps, and protection against ectopic pregnancy and fallopian tube infection.

Myth #5: “The Pill accumulate in the body and will affect your overall health.”

The Pill does not stay in the body to cause disease and tumour, or form stones in the stomach, ovaries or uterus.  Like all medications, The Pill dissolves in the digestive system and the active ingredients (the hormones) are absorbed into the bloodstream and to offer contraceptive protection. The hormones are then metabolised in the liver and gut, and eliminated from the body.

Although some myth-busting information on the birth control pill are discussed here, as with any medication, there are potential side effects. There are also certain people who are not recommended to take this contraception method, for example women with high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver and kidney disease, epilepsy or jaundice. Speak with your gynaecologist to determine if The Pill is the right contraception method for you.