India’s population is estimated to touch 1.7 billion by 2050. It is a sad fact to note that in modern age India 48% of pregnancies are unintended, unplanned or unwanted. Many undergo abortions, sometimes multiple times. Women are the ones who suffer whether its blood loss or psychological suffering or complications in few cases. With the avaibility of medical abortion, thousands of unwanted pregnancies are aborted daily.
There are plenty of contraceptive options available. Why these 21st century couples avoid using it? Because of incomplete knowledge, false beliefs, misinformation etc. All these confuses them. They are ready to live in fear of getting pregnant but not use these. Also it is considered as responsibility of females in many societies and males do not do their part. Today we discuss common myths and facts about contraception.
1. MYTH - Safe method is very reliable FACT - Some couples use this calendar method or safe method in which they avoid intercourse in fertile period that is usually around 11th to 18th day in regular cycles. But this is not very reliable. A female may ovulate early and there is a chance of pregnancy. The period during or after menses is also not completely safe as sperms can remain alive for some days in female body.
2. MYTH - Withdrawal technique is reliable FACT - Some people think that if partner withdraws before ejaculating there are no chances of pregnancy. There may be sperms in lubricaton fluid or on tip of penis or if ejaculation has occurred near vagina pregnancy can occur. Only few sperms are sufficient to cause pregnancy.
3. MYTH - All contraceptive techniques are 100% effective FACT - Calendar or rhythm method has around 25% failure rate. Condoms 18%, Combined oral pills 9%, Injectable methods 6%, Intrauterine devices 0.2-0.8%. With correct and consistent use the failure rate decreases.
4. MYTH - The use of contraceptive pill causes weight gain, infertility, congenital defects in baby, serious complications like clots in blood vessels, many cancers etc. FACT – New generation oral contraceptives do not cause weight gain. Weight gain or lossdepends on one’s eating habits and lifestyle. Patient can become pregnant very next month after stopping the pill. It protects against uterus and ovarian cancer. Studies done do show an increase in risk of breast cancer in current users specially older age group, but risk declines after stopping. Women>35 years, smoking, history of clots,obesity,high blood pressure etc have more risk of complications.
5. MYTH – The intrauterine devices like copper T cause very heavy period flow, weight gain, migrate to other parts of body, prevent pregnancy by causing abortion etc. FACT - Intrauterine devices, most commonly used copper T in India, are flexible devices which prevent fertilisation and make uterine environment unfavorable for pregnancy. These do not cause weight gain in anyway. Some women may experience little more bleeding and pain during periods or irregular bleeding for first 2-3 months after insertion. They cannot migrate anywhere, expulsion of copper T may occur in few women mostly in periods. Nowadays hormonal Iud like Mirena are available which decrease bleeding also.
6. MYTH – Injectable contraceptives cause serious side effects. FACT- The injectable contraceptives are to be taken as 3 monthly injections. Indian women are less comfortable as they cause delayed and irregular menses or sometimes scanty and complete stoppage of menses. Return of fertility also takes a little longer. There are no serious side effects.
7. MYTH – You don’t conceive if you are breastfeeding your baby. FACT - Exclusive breastfeeding does prevent pregnancy, but is not absolute. A woman may become pregnant even before her first period because ovulation occurs 2 weeks before menses. Its best to use some contraception after 3 months of delivery and earlier if not exclusively breastfeeding. Consult your doctor because Combined hormonal pills decrease milk production.
8. MYTH – All contraceptives prevent sexually transmitted diseases also. FACT - Only barrier contraceptives like condoms help in preventing sexually transmitted diseases, others prevent only pregnancy.
9. MYTH – Emergency contraception pills like I pill or unwanted 72 can be used everytime after sex to prevent pregnancy FACT - Emergency contraception should strictly be used in an emergency.It has high doses of hormones which may alter subsequent cycles also.
10. MYTH – Two condom usage means more protection FACT - Actually there are more chances of tearing or slippage if two condoms don’t fit properly and more chances of failure of contraception.
11. MYTH – A woman does not require any contraception after the age of 35 years as there are negligible chances of pregnancy. FACT - Many unwanted pregnancies are seen in this age group also so contraception use should continue. There have been cases when woman misinterpretes it as menopause, so pregnancy diagnosis is late.
12. MYTH - Male sterilization or vasectomy causes impotence or serious health issues in men. FACT - It is a much simpler operation than female sterilization. The tubes that supplies sperms to the outside are tied. It doesn't cause any weakness or impotence.
13. MYTH – Female permanent sterilization requires lot of post surgery rest. FACT - It is a day care laparoscopic procedure called interval sterilization, doesn't require much rest or admission. You may choose a method that suits you best. The immense benefits of contraceptives clearly outweigh the few risks involved. Your health and mental wellbeing is in your hands. So lets break the silence on this topic.
Go to our YouTube channel for video on this topic in Hindi
Write to us @
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Go to
For more such articles
Blog section
Disclaimer - These are the views of a qualified doctor and author. These are general suggestions and do not replace actual check up with a doctor. Any resemblance to anybody is coincidental.
Author information- Dr Harita Kothia, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Mumbai.