It’s already the 21st century yet myths and misconceptions remain about contraception and getting pregnant. Separating fact from fiction regarding contraception myths is important. But it can be hard to believe how often the truth is cast aside in favor of rumors, old wives’ tales, and superstition that has been passed down in different cultures.

Common Contraception Myths, Debunked

Contraception Myth #1: Withdrawal Works

Something as seemingly innocent as the withdrawal method is the practice of withdrawing the penis from the vagina and away from a woman’s external genitals before ejaculation to prevent pregnancy has been categorized as a joke. The method goes by other names such as coitus interruptus, or, colloquially, as “pulling out.”The truth is that this method, which advocates for “natural family planning” pull for, isn’t an especially effective form of birth control.

Sperm may still enter the vagina if the timing of withdrawal is incorrect or if pre-ejaculation fluid contains sperm. Although it doesn’t contain any sperm on its own, pre-ejaculate can mix with sperm on its way out of the penis. In fact, one study found sperm in the pre-ejaculate of more than 40% of men.

Researchers estimate that one in five couples who practice the withdrawal method for one year still end up getting pregnant.

Contraception Myth #2: IUDs Are Unsafe

An intrauterine device (IUD) is shaped like a “T” and a bit bigger than a small coin. An IUD fits inside a woman’s uterus and it prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs. The immediate initiation of an intrauterine device or intrauterine system (IUS) following termination of pregnancy is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of another termination of pregnancy.

Supposedly, with proper use of an IUD, the chances of getting pregnant are less than 1%. Yet in spite of its high efficacy, uptake of intrauterine contraception in the UK, as well as other countries, is low. Experts believe that contraception myths about the method may contribute to the low uptake.

Contraception Myth #3: The Morning-After Pill Doesn’t Work for Heavier Women

Also known as “Plan B” or the emergency contraception pill, the morning-after pill is taken after sex to prevent pregnancy. Since it is not regular contraception, the pill should only be used in emergency situations. Some of these situations include after having sex with no “barrier,” if a condom broke during sex, or if a woman forgets to take a birth-control pill before or after sex.

Despite being a highly effective method, there has been a myth that the morning-after pill does not work as well for heavier women. Researchers emphasize the need for more research to determine whether a higher weight and BMI decreases the effectivity of Plan B or not. At present though, women are free to take it, no matter how much they weigh.

Contraception Myth #4: The Morning-After Pill Causes Abortion

Another of the more common contraception myths about the morning-after pill is that it causes an abortion. That is not true. Levonorgestrel works to halt pregnancy before it takes place. “Plan B prevents ovulation, so if you’re already pregnant, it won’t work,” says Dr. Amy Roskin, a practicing OB-GYN and the medical director of The Pill Club.

Taking the morning after pill can affect a woman’s period. For this reason, doctors advise using regular birth control over this method.

Key Takeaway

Contraception myths have spread for years due to society’s different norms and attitudes toward pregnancy and sex. With so much information now at our fingertips, it’s best for both men and women to debunk these myths. And knowing fact from fiction can help us learn more about effective means of contraception.

Learn more about Contraception here.