Birth Control Fact Or Fiction
Birth control is big business, with the ring, the pill, IUD’s; and it is said that the average woman uses birth control for an average of three decades. But don’t let that fool you most women report being unsatisfied with their chosen method of contraception.
birth control myths
With more and more women opting out of hormone controlling birth control methods in favor of natural birth control methods; it’s easy to see why big pharmaceutical companies have ramped up their advertising efforts. The biggest gripe women have with most types of birth control is that they simply do not know enough about them. In hopes to clear up some confusion, here are the five biggest birth control rumors BUSTED!
- Myth One
Birth control causes weight gain
- Fact
The only type of birth control that has been linked with weight gain is the shot. In a recent study, women taking oral contraceptives did not gain more than those using non hormonal forms of birth control. Their body fat increased and lean muscle mass decreases slightly, but this is less likely to occur in women who prioritize exercise a healthy diet.
- Myth Two
Suppressing your period is unhealthy
- Fact
Most doctors agree that using birth control to skip your period is completely safe; and report that it may even protect your health! The less you menstruate, because of birth control, the lower your risk for ovarian or uterine cancer. However, if you are missing your period and you are not on the pill, consult with your physician, as this could be a sign of something serious.
- Myth Three
You don’t need birth control when breastfeeding
- Fact
Breast feeding can protect some women from pregnancy by preventing ovulation; but there is no way to tell how long the effects will last. If you aren’t ready for more little ones, protect yourself. 20% of breastfeeding mothers begin ovulating within three months of delivery. Don’t get caught off guard, talk to your physician at your 6 weeks check up about your options.
- Myth Four
Getting your tubes tied requires serious surgery
- Fact
There are two in office procedure, Essure and Adiana, that take about 10 minutes; in which doctors insert a catheter through your vagina to close off the tubes. Over time your own body tissue grows around them to block the tubes. So you will still need to be careful until healing is complete.
- Myth Five
An IUD is an option only after you’ve had children
- Fact
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a report stating that IUD’s are safe for women who haven’t yet given birth; and many women report being more satisfied with the IUD than the pill.
Bianca Osbourne is a freelance health writer; she writes voraciously about the foods to eat for great skin and natural birth control options. She believes strongly in a holistic approach to health and wellness.