Sex is a pastime that so many people engage in. It's so important to know how to have sex without being afraid of getting pregnant. This article focuses on contraception that prevents pregnancy, not sexually transmitted disease.
Here are the top nine myths about contraception that you should know to help you prevent pregnancy.
Myth #1: The withdrawal method prevents pregnancy.
There are secretions that come out of the penis before a man ejaculates, and they can contain sperm. If that pre-ejaculatory fluid gets into the vagina, then the sperm can be on it way to fertilize the egg.
So just because a man doesn't come inside a woman, it doesn't mean that she can’t still get pregnant.
Myth #2: You can't get pregnant when you're breastfeeding.
Ever heard the term "Irish twins?" This refers to babies born to the same mother within a 12-month period of time. It really has nothing to do with being Irish, and for that matter, the babies are not twins. It's just a name that has stuck, for a very real situation that can happen to women of any nationality.
This can happen if the mother didn’t use birth control because she didn't think that she could get pregnant while breastfeeding. A woman can start ovulating even when she is breastfeeding. So contraception should be used even when breastfeeding.
Myth #3: Douching kills the sperm.
While douching can kill sperm, any of the sperm that make it to and through the cervical canal are on their way to fertilize an egg. Douching is not a reliable form of contraception.
Myth #4: The rhythm method will always prevent pregnancy.
It is true that a woman can only become pregnant during ovulation. But ovulation is does not always occur on the same day each month or even every 28 days.
Even the most regular woman can have a change in her hormonal balance from month to month. The rhythm the sensitivity and variability of the hormonal cycles make this a difficult method to track. Couples that use this method have to carefully monitor the menstrual cycle and ovulation symptoms.
There is an old saying that goes something like this. "What do you call a couple who count on the rhythm method?" Answer: "Parents."
Myth #5: If the woman is on top during sex then she will not get pregnant.
It doesn’t matter what sexual position you use when having sex. If the man's penis gets close to the vagina, the sperm can get into the cervical canal. So the idea that gravity will keep you from getting pregnant is not scientifically sound.
Myth #6: Balloons or plastic wrap can be used instead of a condom.
Balloons or plastic wrap are no substitute for a condom. Condom are specifically designed for birth control. Balloons and plastic wrap are not. They can leak or tear much more easily than condoms. They are not reliable for birth control.
Myth #7: The Pill starts working as soon as you start taking it.
Birth control pills usually take about a month, or one full menstrual cycle, in order to become effective. Women should continue another form of birth control for a month before solely relying birth control pills.
Myth #8: Washing or urinating directly after sex will keep you from getting pregnant.
Washing or urinating will not prevent sperm from getting into the cervical canal, and if that happens, pregnancy can result.
Myth #9: First-timers won't get pregnant.
If you are ovulating, even if it the first time you are having sex, you can get pregnant. You need to have protection every time you have sex.
If you want to know your best options for contraception, make an appointment with your doctor to determine what type of birth control will work best for you.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Dr. Dae's website: www.HealthyDaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is your diabetes reversal, hormones, metabolism and weight loss expert. Dr. Dae is a naturopathic doctor who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone appointments. Visit her or schedule a free consultation at her websitewww.HealthyDaes.com
Sources:
Birth Control Myths. WebMD.com. 26 Jan. 2016.
http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-contraceptive-myths
Contraception Myths. Cleveland Clinc. 26 Jan. 2016.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs_devices_supplements/hic-contraception-myths
Reviewed January 27, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith