Here is a look at the top conception myths.
The pill makes you fat.
A big study carried out in 2014 found no evidence of the pill making women fat, but there may be some evidence that the injected causes weight gain. It’s very difficult to say that this was because of the pill because most of the female population is either dieting or gaining weight at any given time.
Taking the pill over a long period makes you infertile.
Is it harmful to take the pill long-term? People worry about it because they think it might decrease their fertility when they eventually stop and try to have a baby. They hear stories about people who took the pill for 20 years and had trouble getting pregnant. That might be true, but other factors could be at play.
Fertility declines with age, so it might not be the fact that they took the pill long-term; it could be that they’ve decided to try and get pregnant at a later age.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect your fertility, too. In London home STI kits are available, so it’s worth testing yourself. Contact sites like Greenwich Sexual Health www.greenwichsexualhealth.org for your free kit. Results come by text or phone call.
IUDs are for women who have given birth
This myth seems to have arisen because many women have devices such as the coil fitted after giving birth. That’s usually a matter of convenience. The good news is that you do not need to have been pregnant previously. You can also have an IUD fitted if you are HIV positive.
Women over 35 shouldn’t take the pill
If you’re over 35 and a smoker, you have certain medical conditions, or you have a family history that places you at higher risk, you may need to switch to another form of contraception. Talk to your GP, who will make a risk assessment based on your personal and family history. For some 35-year-olds, it’s absolutely fine.
There is one “myth” that is actually true, however. If you think you need to take the pill at the same time every day, you’re right, according to the NHS.
It’s important to research your decision carefully and talk to a trusted doctor before choosing contraception.
