.: Myths About Birth Control Pills

Some women worry about taking birth control pills because they’ve heard about unpleasant side-effects. When the first birth control pills became available in the 1960s, the levels of hormones they contained were high. Modern pills, however, have very low levels of hormones. Because of this, fewer women have side-effects. Here is a list of myths -- or untrue information -- that you may have heard.

.: Myth #1: Birth control pills are bad for women.

Most women can take the Pill without problems. In fact, the pills offer other benefits besides avoiding pregnancy. Some women, however, should not take birth control pills. This includes women over the age of 35 who smoke, as well as women who have had a heart attack, stroke or blood clots.

.: Myth #2: Bleeding between periods means that the Pill is not working.

Birth control pills are very good in preventing pregnancy when you take them every day and do not miss any of them. If you have taken your pills as directed, bleeding between periods or not getting a period does not mean that the pills are not working. It means that your body is getting used to the hormones in the Pill. This is why irregular bleeding tends to go away after several months of use. If you have not taken pills as directed and missed a menstrual period or you missed two consecutive menstrual periods, you may be pregnant and should contact your health care provider.

.: Myth #3: Birth control pills make you gain weight.

Weight gain has always been associated with the Pill. The fact is, an equal number of women gain weight as lose weight while they are on a birth control pill. If you are concerned about gaining weight, talk to your health care provider to find out which oral contraceptive (OC) best addresses your concern about weight gain.

.: Myth #4: Missing a pill from time to time is not a big deal.

Missing more than one of the first 21 pills of the cycle pack increases your chances of getting pregnant. If this happens you must use another type of birth control when you have sex. See the Full Prescribing Information for detailed information of what to do if you miss a pill.

.: Myth #5: You should stop taking birth control pills every several years to give your body a rest.

Over the years doctors have learned that a break from the Pill is not needed. In fact, when taken over longer periods of time, the Pill can offer certain health benefits.

.: Myth #6: It takes several months after stopping the Pill to get pregnant.

The actions of birth control pills are short lasting. This means that when you stop taking the Pill, your body quickly returns to its normal cycle. 

.: Myth #7: Birth control pills lower the chances of having children later in life.

The use of birth control pills will not affect your chances of getting pregnant after you stop taking them.

.: Myth #8: Women should not use the Pill after having a baby.

If you decide NOT to breast-feed your baby, you may begin to safely take the Pill four weeks after you give birth. If you do wish to breast-feed, you should use a pill that contains only progestin for as long as you breast-feed; it is also called the mini-pill.

.: Myth #9: A woman should stop taking the Pill when she is 35.

Women who are healthy and who do not smoke can take the pill after age 35. In fact, the benefits of the pill in healthy nonsmoking women over age 40 may outweigh the possible risks. However, all women, especially older women, are cautioned to use the lowest dose pill that is effective.

Send This Page to a Friend