In a world brimming with information, it’s easy for misinformation to spread, especially when it comes to something as personal and important as reproductive health. Contraception plays a vital role in family planning and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. Here are some myth busters that NUPAS have responded to with the actual facts.

Myth 1: You cannot get pregnant the first time you have sex.

FACT: You can get pregnant any time you have unprotected sex, even the very first time.

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Myth 2: You cannot get pregnant during your period.

FACT: While it is less likely, it is still possible, sperm can live inside the body for up to 5-7 days, and cycles vary.

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Myth 3: The birth control pill causes infertility.

FACT: The pill does not cause infertility. Most people regain fertility soon after stopping it.

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Myth 4: You do not need contraception if you “pull out” (withdrawal method). 

FACT: Withdrawal is not reliable, pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, and timing must be perfect, which is risky.

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Myth 5: Fertility awareness (natural methods) is just guessing.

FACT: Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) can be effective when multiple fertility signs are tracked and interpreted correctly, but they take time to learn. FAM should not be relied on immediately after a pregnancy or termination, as cycles may not yet be regular. It’s best to learn FAM with guidance from a trained practitioner; Fertility UK has a list of accredited teachers.

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Myth 6: Hormonal contraception is dangerous for all women.

FACT: Most people can safely use hormonal methods. Serious risks are rare, but it is best to discuss personal medical history with your contraception provider.

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Myth 7: You can douche after sex to prevent pregnancy.

FACT: Douching does NOT prevent pregnancy and can increase the risk of infections.

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Myth 8: You cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding.

FACT: Breastfeeding can help prevent ovulation, but it does not always work unless certain conditions are met (this is called the LAM method).

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Myth 9: Coils are only for women who have had children.

FACT: Coils are safe and effective for women of all ages, regardless of whether they have had children.

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Myth 10: It is unhealthy to skip or not have periods while using birth control.

FACT: It is safe to skip or not have periods while on hormonal birth control methods. The “period” on the pill is a withdrawal bleed, not a natural menstrual cycle.

Hormones can prevent ovulation and thin the lining of the uterus, so the body doesn’t build up a thick uterine lining (which is what’s shed during a period). With the lining staying thin, there’s little or nothing to bleed out.

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Myth 11: Birth control always causes weight gain.

FACT: Most modern contraceptives do not cause significant weight gain. Some women may gain weight on the injectable contraceptive methods, especially with long-term use, but not everyone does.

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Myth 12: Any weight change is permanent.

FACT: If there is weight gain, it is usually mild and reversible, switching methods often helps.

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Myth 13: Hormonal contraceptive methods ruin your natural cycle.

FACT: They temporarily change your cycle to prevent pregnancy, but do not “ruin” anything. Fertility usually returns quickly after stopping.

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Myth 14: You do not need condoms if you are on birth control.

FACT: Hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy, but not STIs. Condoms are still important for protection against infections.

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Myth 15: You can use Emergency Contraception (EC) as regular birth control.

FACT: EC is not a reliable long-term contraceptive. It works by delaying ovulation, so it may not prevent pregnancy if ovulation has already occurred. Plus, you can still get pregnant from unprotected sex later in the same cycle. Regular contraception is recommended.