Facts and Myths about Contraception

Facts about Contraception

Do people know how to use condoms? Why French distribute emergency contraceptives among schoolchildren? Will your condom pass test for reliability? About this and many other things – 10 facts about contraception.

Ancient Aztecs used as contraceptives wild yam
Women of Aztecs tribes did eat wild yam to prevent pregnancy. By the way, in modern days wild yam is considered progesterone source – a hormone that is a part of hormonal contraceptives. In fact, there is no progesterone in yam, as well as there is no cholesterol in vegetable oil. Both progesterone and cholesterol are substances of exclusively animal origin and in plants of any kind, they do not occur.

Condom’s quality is checked by inflation
Before release, all rubber products are subjects to a special examination. Initially, a condom is pumped with 18 liters of air, then deflated and filled with water. After one minute, water-filled rubber product is rolled on a special paper, which shows even slightest leakage. If more than 4 defective products appear in the lot, the whole lot is withdrawn (100 pieces).
The most common practice of unprotected sex is observed among Serbia residents
Russians are in the second place. These are results of major international research in the field of contraception. The average woman of child-bearing age annually makes about 43 unprotected intercourses, this number is greater only among residents of Serbia – 44, and least of all – Austrians and Czechs (14 and 17 respectively).

Natural contraceptive methods are ineffective
This fact was repeatedly stressed by experts of the World Health Organization. A woman who regularly practices one of these methods (coitus interruptus, tracking menstrual cycle phases), can become pregnant with a probability of 25%. Naturally, an important role is played by a woman and her partner experience, but even experienced pairs are exposed to the risk of 10–15%.

Each year, more than one million abortions are registered in USA
1,213,000 – that many abortions, according to research, were registered in the country in 2015 (for 2016 data are not yet published). Such a huge number of abortions experts associated with low standard of living, low level of knowledge about contraception and a large number of sexual partners.

Most women do not know how to use condoms
To such conclusion was made by experts of «MillwardBrown» company, who studied the use of contraceptives in the USA and Europe. As study results show, Americans are much more likely, than other Europeans, to face «failures» with condoms – more than 35% of respondents. Among those who had a similar problem, 23% admitted that there has been misuse, and 49% believe that there was «something wrong» with the product itself.

Oral contraceptives help at endometriosis and acne
The fact is that oral contraceptives partially suspend work of female reproductive system, and change endometrium properties, so they are often prescribed for endometriosis, acne, as well as menstrual pains and irregular cycles.

In Europe there are only 3 methods of emergency contraception
Recently, European Association for emergency contraception has published clinical guidelines. According to this document, in Europe, only 3 methods of emergency contraception are used: copper-containing intrauterine device, ulipristal-containing pills and levonorgestrel-containing pills. Unfortunately, in our country, use of these techniques is not always possible. For example, installation of the copper-containing coil is desirable not later than 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse, which is not always possible.

Developed countries encourage to use contraceptives
For example, in USA contraceptives cost is usually covered by insurance company, and French students can receive free emergency contraceptives in school health office. These measures can significantly reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancies and their consequences.

Contraception allows saving money
According to statistics, every dollar spent by US insurance company on contraception saves around 5,69 dollars that would have gone to pay for abortion and other consequences of unwanted pregnancy.

Myths about Contraception

Contraception protects against diseases
Choosing a method of contraception, you should take into account this method ability to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. In particular, this applies to people who often change partners. The only method of contraception that protects people from diseases is a condom.

Birth control pills cause weight gain
Many women are afraid of this contraceptive method because of risk to gain weight. In fact, increase in body weight due to birth control pills is very small. Of course, provided that person maintains a healthy lifestyle – regularly practices and keeps to a reasonable diet.

Contraceptives reduce fertility
Different birth control pills, rings or inserts protect a woman from pregnancy. However, after stopping using these means fertility returns. Sometimes it can happen in a few months.

Birth control pills should not be applied continuously
Withdrawing birth control pills is only necessary if a woman is planning to become pregnant. Otherwise, it is not needed.

Birth control pills can cause breast cancer
Due to the fact that breast cancer has a connection with hormones, women often are afraid of using contraceptive pills. Actually, ladies who use contraceptives have a greater chance of cancer appearance. In this regard, women are recommended to carry out frequent preventive breast examinations.

During first sexual intercourse it is impossible to get pregnant
A woman becomes fertile with the onset of menstruation. It does not matter if this happens for the first time – risk of pregnancy in this case as high as at women who have frequent sexual contacts.

During menstruation it is impossible to get pregnant
In fact, the moment of menstruation cycle beginning is a time when the risk of becoming pregnant is very low. However, it is worth remembering that ovulation occurs immediately after menstruation and due to the fact that sperm can live in the womb for 6 days – there is a risk of fertilization.

Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy
Unfortunately, this is another false information. In fact, breastfeeding may temporarily stop ovulation and lead to amenorrhea lactation. Nevertheless, the majority of women at this time may become pregnant.