It's been 50 years since the world was introduced to the Pill, but not everyone has a clear idea what it does, or does not do. We separate the myths from the facts.
Myth 1: The Pill causes cancer
Fact 1: The pill protects against ovarian cancer and cancer of the uterus.
Myth 2: The Pill causes birth defects
Fact 2: About 100 million women worldwide have benefited from the use of the Pill.
Lifestyle quality has improved, and the Pill has been heavily researched. To date, there is no evidence that links consumption of the Pill with birth defects.
Myth 3: The Pill affects fertility
Fact 3: Most women rapidly return to their pre-existing level of fertility upon discontinuing the Pill.
Fertility is affected by age. Many women take the Pill as a form of contraception during their younger years. By the time they decide to be off the Pill, their age has reduced their chances of pregnancy, therefore, causing the false perception that the pill affects fertility.
The Pill actually protects women against ectopic pregnancies and fibroids, conditions which may have an impact on fertility.
For women with irregular periods before starting the Pill, a short period of time may be required before fertility returns.
Myth 4: The Pill is only used for contraception
Fact 4: Other than for contraceptive purpose, the Pill is effective in reducing ovulation pain, menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms.
It can reduce the risk of anemia, a condition common in women experiencing heavy periods. The Pill also protects women against osteoporosis, ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer.
Myth 5: The contraceptive pill is effective as soon as a woman starts taking it
Fact 5: The Pill is only effective from day one if it is started on the first day of the menstrual cycle i.e. the first day of menstruation and taken daily as prescribed thereafter.
Otherwise an additional method of contraception e.g. condom should be used. For some women, the Pill may work more effectively after one complete menstrual cycle of treatment if more time is needed to work with the woman’s natural hormones to prevent ovulation.
Myth 6: Taking the Pill will delay menopause
Fact 6: Taking the Pill does not delay menopause. The average age of menopause in women is 51 years old.
Myth 7: The Pill results in automatic termination of pregnancy
Fact 7: Taking the Pill does not result in automatic termination of pregnancy. It is strongly advised to consult a doctor to confirm a pregnancy. Further advice and instructions will be given by the doctor.
In the event of non-consensual intercourse or failure to use contraception, the Emergency
Contraceptive Pill (commonly known as “the morning after pill”) can be used. If properly
administered it is effective in reducing the chance of pregnancy.
Myth 8: All oral contraceptives are the same.
Fact 8: There are many oral contraceptives available to women, and each has different
benefits.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, new low-dose oral contraceptives have added benefits including in the case of an extended active regimen a reduction in the symptoms associated with menstruation such as headaches, cramps and breast tenderness due to a shortened hormone-free interval.
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider when deciding which product and method of contraception is best suited for your need and state of health.
Myth 9: Oral contraceptives are not safe
Fact 9: Oral contraceptives have become one of the world’s most researched and prescribed medications since their introduction. Like any medication, there is some health risks associated with oral contraceptives, but serious side effects are very rare when they are taken as prescribed.
Myth 10: The Pill can cause acne
Fact 10: Modern birth control pills or combined oral contraceptives do not cause acne. In fact, there are several new low-dose oral contraceptives available that have been approved to treat moderate acne.
Myth 11: Oral contraceptives cause weight gain
Fact 11: When starting a new oral contraceptive, some women feel bloated, but this typically improves with time.
Many clinical studies have found no relationship between modern low dose oral contraceptives and weight gain. One explanation for perceived weight gain may be that many women start birth control pills while they are young, at an age when their body has not reached adulthood and when weight gain is common.
For the first time in the history of the Pill, inclusion of a specific new progestin (hormone) allows women to avoid estrogen-related water retention that can lead to weight gain and edema.
Myth 12: Birth control pills stop menstruation entirely
Fact 12: Some women are prescribed birth control pills by their physician to help regulate their cycles.
The original oral contraceptives were designed to mimic the natural menstrual cycle of a woman.
While some new oral contraceptive regimens are designed to reduce or suppress menstruation entirely, most low-dose oral contraceptive options do not stop menstruation and provide excellent cycle control. However, the duration and volume of menstrual bleeding may be reduced.
Myth 13: Women who take oral contraceptives for a long time need to stop using oral
contraceptives and take a “break” once in a while
Fact 13: There is no reason for a healthy woman to take a break from using oral
contraceptives. Oral contraceptives are one of the most effective contraceptive options available, and taking a “Pill break” will increase your risk of having an unplanned pregnancy if you are sexually active.
Myth 14: Oral contraceptives protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Fact 14: Oral contraceptives offer no protection against HIV/AIDS or any other Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). The best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to use a condom or abstinence.
Myth 15: Antibiotics affect the Pill's efficacy
Fact 15: You can take commonly prescribed antibiotics without compromising the Pill's effectiveness.
Myth 16: The pill isn’t very effective
Fact 16: When taken correctly and consistently, the Pill is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If one forgets to take the pill, it becomes less effective i.e. there is an approximately 8% “user failure rate” and pregnancy might occur.
Myth 17: The Pill kills sperms
Fact 17: Birth control pills contain hormones that suppress ovulation and stop the eggs from being released from the ovaries, and hence prevent pregnancy. The Pill does not kill sperm.
Myth 18: Taking oral contraceptives past age 40 is risky
Fact 18: The Pill can be taken till one reaches menopause. However, female smokers over 35 years-old, or women with high blood pressure and diabetes have their heart disease and stroke risks elevated if they take the Pill.
Consult your doctor to find out what other methods of contraception will suit you.
Myth 19: Birth control pills cause menstrual cycles to cease
Fact 19: The opposite is true – birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles. The Pill may also help reduce menstrual cramps and lighten blood flow.
Myth 20: Oral contraceptive pills decrease a woman’s libido
Fact 20: This may be true for some women as it is found that certain oral contraceptives can cause an increase in the levels of sex hormone binding globulin resulting in a reduced evel of “free” or active testosterone circulating in the body.
There are numerous brands of birth control pills with different types and levels of hormones and one should seek the advice of a health-care provider to find the right Pill.
