Myths About Contraceptives
Ever since the birds and the bees started flying, so have the myths about sex, reproduction and birth control. While you know by now that you can’t get pregnant from a toilet seat, there are still many myths about contraceptives that continue to circulate, adding to the confusion of a subject that is an important part of life for women.
Condoms
Depicted in Egyptian drawings from 3000 BC, the condom was first commercially produced in 1844, shortly after Charles Goodyear patented vulcanized rubber. A condom cannot get “lost” inside a woman’s uterus, and condom breakage is only between 1 and 2 percent and is almost always due to improper use. Plastic wrap and balloons are not replacements for condoms, and condoms come in different sizes so any man can wear them.
Birth Control Pills
First marketed in 1960, the Pill was the trigger for the sexual revolution of the 60s. While the original versions were high dosage and carried many side effects, the birth control pill as we know it is safe and effective. It does not cause cancer, infertility or a long delay in conceiving after the woman stops taking it. Oral contraceptives do not affect a woman’s sex drive or weight, and the pill does not cause birth defects, hair loss, asthma or headaches.
IUDs
The modern IUD was introduced in the US in 1983 but was withdrawn from the market for several years. The current two types of IUD will not cause infertility, birth defects or ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. It also does not lose its effectiveness after several years, does not cause infection and cannot be felt during intercourse. It can be used by women of any age, whether or not they have already had children. IUDs do not increase the chances of pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted diseases.
Implants
Implants have been on the US market since 1993 and have been proven a safe method of contraception. Implants can be used by women of any age. They do not cause infection, cancer or birth defects and do not reduce a woman’s libido. Implants cannot travel to another part of the body, and implant insertion does not require surgery.
