Debunking 5 Myths Associated with Birth Control Pills

For sexually active couples searching for sans-condom sex, using birth control pills has become a rite of passage for them. Birth control pills serves any couple an innumerable amount of benefits, such as increased feeling during penetration and the ease of knowing boxes of condoms won't litter their bedside. In the 1960's, the birth control pill began to make waves. However, it suffered a bad reputation early on because of its side effects, primarily blood clotting. Now, birth control pills have fewer side effects although many women are still concerned about them today. Because of its lingering history, many women are left to scramble wondering about its power. Can it affect me? Will it force me to gain weight? Here are five myths associated with birth control pills:

I'm going to gain weight! Help!

This is a myth. For starters, women do gain weight on the pill but scientific studies have suggested pills are not the reason. Women have been known to take birth control pills through significant changes to their system, which gives the pills an unwarranted reputation as weight gainers. Women have been reported to gain weight during condom use as well (throughout one year)

The pill will punish my health!

No. Birth control pills have been proven to lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers and have shown to decrease the chances of growing body hair and producing less menstrual cramps. In addition, it has been proven to reduce acne.

I will get cancer from taking birth control pills

On the contrary, birth control pills help to reduce the chances of some cancers. Ovarian cancer risk is lessened by taking oral pills by up to 50 percent. Many scientists have encouraged women to take the pill for four to five years just to protect against this type of cancer. Women with a history of ovarian cancer in their family are especially encouraged to take the pill.

My baby will turn out deformed because of birth control pills.

No scientific studies suggest this. Even if a woman were to down pills during the early stages of pregnancy, it wouldn't affect their unborn child.

I'm 42 years old. That means it is too late for be to take birth control pills.

Any woman can take birth control pills until menopause begins. This only falls under the condition that these women have normal blood pressure and no history of heart attacks. As a matter of fact, birth control pills can help women in their late 40s combat infrequent periods.