There are many myths regarding contraception and pregnancy. We at Urvaraa, have tried to assimilate the top ten myths surrounding this subject effective decision making.
I’m breastfeeding so I can’t get pregnant :
Breastfeeding may help prevent pregnancy if a woman is within six months of delivery, has not had a menstrual cycle AND the baby is only feeding on breast milk (no formula or soft food supplementation). All three of these criteria must be met for breastfeeding to be an effective form of contraception. In every other situation, ovulation can occur even when a woman is breastfeeding. The nursing mother should use birth control if she wishes to avoid pregnancy.
A woman cannot get pregnant unless she has an orgasm :
When a sperm from the man fertilizes an egg from the woman, pregnancy occurs. The man must ejaculate to release sperm inside the woman’s vagina. It is not necessary for the woman to have an orgasm to get pregnant. A woman of childbearing age releases each month as part of her regular menstrual cycle whether or not the woman has sex or an orgasm.
I won’t get pregnant if I clean/spray my vagina properly with water :
This is not an effective method of contraception. After ejaculation, the sperm enters the cervix and are out of reach of any cleaning. This method may also disrupt the delicate bacterial balance of the vagina, causing irritation or infection.
I will not get pregnant during the safe days :
Myths such as these most likely arise from a lack of understanding of the menstrual cycle. A delicate balance of hormones regulates the release of an egg. If the egg is not fertilized, menstruation occurs. While a woman’s cycle is more or less regular at most times, this balance of hormones can be disrupted by various factors, including age, stress and medicines. Therefore, pinpointing the time of ovulation and predicting any “safe” days can be difficult.
I won’t get pregnant if I have standing up.
A woman will not get pregnant if she is on top.
It is a complete myth that having sex in certain positions, such as standing up, will force the sperm out of the woman’s vagina. Positions during sex have nothing to do with whether or not fertilization occurs. When a man ejaculates, the sperms are deposited well into the vagina. The sperm will, by nature, begin to move up through the cervical canal immediately after ejaculation.
You can use a plastic wrap or a balloon if you don’t have a condom.
NO, YOU CAN NOT.
Plastic wrap and balloons are not condoms. Condoms are specifically made to provide a good fit and good protection during sex, and they are thoroughly tested for maximum effectiveness.
I won’t get pregnant if my partner pulls out before he ejaculates.
Pulling out before the man ejaculates, known as withdrawal, is not an effective method of contraception. Some fluid that contains sperm may be released before the man actually begins to climax. In addition, some men might not have the willpower or be able to withdraw in time. This myth accounts for about 20% of the country’s unwanted pregnancies.
I will not get pregnant during my first sexual intercourse.
A woman can get pregnant any time ovulation occurs, even if she has never had sex before.
I will not get pregnant if I take a shower or urinate after sex.
Washing or urinating after sex will not stop semen and sperm that have already entered the uterus through the cervix.
The pill is effective immediately after you begin taking it.
At least one week is needed for the hormones in the pill (oral contraceptive) to work with the woman’s natural hormones to prevent ovulation. To be effective, the pill must be taken as directed.
