{"id":111558,"date":"2021-03-30T11:58:26","date_gmt":"2021-03-30T15:58:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111558\/unveiling-birth-control-myths\/"},"modified":"2022-07-12T15:44:05","modified_gmt":"2022-07-12T19:44:05","slug":"unveiling-birth-control-myths","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/111558\/unveiling-birth-control-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"Debunking\u00a0birth control myths"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are a lot of birth control myths and misinformation out there.  What do you actually know about your birth control options<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth control myths, debunked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re here to set the record straight by debunking some widespread myths and help you get closer to finding the best birth control method<\/a> for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: Hormonal birth control makes you gain weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Birth control might make you retain water, but it doesn\u2019t make you gain weight. It\u2019s not uncommon to gain a little weight as a result of retaining water when starting hormonal birth control, but this side effect typically goes away quickly. Some hormonal birth control may come with other side effects, like an increased appetite or feeling bloated, but there\u2019s no proven association between hormonal birth control and longer term weight gain. (One exception is the birth control shot [Depo Provera], which for some patients has been shown to have longer-term weight gain as a side effect.) As with all birth control, if you\u2019re concerned about or if you experience any side-effects, you should speak with your healthcare provider to see if there\u2019s another option that might be a better fit for you. It could just be a matter of switching to a similar birth control with a different combination of hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: All pills are created equal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of birth control pills<\/a>. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, whereas the minipill contains only progestin \u2014 both options come in a variety of doses. Some pills are organized in conventional packs and you can expect a period every month, others are continuous dosing\/extended cycle packs with a period once every three months. There\u2019s a wealth of different pills to choose from, brand name options and generic options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Birth control pills have different benefits and side effects. For people with certain medical conditions, sometimes the pill is not a good fit. Your healthcare provider can help you learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: Taking birth control can negatively affect your fertility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Birth control use \u2014 whether used for a short time or long-term \u2014 doesn\u2019t affect your fertility. After using certain hormonal birth control methods, you may need to wait a few months before your menstrual cycle will return to normal so you can get pregnant. But there\u2019s no evidence that birth control presents any long-term fertility issues, and some people get pregnant right away after stopping the pill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: Using the pill to skip your period isn\u2019t good for you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you should check with your healthcare provider about the specifics for your birth control pill, it\u2019s entirely safe to skip your period. It\u2019s also very easy. Just take a pill that includes hormones every day and skip the hormone-free \u201creminder\u201d pills at the end of a pack. Some people like to skip their period if it\u2019s going to fall on a special occasion \u2014 like on a vacation or while traveling \u2014 others opt for this option to avoid period discomfort. Regardless of the reason you\u2019d like to skip yours, you may experience a little bit of spotting, which is normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: Long term use of hormonal birth control isn\u2019t healthy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hormonal birth controls aren\u2019t necessarily a good fit for everyone \u2014 certain health conditions might increase the risks associated with using specific birth control pills, or the pill in general. But hormonal birth control is a very good fit for a lot of people. It can even help certain people feel better<\/em>. For those with particularly irregular or uncomfortable periods \u2014 a heavy period, lengthy periods, heavy cramping and discomfort, or pain and other health problems related to endometriosis \u2014 hormonal birth control can improve quality of life, with lighter, shorter, more regular, more comfortable periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MYTH: Birth control\u2019s primary use is to prevent pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certainly, a lot of people use birth control to prevent pregnancy \u2014 and as the name suggests that\u2019s the primary reason many people might use it. But many take birth control for other reasons already mentioned \u2014 like to have a more comfortable or more regular period and relieve major pain and discomfort \u2014 and for even to help improve mood<\/a> or acne. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to use birth control, and no matter your reason, a healthcare provider<\/a> can help you find the type of birth control that\u2019s a good fit for you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you’re taking the pill or have an IUD, add it to your Ovia profile<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read more about birth control<\/h4>\n\n\n\n