Hendrix Health Center

1. MYTH: The pill builds up in a woman’s body because it is taken every day.

FACT: The pill dissolves in the body just like other medicines and does not build up in the body.

2. MYTH: An IUD can leave the uterus and travel through a woman’s body.

FACT: Except in rare circumstances, the only way an IUD can leave the body is through the uterus and out the vagina. Women are advised to check the strings on their IUD monthly to make sure the IUD is still in place.

3. MYTH: A condom can get lost in a woman’s body.

FACT: Condoms are way too big to get through the cervix and into the uterus.

4. MYTH: The shot, or Depo Provera, causes infertility.

FACT: When a woman takes the shot and then goes off of it, it may take several months to return to regular menstrual cycles.

5. MYTH: Taking birth control pills makes women fat.

FACT: Some women may experience minor weight gain, depending on the woman and the pill she is taking.

6. MYTH: A woman that takes the pill must be promiscuous.

FACT: A young woman who takes the pill is acting responsibly and protecting herself against pregnancy. The pill is also often prescribed for other medical reasons, such as to control her menstrual cycle or to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping.

7. MYTH: The pill is always effective immediately after you begin taking it.

FACT: It may take up to one complete menstrual cycle for the hormones in the pill to work with a woman’s natural hormones to prevent ovulation. Many health care providers recommend using a barrier method of birth control, such as a condom, during the first month of taking the pill.

8. MYTH: Wearing two condoms will provide extra protection.

FACT: Using more than one condom at once, or “double bagging”, causes friction and can cause both condoms to rip, thus eliminating the effectiveness of either condom.

9. MYTH: Women who breastfeed can’t get pregnant.

FACT: Breastfeeding may postpone ovulation, but this is not a guarantee. Ovulation and pregnancy can occur when a woman is breastfeeding.

10. MYTH: Women can’t get pregnant if they don’t have an orgasm during sex.

FACT: It is not necessary for a woman to orgasm during sex to get pregnant.

11. MYTH: Women who douche after sex will not get pregnant.

FACT: Douching is not an effective method of contraception. After ejaculation, the sperm that enter the cervix are out of reach of any douching product. Also, douching can actually push the bad bacteria/STI’s up into the uterus with the spray of fluid into the vagina.

12. MYTH: Women who have sex during the “safe” time don’t need contraception. Women are only fertile once a month.

FACT: Myths such as these most likely arise from a lack of understanding of the menstrual cycle. There are four major hormones (chemicals that stimulate or regulate the activity of cells or organs) involved in the menstrual cycle. A delicate balance of these hormones regulates the release of an egg (ovulation), and, if the egg is not fertilized, menstruation. 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, medications, etc. Therefore, pinpointing the time of ovulation and predicting any “safe” days can be very difficult.

13. MYTH: Women won’t get pregnant if they have sex standing up, or if she is on top.

FACT: Some people believe that having sex in certain positions will force the sperm out of the woman’s vagina. Positions have nothing to do with whether or not fertilization occurs. Once in the vagina, sperm is not affected by gravity.

14. MYTH: You can use plastic wrap or a balloon if you don’t have a condom.

FACT: These can be easily torn during sex, and increase the risk of STI transmission. Condoms are specifically made for a good fit and good protection during sex, and are tested for maximum effectiveness.

15. MYTH: Condoms cause cancer.

FACT: Condoms do not cause cancer, in fact there is evidence that proves that using condoms helps to prevent cervical cancer.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-cancer/DS00167/DSECTION=6

16. MYTH: “I won’t get pregnant if this is my first time having sex.”

FACT: A woman can get pregnant any time ovulation occurs, even if this is your first time.

17. MYTH: Women won’t get pregnant if they shower or bathe right after sex, or if they urinate after sex.

FACT: Washing or urinating after sex will not stop sperm already in the vagina. Urine doesn’t pass through the vagina, but through the urethra.

18. MYTH: Women can’t get pregnant if the penis doesn’t actually enter the vagina.

FACT: Even sperm deposited on the outside of the vagina can make it into the vagina. Sperm can even get through underwear.

19. MYTH: Abortions cause infertility.

FACT: Abortions do not cause infertility. After an abortion, a woman can get pregnant again if she has intercourse.

20. MYTH: HIV/AIDS is a “gay disease.”

FACT: HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. Anyone can get it.