The contraceptive pill : all the myths and the reality

There are many debates around the contraceptive pill and especially a lot of polemics. Newspapers have published cases concerning this method of contraception. There is all kinds of information: positive elements, but also negative things. We don’t know which are the true elements and false ones.

However, when your are interested in taking the contraceptive pill, it’s fundamental to know what are the things that are part of the myth and what is the truth.

All the myths around the contraceptive pill

1. All pills have the same effects

Many women think that all contraceptive pills do the same things and are the same. And yet, this is not the case. Different pills are sold on the market. There are two types:

The estrogen-progestogen that is mini-dosed.
The progestogen, it is micro-dosed.

These two types of pills allow to have regular menstruation because at the end of the plate, they are triggered. They also help to limit pain and abundance.

Why do we always hear about 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation pill? This name has been given to talk about the evolution of pills according to the composition and dosage of each.

1st generation: 1960s. They contain a lot of estrogen.
2nd generation: 1970-1980. They were created to counter the side effects of the first contraceptive pills.
3rd generation: 1990’s that have the effect of reducing acne, breast pain and nausea.
4th generation: These are the latest pills, but still have many side effects.

It’s therefore fundamental to analyze the compositions of each of them to choose the most suitable for your body.

2. Lack of information about the composition

Some people found a lack of information regarding the composition of the pills. It’s important for your health to read the instructions and the composition of the prescribed pill. This can seem tedious because you don’t have the knowledge to understand the components of this pill. Our tip is to read this leaflet with a professional whether your doctor or your gynecologist. They are the best people to tell you what are the positives and the negatives sides.

3. You can become sterile

Taking the pill can be scary because it seems that this method of contraception makes sterile. This has not been scientifically proven. However, the pill can hide infertility problems and reveal them as soon as you stop, for example the polycystic ovaries or endometriosis.

Moreover, with taking these hormones, a child’s conception may take longer after stopping. It’s important to note that if you want to get pregnant, you shouldn’t take your pill anymore.

4. The debate about sexually transmitted diseases

The contraceptive pill doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STD). If you have not been tested for more than 6 months, it is important to use condoms to protect both partners.

5. The pill is not really effective

There are many stories where women taking the pill become pregnant. Indeed it’s important to be regular. If the catch isn’t done every day, it compromises its effectiveness. According to the most recent figures, the pill works at 99.7%.

Our tip is to choose a time that you are sure you can take. We avoid the morning hours like 7am because during the holidays, your routine can change. Moreover, your mobile phone can help thanks to daily alerts to remind you to take your pill.

If, however, you lose your tablet, protect yourself with condoms and begin regular use after the next menstrual cycle.

6. Smoking aggravates side effects of birth control pill

Tobacco is already bad for your health. We don’t teach you anything. But, the side effects of the pill can be accentuated because of the tobacco. You must take the time to speak with professionals about this situation and be honest with them so that they can help you better.