Birth control myths busted!

Every morning as you open the newspaper, you are greeted with concerned readers asking sexologists various queries about their sex lives. While some questions are simply ridiculous, others are more generic.

The most common question being, "I had sex with my boyfriend for the first time. He used a condom, but I'm worried I might get pregnant?"

Dr Rakhi Singh, a gynaecologist, says, "Women have many misconceptions about birth control." She busts some of the myths that women believe.

1. I won't get pregnant if I use a condom or a pill

Birth control pills and condoms are the best method to avoid getting pregnant, but both contraceptives are not foolproof. You can get pregnant if the condom tears or slips during sex.

Birth control pills need to be taken regularly for them to work. Emergency contraceptive pills do not work if they are not taken in the prescribed time.

2. I won't get pregnant if I have sex during my period

Dr Singh says this is true 98 per cent of the time. "Women don't usually get pregnant during their period. It is relatively safe to have sex then but it is advisable to use a condom," she says.

3. I won't get pregnant the first time I have sex

"This is actually true 40 per cent of the time. But it's not about it being your first time, but about your ovulation period," says Dr Singh. Learn about your menstrual cycle and make sure you use protection.

4. Breastfeeding protects me from pregnancy

Ovulation and menstruation are not likely to happen while you are breastfeeding your baby, but this is not permanent. "So yes, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant while still breastfeeding your child," says Dr Singh.

5. He always pulls out before ejaculation, so I won't get pregnant

Yes, you can get pregnant even if he pulls out in time. The penis produces a fluid before ejaculation which also contains sperms.

"If he's not careful while pulling it out, some of this liquid can stay in the vagina. This birth control method fails 30 per cent of the time," says Dr Singh.

Read about birth control before having sex and you will be better equipped to protect yourself and your partner.


http://www.idiva.com