If you want to have safe sex, it is important to use contraception. There are two main types of contraception, barrier and hormonal. Even though various contraception options have been used for many centuries, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about their side effects and efficiency. In this article, we have gathered seven debunked myths about contraception that you shouldn't believe in.

1. All contraceptives prevent both pregnancy and STDs

It is important to understand that contraception has been invented to prevent pregnancy. Indeed some types of contraception like male and female condoms can help decrease your risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases. However, they don't guarantee complete protection. That's why it is important to visit a urologist or gynecologist for STD testing, especially if you have many sexual partners.

2. Condoms are effective against all types of STDs

Even though condoms are deemed the most effective option that helps prevent STDs, they can't completely protect you. This is because some STDs like human papillomavirus and genital herpes can be passed through skin-to-skin contact. Moreover, there is always a likelihood that a condom can tear or slip. That's why it is extremely important to use them properly.

3. You may not use contraception during periods

Many people believe that a woman can't get pregnant during periods. Indeed, the risk to conceive decreases before and during periods. However, you should know that the sperm can remain active for 5 days in the female reproductive system. This means that if you have sex during the last day of periods and your ovulation occurs within the next 5 days, you can get pregnant. Women who have a short menstrual cycle and early ovulation have an increased risk of conception during periods.

4. Hormonal contraceptives cause weight gain and infertility

One of the most common myths about hormonal contraception is that it can make women gain weight or even become infertile. You should understand that this myth is quite outdated. Many years ago, the dosage of hormones was much bigger and this could lead to weight gain. But today, the dosage of hormones in hormonal contraception is minimal but it is enough to suppress ovulation and prevent pregnancy. Moreover, hormonal contraception can't lead to infertility since it works only if you take it on a regular basis.

5. Douching can help prevent pregnancy

Some women believe that douching right after sex can help them prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately, douching can be used as an effective contraception option. This is because this team of water can transport sperm further into the vagina and let it enter the uterus. As a result, douching can even increase your risk of getting pregnant. You should also know that douching can be quite harmful to your health since it can disrupt the natural pH level of the vagina and lead to the development of bacterial vaginosis.

6. Morning-after pill causes abortion

There is a common misconception that the morning-after pill terminates a pregnancy. However, this bill contains only a high dose of hormones that prevent egg fertilization. So if the conception has already occurred, it may be useless. You should also know that the morning-after pill can only be used 72 hours after sex.

7. You can’t mix a few types of contraceptives

Some women believe that they can't use condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides if they already take birth control pills or use other types of hormonal contraception. But if you want to get more complete protection from pregnancy, you can actually combine barrier and hormonal contraception. Moreover, hormonal contraception doesn't prevent STDs so it is better to use condoms to protect yourself.