A Women's Guide to Birth Control Myths - Part One

Parenthood entails a lot of responsibilities which can be both overwhelming and fulfilling. This is why it is important that a couple must be ready before they start a family. Birth control methods should be greatly considered by couples who are not yet ready for the responsibilities of parenthood or may simply want to properly plan their family.


Not everyone has the the opportunity to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and understanding with regards to effective family planning. Others have misconceptions which eventually lead to unplanned pregnancy. Luckily we are now living in the digital age as information about birth control methodologies is simply a click away. To whether one wants to prevent unplanned pregnancies, or have timed it perfectly to have a child is what this blog series will be all about. We have gathered some of the most common birth control and contraception myths to give you a better idea and understanding on how to properly plan your family.


1. Women can't get pregnant when their partner pulls out before ejaculation (withdrawal method)

Withdrawal (coitus interruptus) is not a very effective natural method of contraception. There are two factors that makes this an inconsistent and ineffective method of birth control: (1) Withdrawal solely depends on the man as he should have the ability to predict his ejaculation and use self-control to avoid coming inside his partner. Self-control is particularly challenging for men who do not have enough sexual experience or are under the influence of alcohol. (2) Some men unknowingly ejaculate a fluid (pre-cum) which has a probability to contains sperm even before the man climax.

For more information check out Withdrawal (Pull Out Method).

2. Women can't get pregnant on her "first time"

This is a big misconception as a woman is susceptible to pregnancy any time after she start ovulating (fertile period) even if it is her "first time". This is why a woman or a girl should not be deceived or pressured on having sexual intercourse with her partner with only this misconception in mind. A woman should at least attempt to understand an ovulation cycle before engaging in such risky and uninformed activity.

For more information check out Understanding Ovulation.

3. Women cannot get pregnant during the "safe" period. (rhythm method)

The rhythm or calendar method is also not a full-proof method of (natural) contraception. There are various factors that can affect a woman's hormones which is directly related to her menstruation (and ovulation) cycles. This could still lead to unexpected pregnancy when not critically monitored causing the timing to be off. A woman must do more research more on fertility awareness.

For more information check out Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FAMs).

4. Women can't get pregnant when they douche, bathe, or shower after having sex

There is no possible way that a douching solution will reach the sperm once it has entered the cervix and later fertilizing the egg. The same applies even if a woman takes a bath (shower) or urinate immediately after having a sexual intercourse.

For more information check out Douching fact sheet.

There are still other misconceptions and myths out there regarding birth control and family planning. We will continue listing them down to debunk such myths and equip you with the right information. We highly recommend that you do your own research if your are particularly interested in trying out some family planning or birth control methods cited in this special. Have you encountered such misconceptions? What do you think about birth control in general? Have you tried any family planning method? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.