Myth 1: I can have unprotected sex during 'safe days'
Counting safe days is one of the most unreliable ways to prevent pregnancy, as menstrual cycles change constantly. So unless you have an extremely regular cycle, or use ovulation tests, you really can't know for sure when your safe days are.
Myth 2: You can use balloons or plastic wrap if you are out of condoms
Condoms may look like balloons, but balloons are not made to prevent pregnancies. They are made from different materials that can irritate the genitals and they are not made to fit over a penis properly. So if you are planning to have sex, you better stock up on the real thing!
Myth 3: Two condoms are better than one
Using two condoms (or a female and a male condom) increases the chance of the condoms slipping and sperm spilling. So using one condom correctly is actually a lot safer than using two at once!
Myth 4: The pill will make you frigid
The pill does not cause infertility. There is also no indication that it will take a woman longer to get pregnant once she stops taking the pill, compared to women who have not used hormonal birth control methods previously.
Myth 5: The withdrawal method is really effective
In a perfect situation, it's not a bad method. But sex is very rarely perfect. Out of 100 women who use this method for a year, 27 will get pregnant. So unless you don't mind these odds, you might want to look into other methods.
Myth 6: Douching, showering or bathing after sex will prevent pregnancy
Big myth! After ejaculation, sperm quickly moves from the vagina to the cervix, and out of reach for douches, showers and baths. And, douching, as well as too much water and soap aren't good for your vagina. You might end up itchy and dry, or at more risk of infection.
Myth 7: Implants will affect your libido
There is no scientific evidence to back this claim. Just as with other hormonal birth control methods, some women say they have less desire, others have more, but the vast majority of women say that there is no change at all.
Myth 8: Injections cause harmful changes in menstruation
It's true that hormonal birth control methods, like the injections, can cause changes in periods. But these change are not harmful at all, and they certainly won't cause blood to pool inside a woman's body.
Myth 9: IUDs are only for women who already have children
Doctors used to recommend IUDs only for women who have given birth, as there is a slightly higher risk of expulsion (the IUD moving from the uterus towards the vagina) in younger women who haven't given birth yet. But the research isn't conclusive, and the pros of IUDs outweigh this risk by far.
Myth 10: You can't get pregnant if you are breastfeeding
It's true that breastfeeding can temporarily stop you from ovulating, but that's not a guarantee. So if you don't want to get pregnant again just yet, you should be using another method of birth control even if you are still breastfeeding.
Myth 10: Sterilisation affects your ability to have sex
Myth! Neither vasectomies, nor female sterilisation, will affect your performance in bed. But both are permanent birth control methods, and you won't be able to have children again if you go for one of these methods.
Have you heard of any more myths about contraception? Share them with us by leaving a comment below or starting a conversation via Facebook.
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Udaan Collaborative is a network of private sector stakeholders including general practitioner, gynecologist, pharmacists, and organizations who focused on making sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services more accessible and youth-friendly across India. It provides a digital platform with resources like a chatbot, helpline, and access to healthcare providers, aiming to offer young people a safe, private, and non-judgmental space for their health needs.