8 Myths About Emergency Contraception

In a recent survey conducted by a sexual health charity, 59 per cent of women said they know only ‘a little’ about emergency contraception, while 12 per cent said they ‘don’t know very much’. Meanwhile, 3 per cent said they know ‘nothing’. The survey, of over 2,000 women aged between 16 and 54, also revealed some worrying trends about what women wrongly believe to be true. Here are eight common emergency contraception myths… busted:

1. Myth: The ‘morning after pill’ is the only option
Fact: There are three types of emergency contraception available, if you have unprotected sex or your usual contraceptive method fails. There are pills, which can be taken to prevent pregnancy. There is also the option of having an emergency IUD fitted. An IUD — or intrauterine device — is a small plastic and copper device that can be fitted into your uterus up to five days after unprotected sex. You can choose to keep the IUD as your usual method of contraception for up to five or 10 years.(Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

2. Myth: I need a valid prescription
Fact: Recent findings showed that over one third of women believe you need to have a prescription from a GP to buy an emergency contraceptive pill. In fact, emergency contraceptive pills are widely available to buy over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription. If you were to opt for an emergency IUD (intrauterine device), then this would need to be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse.

3. Myth: It’s hard to get hold of
Fact: There are lots of different places where you can access emergency contraception, should you need it. Emergency contraceptive pills are available at contraception clinics, pharmacies, hospitals and at many gynaecological and GP clinics.

4. Myth: It’s like an abortion
Fact: In the survey, 50% of the women believed that using emergency contraception causes an abortion, or they weren’t sure. Emergency contraceptive pills stop the release or fertilisation of an egg, or prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus. Medical research and legal judgement are clear that this is a way to prevent pregnancy and is not abortion. Abortion is a way to end pregnancy and can only take place once the fertilised egg has implanted in the womb. The two are very distinct.

5. Myth: I have to use it within 24 hours of having unprotected sex
Fact: The widely used phrase ‘morning after pill’ has not helped to bust this myth, as it inaccurately suggests that emergency contraception has to be taken straight away. Emergency contraceptive pills are effective for up to three days after unprotected sex. However, the earlier you take them, the more effective they will be.

6. Myth: I can’t use the pill more than once in the same cycle
Fact: You can take an emergency contraceptive pill more than once in a cycle. However, experts don’t recommend this at all. Remember, there are other methods of contraception available to you.

7. Myth: I can’t breastfeed if I’ve taken it
Fact: It is advised to avoid breastfeeding for one week after taking some emergency contraceptive pills, say experts.

8. Myth: popping the pill regularly will make me infertile
Fact: Almost two thirds of women surveyed believed they could become infertile through repeated use of emergency contraception, or they weren’t sure. Using the emergency contraceptive pill repeatedly can disrupt your natural menstrual cycle, but it will not make you infertile. Remember, these pills are not intended as regular forms of contraception. If you are looking for a regular contraceptive, there are many options available to you. Ask your doctor to help you find one, which works best for you.

(By Daily Mirror)

Posted by Staffreporter on December 23, 2015. Filed under HEALTH. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.