You can’t get pregnant during your period.
While it’s less likely, pregnancy can still happen during your period. Women with shorter cycles (for example, 21 days) may ovulate earlier—around day 7 or 8—making it possible to get pregnant toward the end of a longer period.
Since sperm can live in the body for up to 3 days, having unprotected sex on days 5–7 of a period can still result in pregnancy.
If you douche after sex, you won’t get pregnant.
Douching is not an effective method of birth control and is not recommended. It can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina and lead to infections such as yeast or bacterial infections.
There is no medical reason to douche.
The withdrawal method is a reliable birth control method.
The withdrawal method is not reliable. Pre-ejaculation fluid may contain active sperm, which can lead to pregnancy even if ejaculation does not occur inside the vagina.
You can’t get pregnant if you are breastfeeding.
It is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, especially before your period returns. Ovulation occurs before menstruation, meaning you can become pregnant without realizing fertility has resumed.
This is why birth control discussions are important during postpartum care.
You can smoke while on the birth control pill.
Smoking while taking the pill, especially for women over 35, significantly increases the risk of blood clots. The hormones in the pill can increase blood clotting, making this combination unsafe.
If you have a history of blood clots you can take the pill.
This is not true. If you have a history of blood clots, you should not take estrogen-containing birth control pills, as they increase the risk of further clotting.
Blood clots can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke), making them potentially life-threatening.
If your partner tests negative for STIs, you don’t need a condom.
Sexually transmitted infections are still a risk even if a partner tests negative. Some infections like HPV and HSV may not be detected unless symptoms are present.
Using condoms remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of STI transmission.
The pill will make me fat.
Research does not support weight gain as a direct side effect of the pill. Weight changes often coincide with life stages when many women begin using birth control.
IUDs cause infertility and shouldn’t be used if you haven’t had children.
Modern IUDs are safe, effective, and suitable for women of all ages, including those who have not had children. They have a low failure rate and are widely used globally.
Current IUD options such as Paraguard, Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla are well-studied and considered safe.
You need to take a break from the pill.
There is no medical need to take breaks from oral contraception. It is safe for long-term use, and stopping unnecessarily may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Something is wrong if I don’t get a period on the pill.
A lighter or absent period is a common and normal effect of the pill. For many, this is a benefit.
After stopping the pill, it may take 1–3 months for periods to return to normal. If irregular cycles occur, they may reflect an underlying hormonal condition rather than being caused by the pill.
If you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
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