Contraceptives are drugs or devices that prevent pregnancy. However, there exist many birth control myths that are widely followed by couples. And a lot many don't even have any medical base behind.

Here let us identify these birth control myths. Just check these out and see if you have been following any:

1. You will not get pregnant if you have sex during menstruation period.

It is a false idea. The ovary can release egg during the menstruation period as well. It is the most probable time for ovulation. Keep the fact that under good circumstances, the sperm can live within the vagina for about five-seven days. However, this depends on the metabolic capacity and longevity of the sperm.
 

2. You won’t get pregnant by pulling the penis seconds before ejaculation. (Withdrawal Method)

The sperm may be released before your partner pulls it out. You cannot detect if he is about to ejaculate. Ejaculation is a physical and emotional uncontrollable feeling. Some sperms are good swimmers. If they remain centimeters away from their target, they will struggle to reach the finishing line.

This is not true. If you are trying to remove sperm out from the vagina by washing it with water or carbonated drinks, you may only feel uncomfortable. There are good bacteria in the vagina that deserves their habitat and by doing so you remove them.

4. Standing up while having sex prevents pregnancy.

Sexual positions have nothing to do with pregnancy. Even if you’re standing while having sex, the meeting of sperm and egg is still possible.

5. Woman having first time sex can never get pregnant.

Your chance of getting pregnant remains the same no matter how many times you have it. As long as your body is ready for ovulation, pregnancy can take place. There is no difference. The vaginal environment is still capable for ovulation.

6. Pills for birth control cause breast cancer.

The chemical ingredients of pills are to prevent pregnancy and not cause cancer. It could be that pill combination and its side effects may complicate a benign tumor that is already in your breast. There are studies that some pills are the cause of breast cancer but major medical studies have proved that the risk of breast cancer is not caused by pills.

7. Pregnancy could be prevented by jumping up and down after having sex.

This is a big myth. Sperms are too sticky and too tiny to fall out from your vagina, unlike coins from an open purse. Even if semen flows out from the vagina because of jumping, just think about how many sperms remained inside. In one ejaculation there are approximately 300 millions of sperm. Vaginal environment (relative acidity, body temperature, ph levels) and sperm life span is not affected even if you do skipping after sexual intercourse.

8. Rhythm Method is always effective.

No. Menstruation cycle is always inaccurate in terms of predictions. You can estimate the exact date for it to start but not the ovulation process. Always bear in mind that the sperm can survive for 5 to 7 days inside the vagina. In the menstrual cycle, 14 days after it started, ovulation takes place. It can only be delayed by some factors such as illness, stress, diet or increased physical activities.

9. Pills cause infertility.

The main function of the pill is to suppress ovulation. If they are said to bring damage to the ovaries then in medical findings they don’t. According to studies, women taking pills are become more fertile after long period of taking it.

10. Use balloon or plastic wrapper instead of condom. They are just the same.

They are not the same. Condoms are uniquely designed for its elasticity with sufficient lubrication applied. Plastic wrappers and balloons are of different functions . You could make balloons out of condoms but never condoms out of balloons.

The discussion is a battle between medical explanation and sidewalk beliefs. Even if science has the ability to elaborate the result of their long term experiments and studies, cultural practice is more influential. Just stick to the facts to be on the safer side!