Firsthand knowledge is vitally important for women when it comes to finding the best-possible birth control approach for their needs. So in the spirit of clarity and learning, our board-certified gynecologist wanted to help our readers understand what is true and what is false by dispelling some common misconceptions about birth control.
Is it true that my body needs a break from hormonal birth control?
This is false. It is safe and recommended to take your hormonal birth control (i.e.- birth control pills) everyday without a break. Taking a break from birth control pills can leave a woman susceptible to potential pregnancy. We would recommend speaking with a board-certified gynecologist in the case of a hormone-related health condition or side effect in order to gain more insight on this subject.
Is it true that you don’t need to be on birth control if you are currently breastfeeding?
This is also false, despite the common myth that says otherwise. While it is true that women may experience a suppression of hormones during breastfeeding that can limit ovulation, this is not a result that can be counted on. This is especially false for women who supplement their breastfeeding with formula.
Is it true that using birth control can affect my long-term fertility?
Other than female sterilization or a hysterectomy, which are meant to last a lifetime, using other forms of birth control will not affect a woman’s long-term fertility. Whether she is taking birth control pills or using a long-term method like an IUD (Intrauterine Device), birth control will not prevent future pregnancies from occuring after the use of birth control has ceased.
Is it true that using birth control can cause birth defects?
Thankfully no. The birth control pill is one of the world’s most heavily researched and commonly prescribed medications. There are no known connections between taking birth control and experiencing any birth defects afterwards..
We hope you found this information reassuring and helpful. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding birth control, we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with a board-certified gynecologist. For more information on birth control or to request an appointment with one of our reproductive healthcare providers, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. Don’t forget to follow along with us on Facebook and Twitter for additional health tips, news, and more.
