Thanks, Birth Control
Get the facts about birth control and separate common myths from evidence-based truth.
Contraception fundamentally changed the ability of people who can get pregnant to control and improve their own lives and their families’ lives.
Contraception is a key part of sexual and reproductive health care and includes any method, medicine, or device to prevent pregnancy including IUD’s, implants, pills, patches, condoms, emergency contraception, fertility tracking, and sterilization. There is no single best contraceptive method — each method has its own benefits, and different things work for different people. Everyone should have the information, options, and freedom to choose what works best for them, without pressure, barriers, or coercion.
Attacks on sexual and reproductive health care are very dangerous, and have strong, negative impacts on our communities. This is because they spread misinformation and disinformation, which makes it harder for people to make informed decisions about their health. With increasing attacks on sexual and reproductive health care it’s very important that we get the facts straight.
Remember: Influencers on social media who support “natural” or “traditional” values do not always have lived, studied, or practiced experience in evidence-based information about contraception. While social media can be a good starting point for getting information, speaking with a trusted medical provider about which contraceptive method is best for you is the best way to navigate your experience with birth control.
Fact vs. Fiction
FICTION:
Birth control causes infertility and will affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
FACT:
Many accredited studies demonstrate that birth control does not impact fertility. Contraceptive use, regardless of its duration and type, does not have a negative effect on the ability to get pregnant, and it does not significantly delay fertility.
FICTION:
Birth control is a carcinogen and causes cancer.
FACT:
Birth control does not cause cancer. Some birth control methods can help prevent certain types of cancer such as ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancers.
FICTION:
Hormonal birth control results in major side effects such as cancer, changing sexuality, blindness, hair loss, baldness, and weight gain.
FACT:
Those symptoms are not side effects of birth control. Mild side effects including nausea, irregular bleeding, or changes in mood can occur and vary from person to person. There is no evidence showing a definitive link between hormonal birth control and weight gain.
FICTION:
Emergency contraception is an abortion method.
FACT:
Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy. Abortion care includes medication abortion and procedural abortion, both of which end an existing pregnancy.
FICTION:
You need a prescription or parental consent to obtain all forms of birth control.
FACT:
Access to the contraceptive method of your choice and access to an appointment to get a prescription, if necessary, depends on where you live.