World Contraception Day 2024:  To avoid unwanted pregnancy and for proper family planning, it is important for people to know about different options of contraception. Condoms are not the only means of contraception, but now there are many such methods, with the help of which unwanted pregnancy can be prevented. World Contraception Day is celebrated every year on 26 September to make people aware about this.

Some common myths related to contraception

Myth 1- Birth control pills cause infertility.

Truth: Birth control pills do not cause infertility. Fertility usually returns to normal after you stop the pill, although it may take a few months for regular cycles to resume.

Myth 2- Contraceptives are only for women.

Truth: There are birth control options for both men and women, including male condoms and sterilization for men, and various hormonal and non-hormonal options for women.

Myth 3- You do not need contraception while breastfeeding.

Truth- While breastfeeding may delay ovulation, it is not a safe method of contraception. A reliable method should be used if avoiding pregnancy is the goal.

Myth 4- Using an IUD will make it difficult to get pregnant in the future.

Truth- Dr. Raheja said that this is not true at all. IUDs are reversible and do not affect future fertility . After removing the IUD, women can usually conceive without any problems.

Myth 5- Emergency contraception causes abortion.

Fact- Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from occurring and does not affect an existing pregnancy. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation from occurring.

Myth 6- Condoms are 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Truth- Although condoms are highly effective when used correctly, they are not 100% foolproof. Wrong use or breakage can result in pregnancy.

Myth 7- A woman cannot get pregnant during menstruation.

Truth: This is not common, but it is possible. Sperm can survive inside the body for several days, and ovulation occurs some time after periods, increasing the chances of pregnancy.

Myth 8- Long-term use of contraceptives can harm your health.

Truth: Long-term use of birth control methods such as birth control pills, IUDs or implants is generally safe for women. In fact, they may even have some benefits, such as reducing the risk of ovarian cancer .

Myth 9- Natural methods like withdrawal or calendar tracking are as effective as contraception.

Truth: Due to human error and some variations in the ovulation cycle, these natural methods may be much less effective than modern contraceptives.

Myth 10- Contraception causes weight gain.

Truth- This is not true. Some methods may cause slight changes in weight and their effect varies from person to person and is usually minor. Hormonal contraceptives, often taken incorrectly, pose a risk of cancer. However, research has shown that these contraceptives are safe if taken as per the advice of a doctor.