Birth control has remained an issue of constant debate for decades, and still the civil society is divided over this issue. More than the reason, it is the methods of birth control that have created controversies, especially the hormonal birth control methods. Hormonal birth control refers to using Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), pills, patches and/or implants. These solutions are considered harmful for female health, which is just a misconception.

Let’s clarify some of the common misconceptions associated with hormonal birth control methods, and understand the many health benefits these offer.

Myth- Birth control Pills have Various Side Effects

Fact- There are NO side effects of Birth Control Pills including Weight Gain

It is a common assumption that birth control pills have various side effects such as these make you gain weight, which is untrue. It is possible to get mood swings and observe changes in your weight while taking birth control pills for the first few months but these also diminish with regular usage. However, it is recommended that you consult your gynecologist before deciding about the favorable birth control measure.

Myth- Oral Contraceptives cause Hormonal Imbalance

Fact- Oral Contraceptives DO NOT cause Hormonal Imbalance

It is totally a misconception that birth control pills cause hormonal imbalance. In fact, several scientific studies identified that oral contraceptives can treat conditions involving hormonal imbalance such as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Oral contraceptives offer a balanced composition of estrogen and progesterone hormones. With regular use, these not only prevent pregnancy successfully but also help in treating many types of hormone-related issues and offer several other health benefits.

Myth- Birth Control Measures Cause Heavy Periods

Fact- Birth Control CANNOT lead to Heavy Periods

The truth is that when your body doesn’t produce enough progesterone, your periods get delayed and meanwhile the uterus lining keeps getting thicker. When your cycle finally starts, you experience heavy flow. On the flip side, birth control pills provide the necessary amount of progesterone required to regulate the cycle. When your cycle is regular, the uterus lining remains thin and hence, heavy blood flow cannot occur. However, if you usually get heavy periods consult your doctor who will prescribe a “mini pill,” which contains progesterone only to keep the flow normal.

Myth- Hormonal Birth Control Makes Cycle Irregular

Fact- Hormonal Birth Control DOESN’T Change your Monthly Cycle

It is a common perception that birth control pills and other man-made measures can cause significant, adverse changes in your menstrual cycle. The truth is that hormonal birth control measures keep the hormones in their balanced proportions and prevent hormonal fluctuations that otherwise are a mandatory part of your regular cycle. This help in keeping the periods lighter, regular, and painless.

Myth- You get Painful Period due to Birth Control Methods

Fact- Birth Control Measures Cannot Cause Painful Periods

Over 31 per cent of women around the world prefer using birth control pills primarily because they do not experience the same amount of pain and discomfort during periods as they otherwise do. The fact is that birth control pills and other measures prevent ovulation from occurring. Since there is no ovulation, the uterus doesn’t go through similar contractions that usually cause pain and abdominal cramps. Hence, hormonal birth control measures aren’t associated with causing painful periods and if you regularly experience pain while menstruating, oral contraceptives can provide sufficient relief.

Myth- PMS and PMDD are caused by Hormonal Birth Control

Fact- Hormonal Birth Control and PMS or PMDD aren’t Correlated

Nearly three-fourth of females around the world can feel a certain level of anxiety, stress, irritability, and aggression or anger while they are menstruating. These can start occurring a few days before the cycle is about to start, which is called Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS can cause mild pain around your lower abdomen area and you get irritated. If symptoms are more serious the condition is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is experienced by around 8% women. There is no connection between birth control pills and PMS or PMDD as these naturally occur as a result of hormonal changes that lead to the start of menstruation cycle.

Myth- Menstrual Migraine is a result of Hormonal Contraceptives

Fact- You Cannot Get Menstruation Migraine with Hormonal Contraceptives

Migraine refers to a very intense type of pain in your head. About 30 billion people in America experience migraine headache on a regular basis and interestingly, 75% of them are females. It happens because the levels of progesterone and estrogen drop at the start of your cycle, which can trigger migraine. By using hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives you can prevent this drop and the tendency of experiencing migraines gets significantly reduced.

Myth- Birth Control Pills cause Dysmenorrhea

Fact- Dysmenorrhea isn’t caused by Birth Control Pills

If you feel intense pain ad cramps around your belly and lower belly area while having periods, the condition is called Dysmenorrhea. There is absolutely no connection between birth control pills and dysmenorrhea because it is caused by a uterine chemical prostaglandin that triggers contraction of muscle that leads to pain. Hormonal birth control measure such as ring, patch or pills prevents the release of egg to stop ovulation due to which prostaglandin isn’t produced.

Myth- Hormonal Birth Control cause Acne Breakout

Fact- Hormonal Birth Control cannot Cause Hormonal Acne

Menstruation cycle is often associated with pimple and acne. A majority of females experience abrupt acne breakout around the time their cycle is starting. However, birth control pills have no role to play in this regard as it is caused by hormonal changes that occur during menstruation. Instead, birth control pills can prevent acne breakout by reducing the intensity of these fluctuations and keeping the hormonal balance intact.

Myth- Hormonal Contraceptives and Endometriosis are Correlated

Fact- Hormonal Contraceptives aren’t Responsible for Endometriosis

When Endometrium, which is the uterus’s tissue lining, grows outside of the uterus instead of inside, you experience a painful condition called Endometriosis. When you have periods, this lining also ruptures and the tissue bleeds even if it hasn’t grown inside the uterus. When the lining ruptures outside of the uterus, the blood cannot be expelled from the body easily and this causes inflammation and excruciating pain. In the entire process, birth control pills or methods do not play any part but these can actually help in managing endometriosis.

Myth- Contraceptives is a Major Cause of Ovarian and Uterine Cancer

Fact- Hormonal Contraceptives Do No Lead to Cancer

Hormonal birth control methods are very beneficial for your uterine health and in regulating menstrual cycles. Contrary to popular belief, birth control pills cannot cause ovarian or uterine cancer but instead, reduce the chance of uterine cancer by 50 per cent. In fact, the beneficial impacts of hormonal birth control can last for as long as 20 years from the time you stop taking oral contraceptives.

Myth- PCOS symptoms can Increase due to Hormonal Birth Control

Fact- Birth Control Pills Cannot Aggravate PCOS Symptoms

Hormonal birth control pills are developed to prevent hormonal imbalance in your body that normally occurs at the start of menstruation. Hormonal balance can potentially reduce the symptoms of PCOS such as excessive hair growth on face and chin, and acne. Hence, it is totally a misconception that birth control pills can aggravate PCOS symptoms. PCOS is a health condition that naturally occurs and nothing can treat or prevent it. However, regular use of birth control pills can regulate the monthly cycle and prevent missed periods as well as acne and excess hair growth.

Myth- Birth Control is the Leading Cause of Anemia

Fact- Contraceptives Cannot Promote Period related Anemia

Some women get heavy periods and some get very light periods, it all depends upon their hormonal structure several internal factors. Those who experience heavy bleeding are at higher risk of developing period-related anemia. It can cause a reduction in red blood cells production and oxygen supply to the body gets affected, which leads to fatigue and weakness. To prevent heavy bleeding, birth control pills are idea as these allow your body to skip periods and reduce the risk of anemia.

Myth- Birth Control Measure Create Ovarian Cysts

Fact- Birth Control Pills Do No Create Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are tiny sacs containing fluid. These cysts can form in and around your ovaries primarily during the time of ovulation. Though ovarian cysts aren’t something life-threatening or dangerous but these can cause intense pain in your abdomen area sometimes. Those dealing with PCOS usually have many small cysts inside their ovaries. Since birth control prevents ovulation, the risk of cysts formation or regrowth is reduced considerably.

Myth- You cannot control your periods While on Birth Control

Fact- You can EASILY Control your Periods through Contraceptives

Hormonal birth control pills give you a chance to determine when the cycle should start. The monthly package of birth control pills package has one week of hormone-less placebo pills. These are taken during menstruation just to keep up the habit. If you have to travel or there is a big event coming up, simply skip the placebo pills and start a new pack of contraceptive pills.  Other measures like rings, IUDs, and patches also allow you to skip your period. Hence, birth control lets you control your periods.