Caribbean people have always been great at telling stories and passing on myths. And when it comes to talking about birth control methods, there seems to be no end to the myths perpetuated by those who think they know it all.

Despite not studying medicine, they will tell you that they have the remedies that will prevent you from getting pregnant. For those naïve enough to believe, the truth is only realised when it is too late.

According to one gynaecologist, "The myths perpetuated about contraception are usually done by women who most often have never used the methods themselves. The women who are told these lies are usually the ones who suffer as many become pregnant with unwanted pregnancies and some suffer the consequences".
He says some women turn to abortion or end up in a bad relationship for the sake of the child. He also noted that one of the most common myths he has heard is that injections and oral contraceptives can lead to a woman carrying an odour. This myth he says is usually circulated by patients who want an excuse for not using this method of contraception.

In most cases, he says, "The woman usually gets an infection from her partner because she has stopped using the condom. Some of these infections can indeed give the woman an awful vaginal odour. Because she does not want to believe she has an STD, she blames the injection or the pill which she has recently started".

This myth is then passed down to a friend and from there it begins to circulate.

When the truth is finally told to most of those who believe, some change their thinking. This is not the majority however, and so there is a constant battle between health care providers and 'naysayers' who the gynaecologist said are "very influential to the women despite their ignorance about contraception".

Some popular birth control myths

1. Having sex during period protects against pregnancy. Most women consider three days after and three days before the period a "safe" time. It is also believed that a woman cannot get pregnant during her menstrual cycle. However, a woman can become pregnant at any time of the month once she is sexually active during that period and a medically proven birth control method is not used. A woman can never be sure when her ovaries will be releasing eggs. Pregnancy during this period is therefore a possibility.

2. Douching the vagina washes away sperm. Some women believe that sperm can be rinsed from the vagina after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Others urinate or take a bath in hope that the sperm will be washed away, some even use solutions like cola beverages. These methods will not completely eliminate sperm, however, and so chances of becoming pregnant are great. This is because after ejaculation, the sperm enters the cervix and is therefore out of reach of any douching solutions.

3. Selected positions during sex prevent pregnancy. A few persons share the view that you cannot get pregnant if sex is performed standing up or if the woman is on top during intercourse. It is believed that the sperm will be forced out of the vagina this way. The fact of the matter is that sexual positions have nothing to do with the ability to become pregnant. That is because when the man ejaculates, sperm will begin to move up the cervical canal.

4. A woman cannot get pregnant during breastfeeding.
Although breastfeeding postpones ovulation, there is no guarantee that a lactating mother will not become pregnant once she is not taking contraceptives. This is because ovulation can take place even while the mother is still breastfeeding.

5. A woman can't get pregnant if man pulls out in time. This is a popular myth and is sometimes perpetuated by men who prefer to ride "bareback". The belief is that the condom will affect the pleasure they get from skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse. However, the withdrawal method as it is popularly called is not a fool-proof method to prevent pregnancy. This is because some ejaculate can be released before the man climaxes. Some men also do not have the willpower to pull out before ejaculation.

6. No orgasm, no pregnancy. Some women believe that they cannot get pregnant if they don't have an orgasm. However, the fact of the matter is that, it is not necessary for a woman to have an orgasm to get pregnant. Once the man ejaculates, then sperm will be released to fertilise the egg she releases each month as a part of her menstrual cycle.

7. Plastic wraps or balloons are alternatives to condoms. In cases where no condom is available during intercourse, some people suggest using plastic bags, sandwich wraps or a balloon. These are not safe and neither can they protect against pregnancy. While condoms are made in such a way to provide a great fit and offer protection during sexual intercourse, this is not the case for these products as they can be easily damaged (or cause damage) during sex.

8. The pill works from the first day. In the case of some pills, one complete menstrual cycle is needed for the hormones in the pill to become effective. As such it is always good to use a back-up method of birth control in the first month you decide to take the pill.

9. Having sex in water prevents pregnancy. The myth that having sex in the bathtub, pool or river will protect against pregnancy is very widespread. However, although a woman is having sex in the water, sperm cells will still be able to journey up through the cervix to the uterus and cause the fertilisation of an egg, thereby resulting in pregnancy.

10. You can't get pregnant the first time.

Once you have sexual intercourse without using an effective contraceptive method, then there is a chance of becoming pregnant. This can happen regardless of whether it is your first time. Once a girl starts menstruating, she will ovulate and sperm released during sexual intercourse can result in pregnancy.

11. Jumping up after sex prevents pregnancy. Jumping up and down or coughing really hard after sex will not prevent pregnancy. Although some of the ejaculate will fall out, some of the sperm cells will still make their way to the uterus.

12. Two condoms are better than one. There is something as too much of a good thing. It is best to wear one condom during intercourse as opposed to two. The two will not give added protection, instead it increases the risk of tearing during intercourse. One at a time is therefore best and more effective.

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