At least 40% of pregnancies are unwanted — and many experts believe the confusion surrounding birth control methods may be at least partly to blame. Here at Monarque Health & Wellness Center in Ashland, Oregon, we provide comprehensive, whole-person women’s health care attuned to your unique needs.
We understand how much misinformation you face about birth control, making it tough to separate fact from fiction. You deserve to make informed, confident choices about your reproductive health. That’s why this month’s blog post aims to clear up the confusion.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by myths surrounding birth control. Here are some of the most common ones and the facts to counter them:
Fact: Birth control methods don’t cause infertility. Once you stop using them, your fertility returns to its baseline level. In fact, with some birth control methods, for example, the progestin-only pill, you can start trying to conceive right away.
In one study of women who had their intrauterine devices (IUDs) removed to try to conceive a baby, nearly 95% were successful — and more than half of those pregnancies were within the first three months.
Fact: Many birth control options are highly effective, including IUDs, implants, patches, and rings. Some are actually more effective than the pill.
For example, while the pill is more than 99% effective with perfect use, average use (forgetting a pill occasionally, or taking pills at varying times) drops its effectiveness to 91%. In contrast, the IUD is more than 99% effective, with nothing to remember because it’s implanted.
Fact: While breastfeeding can reduce fertility, it’s not a reliable method of birth control on its own. Many women have two kids under 2 years old as proof!
Fact: When you enter perimenopause (the menopause transition), your periods grow increasingly sporadic, then eventually stop. You’re only in menopause after having no periods for 12 consecutive months. Your provider at Monarque Health & Wellness Center gives you the go-ahead when it’s safe to quit birth control.
Fact: Most birth control methods are safe for extended use, with no residual effects. Your provider explains all of the benefits and potential drawbacks of the methods you’re considering.
At Monarque Health & Wellness Center, we’re dedicated to providing clear, reliable information to empower you in making your decision about birth control. Call us today at 541-326-4777 to schedule a consultation in Ashland, Oregon, and find your ideal birth control.
