Hormonal-Type Contraception - Common Myths and Misunderstandings of Hormonal Birth Control

Written by: Lisa Cheng

Common Myths and Misunderstandings

Previous studies have suggested a link between hormonal birth control and an increased risk of breast and cervical cancer, although results are inconclusive. To emphasize, an increased risk of breast and cervical cancer is not equivalent to a woman have breast or cervical cancer later in life; rather, the probability that one may be diagnosed with these types of cancers later in life is slightly higher than that of women who do not use hormonal oral contraceptives. There are other risk factors (e.g., familial history of cancer) that need to be considered before making strides to the incorrect conclusion that women who use will, with certainty, have breast or cervical cancer. Women need to make an informed decision regarding their method of birth control, and fear should not be the reason for not using birth control. Conversations surrounding increased cancer risks with hormonal oral contraceptives and the associated anxiety should be facilitated with a doctor. Alternative non-hormonal options including condoms and copper intrauterine devices are available for those who do not want to use hormonal therapy as birth control.

Other myths and misunderstandings about combined oral contraceptives are being circulated and this misinformation may deter women from their use.

·       Women need to take a break from taking birth control pills daily so that there is no build-up in the body. -- False.

·       Oral pills only days that intercourse occurs. -- False.

·       Birth control pills cause birth defects. -- False.

·       Estrogen-containing hormonal birth control pills cause cancer. -- False.

·       A woman’s libido will change after use of birth control pills. -- False.

·       Combined hormonal birth control pills are ineffective for women who are overweight or obese. -- False.

Risks and Other Notes

Women who smoke, are diagnosed with liver disease, and have a history of high blood pressure are not advised to use hormonal pills containing estrogen. In rare cases, estrogen is associated with blood clots in the leg or lungs and in even more rare cases, there is a risk of stroke or heart attack. As such, women who have a history of blood clots are also contraindicated for estrogen-containing oral contraceptives. Other methods and devices of birth control should be considered.

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