The contraceptive pill is one of the most popular methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy, but there is still a lot of confusion surrounding it. Even though the pill has been around for more than 50 years and is used by millions of women worldwide, there are many myths floating around about it. 

You see, not everyone knows that the contraceptive pill isn’t just a single type of medication or brand. Instead, there are several different types that have slightly different purposes but all aim to help women avoid getting pregnant. It can be confusing knowing which pill you should take depending on your individual needs and circumstances. However, we’ve outlined some common misconceptions so you know what you’re hearing when someone talks about the pill.

1. The pill is an abortion method

The contraceptive pill is a birth control method that can be used to help women avoid getting pregnant. It is not an abortion medication, nor does it take away the life of the baby inside of your body. 

2. It’s only for emergencies

Many women are under the impression that the contraceptive pill is only used as emergency contraception. This is not true. The contraceptive pill can be used to prevent pregnancy on a daily basis. It’s important to remember that the pill doesn’t work as a barrier method of birth control, which means you need to use a condom every time you have sex. 

3. The pill causes weight gain and depression

The pill doesn’t cause weight gain or depression. If you are already experiencing these symptoms, it may be an indication that you have a medical condition in which the pill is not suitable. The pill is designed to reduce your risk of becoming pregnant and doesn’t interfere with other medications you are taking for other conditions. You should speak to your doctor about any potential side effects before deciding if the contraceptive pill is right for you.

4. It’s not effective if you’re over thirty-five years old

Some women might be worried about the effectiveness of the pill because they are over thirty-five years old. The truth is, the age at which women can safely take the pill depends on their individual health needs and lifestyle. In general, it’s safe to say that if you’re healthy and not taking any other medications that can interfere with birth control pills, you can consider starting your contraceptive pill anytime you want.

5. The best time to take the pill is in the morning

One of the most common myths about the pill is that it should be taken in the morning. It’s true, it does work best when taken at the same time every day, but for some women that might not always be convenient. In addition, there are a few other factors to consider. For example, if you need your pill to last for two weeks or more, it’s important to take it on the appropriate days so you don’t miss any pills. This can make taking your pill in the morning difficult. The best thing to do is consult a gynecologist and find out which type of medication is best suited for you.

6. The pill causes cancer

This is one of the most common misconceptions. It’s true that the pill has an increased risk for breast cancer, but the risk is the same as that of women who don’t use hormonal contraception. Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a link between taking the contraceptive pill and developing blood clots. While some medicines in the pill might increase your risk for this condition, it’s not because you’re using oral contraceptives.