You’ll be hard-pressed to find a topic that everyone agrees on, but The Pill is arguably one of the most controversial topics out there. Many experts rave about the benefits of taking an oral contraceptive, such as lighter, more regular periods, acne treatment and pregnancy prevention. However, other experts believe that the pill causes unwanted side effects such as increased anxiety and hinders the body’s natural functions such as ovulation (which benefits not only fertility but also overall health).
Conflicting narratives have only created more confusion around the topic of birth control. To get to the bottom of this dilemma, I met the gynecologist Dr. Kameelah Phillips asked for her expert opinion on whether the allegations are fact or fiction. Read on to learn about the biggest contraceptive myths dispelled by Dr. Phillips were exposed. However, remember to talk to your doctor and healthcare team. The best contraceptive method is the one that best suits your body, your goals, and your lifestyle.
Whether through word of mouth or social media, you’ve probably heard that using birth control can affect your chances of getting pregnant in the future. According to Dr. However, this is not the case for Phillips. “Women can become pregnant soon after stopping birth control,” she told me. “Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are available that are extremely effective at preventing pregnancy for years, and the body can generally return to ovulation once they are removed.” A 2009 study found that 20 percent of people became pregnant in the first cycle after stopping contraception, while 80 percent became pregnant within a year. Likewise, researchers found that long-term use of pills could potentially increase fertility compared to short-term use.
In summary, available research shows that the pill has no impact on future fertility. However, how quickly you become pregnant after stopping contraception depends on a variety of factors, such as: B. Age, how long it takes for your hormones to return to a regular infradian rhythm, or whether you have an underlying condition such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). or endometriosis. For this reason, Dr. Phillips to consult your doctor if you have concerns about fertility after using contraception; They can help you make the right choice for you and ease your worries.
While Dr. Phillips has not found a direct connection between birth control and cancer in her professional experience, but is still undecided on the issue. A 2010 study found a slight increase in breast cancer rates among women who took oral contraceptives, although the overall risk remained low. On the other hand, the National Cancer Institute found a slight decrease in endometrial and ovarian cancer rates among those who had taken oral contraceptives for a long time.
However, genetics, life stage, health background and many other factors also play a role in the risk of cancer. Dr. Phillips recommended talking to your doctor about your concerns and medical history so you can find the right birth control option for your lifestyle and risk. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, your doctor may be able to do a BRCA genetic test to determine whether you have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which can help you better understand your risk.
You may also have heard that prolonged use of contraceptives can harm your health. Although the origins of this narrative are unknown, it could be traced to the fact that contraception uses estrogen, progestin, or a combination of both to suppress ovulation to prevent pregnancy. However, ovulation is considered a sign of a healthy body. There is also a common myth that the pill’s overall effectiveness may decrease if taken for a long period of time. Dr. Phillips said that because of these two myths, she often sees patients who believe they should take a “break” from birth control. However, there is no medical reason to take a break from hormonal contraceptives. Although every body is different, there is no research to suggest that long-term use of the pill reduces its effectiveness or is harmful.
If you are taking an oral contraceptive, you have probably been told not to have sex while taking antibiotics because it is widely believed that antibiotics make contraception less effective and make you more susceptible to pregnancy. According to Dr. Phillips, this depends on what type of medication you are taking. In most cases, antibiotics – especially commonly used ones like amoxicillin and clarithromycin – do not reduce the effectiveness of contraception. However, rifamycin antibiotics such as rifampicin or rifabutin can interact with birth control pills, patches, shots, implants, and rings and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
Regardless of whether you take antibiotics, Dr. Phillips to report all of your medications (prescription and over-the-counter) to your doctor. Not only will this help prevent unwanted drug interactions, but it will also inform you if you need to consider an additional form of contraception while taking an antibiotic.
It’s long been said that weight gain is a possible side effect of birth control, but according to Dr. Phillips, you don’t have to worry about weight changes. While some people may experience a slight weight gain after taking the pill, it is usually temporary, minimal and manageable. Unlike contraception of the past, which used high levels of hormones that in turn increased appetite and water retention, today’s contraceptive methods have hormone levels not high enough to cause weight gain. Also remember: weight fluctuations are normal.
If you are experiencing weight gain and think it may be related to your birth control method, Dr. Phillips to speak with your doctor to create a plan of action together. “There may be other reasons why someone gains weight. That’s why I take the time to discuss what might play a role – life stage, health background, healthy diet and exercise – to assess what might be a factor outside of contraception. “, explained Dr. Phillips.
Please consult a doctor or mental health professional before starting or stopping any treatment, supplement or medication. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider if you have any questions regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
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