| Misconception |
Fact |
| "I'm
protected if I just apply a spermicide after intercourse." |
Spermicides
must be inserted prior to intercourse to insure the
cervix has a spermicidal barrier. Spermicides, like
VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Film must be inserted 15
minutes prior, and reinserted every three hours. |
| "Vaseline
is a great lubricant, and will kill sperm too." |
Vaseline
is not a good lubricant when used with condoms or
diaphragms because the petroleum in Vaseline reacts
with latex rubber, causing it to deteriorate. And,
Vaseline is not a spermicide -- it cannot kill sperm. |
| "I
only need to take a birth control pill whenever I
have sex." |
To
be effective, the pill must be taken as directed
-- that is one per day for 20 to 21 days, depending
on the type of pill. |
| "Since
I take my birth control pills as directed, there
is no chance I'll get pregnant." |
While
the Pill can be close to 100% effective when used
as directed, some antibiotics and antacids can reduce
the Pill's effectiveness. In either case, you should
use a "back up" form of contraception.
Be sure your doctors know you are on the Pill. |
| "I
have no worries, he always pulls out before he comes." |
Ejaculation
can occur in stages, so he may be unaware that it
has actually commenced; Some of the penile lubricating
fluid actually contains sperm that can be deposited
in the vagina long before withdrawal. And, there
is always the risk that he cannot mobilize the willpower
to withdraw in time. |
| "As
long as he doesn't ejaculate inside me, I won't get
pregnant." |
Whether
there is full penetration or not really doesn't matter.
Either way, sperm deposited in or even near the vagina
(if enough moisture is present) can cause pregnancy.
Sperm can travel 1 inch in 8 minutes, and can reach
the fallopian tube in 1 to
1Ç hours. |
| "Ovulation
is always 14 days after menstruation." |
While
ovulation may occur then, there is no real way of
predicting the exact time of ovulation even the best
estimates are often in error. To pinpoint ovulation
with a reasonable degree of accuracy takes sufficient
motivation, intelligence and awareness. |
| "I
can't get pregnant as long as I continue to breast
feed my baby." |
Breast-feeding
is an unreliable contraceptive. Although breast-feeding
can suppress ovulation temporarily, a woman probably
cannot recognize reliably when she returns to the
state of being at risk. A vaginal barrier is a much
safer contraceptive option for post-partum women. |
| "Once
ejaculated, sperm can only live for an hour or so." |
Sperm
maintain their capacity to fertilize an egg for up
to at least 48 hours after ejaculation |
| "You
can only get pregnant one day a month - the day you
ovulate." |
Since
an egg can be fertilized for approximately 12-24
hours (or longer) after ovulation, and sperm can
fertilize an egg for up to 48 hours, there is an
unsafe period of at least 3 days per month -- 2 days
prior to ovulation, and 1 day after. |
| "Douching
after sex is an effective birth control method." |
Douching
is not an effective method. Immediately after ejaculation
sperm enter the cervix -- out of reach of any douching
solution. Douching may even speed sperm on their
way. |
Sexual
activity and birth control usage are responsibilities
that should not be taken lightly. If a woman is sexually
active and does not intend to have a child in the near
future, she should protect herself by understanding her
reproductive system, the different types of contraception
available, identifying which is best for her, and following
the directions exactly.
