China's one child policy came into being because Chinese missile scientist made visits to Europe, read books and projected to prune its population from 940 million in 1979 to 700 million in 2080. India might need a similar policy soon. Even though awareness about different contraceptive methods have caught on, as per data from the National Family Health Survey, there has been a decline in the use of contraceptives in 10 out of 14 states surveyed in India. As per reports, modern methods like contraceptive pills, intrauterine device (IUD), injectables and condoms. Today, at 1.32 billion population, India is on the verge to surpass China in the next five years, according to projections by the World Health Organisation.
Here are some myths about methods of birth control busted to keep unwanted pregnancy away.
Birth control pills make you gain weight: This is not entirely true. Sometimes, women who take contraceptive pills may gain weight as a side effect of the pill. “Most new generation progestin pills are fat-friendly,” says Dr Anita Soni, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, LH Hiranandani hospital, Mumbai. These pills do not make you gain weight and have very few side effects.
Birth control pills reduce your chances of getting pregnant later: It may seem hard to believe, but it is possible to conceive as soon as you stop taking birth control pills. “These pills never reduce fertility, but control it. So, essentially you do not lose fertility, but it is maintained,” explains Soni. For some women, it may take a cycle or two to be successful once they stop being on the pill.
Smokers or obese women should not take birth control pills: Women, who are overweight, can take birth control pills without worrying much. In fact, there are progestin-only pills that prevent you from putting on weight. However, smokers should avoid birth control pills, says Soni, as it may cause “thromboembolism or blood clots”. This may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine causes a boost in blood pressure and puts added strain on blood vessels. This, combined with birth control pill containing estrogen, could put more pressure on blood vessels.
You do not need to use birth control pills while you are breastfeeding: This is another myth. It is true that the pituitary gland that makes you ovulate is suppressed while you are breastfeeding, but that does not make it foolproof. There are chances of you conceiving while breastfeeding, too. So, it would be wise to take precautions.
It is unhealthy to use birth control pill to alter your periods: If you have been healthy— a non-smoker with normal blood pressure— then it is perfectly safe to take birth control pills to alter your periods. However, be ready for some bleeding if you are trying a new pill or have tried to skip your periods for two months in a row.
