Sex and Relationships

8 Birth Control Myths You Probably Believe

How much do you really know about birth control? OB/GYNs set the record straight.

by Jenn Sinrich | COMMENT

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Myth: The pill is the only safe and effective method out there Yes, the pill has been used for decades and is the hormonal birth control method that we know the most about, but it's not the only safe and effective method. Hunter says that other forms of contraception — the vaginal ring, the transdermal patch, the Depo-Provera shot, implants and intrauterine devices — are safe and equally or, in some cases, even more effective at preventing pregnancy.

What's more, the pill may not be safe for all women. "It, and any estrogen-containing method for that matter, cannot be used by women who are at increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or clots, who have clotting disorders, migraines with aura, stroke, have liver disease or certain cancers or a number of other conditions," Hunter says. "Smoking increases the risk of developing a clot while on estrogen containing birth control methods, so if you are not ready to quit smoking (you should seriously consider it — seriously), these methods are not for you."

Image via Getty

SEE NEXT PAGE: Myth: You can't get pregnant while using birth control

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