In rare cases, some people may experience infection upon placement or long after. "One recent study did find that women with IUDs are slightly more likely to have bacterial vaginosis, or BV, but not because of the IUD," says Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MD, OB/GYN, at Premier ObGyn Napa Inc., in Napa, California. "It is likely because they are not using condoms because they are not worried about pregnancy." If infection occurs, it's best to treat the infection with the IUD in place, rather than remove it.
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Myth: Emergency contraception must be used within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse
This is untrue. Most emergency contraception, or EC, can be taken within 72 hours or up to five days after unprotected sex. But the sooner you take it the better it works. "Some emergency contraceptives are sold in the United States without a prescription," says Kavanagh. "A copper T IUD also can serve as emergency contraception if placed within five days of unprotected intercourse."
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Myth: When on the pill you need to have a monthly period
No, you do not need to have a period every month when on the pill. In fact, according to Kavanagh, there are now contraceptive pills that are designed so that the user menstruates every three months. This is perfectly normal, healthy and does not adversely affect the user's future fertility, she adds.
