sexandsensibilities.com

By Owen Santos

Originally posted on Female Network.

Don’t compromise your safety because of misconceptions about contraception! Wise up on sexual health by reading up on what not to do.

You’re a smart woman, and you know everything about the birds, the bees, and birth control. Or do you? If any of these illogical excuses ring a bell, you know it’s time to really wise up about contraception, STDs and your sexual health.

Below are 10 common mistakes women make when it comes to keeping themselves safe sexually. Read on to make sure you aren’t guilty of them yourself and to learn how to guard against them.

For more on family planning and reproductive health, read the following articles:

• Female Network’s Ultimate Guide to Family Planning
• 5 Misconceptions about the Reproductive Health Bill
• Real Men Wear Condoms: Why Using Rubbers Are a Sign of a Mature and Responsible Guy

(First Published in Marie Claire Philippines, You First section as “10 Stupid Mistakes Smart Women Make about Contraception” in February 2006. Adapted for use in Female Network. Flashbox photo by Ernesto Andrade via Flickr Creative Commons.)

“BAHALA NA!”
Contraception Misconception #1: It’s better to leave it up to fate.

Out of 100 Filipino women of child-bearing age, only 51 practice family  planning,reports the Philippine Commission on Women, based on statistics  gathered in 2006. While it’s an  improvement over the numbers given in 2000—less than one in two women practiced family planning, according to a USAID report—it’s still a pretty low number. Many can’t afford it; others have little information about it.

But the more surprising thing is that, while most educated women know the facts, they don’t seem to give contraception much thought, even when they are sexually active and don’t exactly welcome an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually-transmitted disease (STD).

It’s not uncommon for the smartest of women (and men) to feel awkward about pausing to talk about contraception as they get hot and heavy with each other—or worse, to refuse to use condoms. But the real mood-killer here is having to worry about pregnancy and STDs during or after sex.

“Whatever your age or level of sexual experience is, it’s always best to talk about it first,” says Reena Marcelo, chair of the Reproductive Rights Resource Group (3RG).  Make sure your sexual partner is committed to using contraception before you have sex. If he’s not, he may not be the best partner for you.

(Photo by loleia via sxc.hu)

“IF IT WORKS FOR MY FRIEND, IT WORKS FOR ME.”
Contraception Misconception #2: There’s a universal solution for every woman.

Not necessarily, says obstetrician-gynecologist Janice Salvador, M.D. Your choice of contraception should depend on your own health and lifestyle needs. “For instance, different women react differently to hormone doses present in a particular Pill,” she adds. While you can easily get the Pill here over the counter, you really need to ask your doctor to recommend the best method for your own needs.”

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

“I PREFER ONLY NATURAL METHODS.”
Contraception Misconception #3: Natural methods are just as reliable as modern ones.

Good luck. If your religious beliefs direct you towards Church- and Department of Health-recommended options like withdrawal, rhythm, basal body temperature, or the cervical mucus methods, know that these have low effectivity rates. (With typical use, the calendar or rhythm method comes with a 13 percent failure rate, while the failure rate for the ovulation or cervical mucus method is 22 percent; for the withdrawal method, 27 percent; and for the symptothermal or basal body temperature method, 13 to 20 percent; according to a report on Epigee Women’s Health.)

If your partner fails to withdraw his penis before ejaculation (not an unlikely scenario in the heat of the moment), you could get pregnant. Besides, pre-ejaculatory fluid contains sperm! Rhythm works only if you have a very regular cycle. Your perception of the consistency of your cervical mucus is highly subjective. Of course, abstinence is the ultimate method but, in reality, how many people can actually resist the lure of a lustful encounter with a loved one or a new partner?

“Besides, natural methods do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),” says Marcelo.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

“IF I ASK HIM TO USE A CONDOM, HE’LL THINK I SLEEP AROUND.”
Contraception Misconception #4: People think poorly of a woman who is up front about contraception.

Maybe so, but would you rather risk having an unplanned pregnancy or getting an STD? In this day and age, when the spread of AIDS is a rising concern, condoms can very well save your life, or at least save you from transmitting or acquiring an STD.

“Some infections develop without necessarily having intercourse,” says Dr. Salvador. Marcelo adds that only monogamous couples can dispense with condom use. The Pill and other methods do not protect you from STDs.

Some claim condoms deaden the sensation, but that doesn’t happen if you choose the variety with the right size and thickness. Experiment until you find what works for both of you. Check  expiration dates—the older condoms are, the more prone they are to breakage during use. Avoid using condoms stored in wallets, purses, or back pockets for a long time—this ups their breakage potential.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

“BUT I DOUCHE AFTER SEX.”
Contraception Misconception #5: Rinsing the vagina prevents pregnancy.

Douching, or rinsing the vagina, will not wash out or kill any sperm that has entered your vagina and traveled toward your egg.

“I don’t recommend douching unless absolutely necessary anyway,” says Dr. Salvador, explaining that this is advisable only for cases of bacterial or yeast infections. Douching actually strips the vagina of the natural and necessary chemicals to keep this reproductive organ clean and healthy.

(Photo by Krikit via Flickr Creative Commons)

“BUT THE PILL HAS SIDE EFFECTS.”
Contraception Misconception #6: You can get fat, get cancer, stop wanting to have sex, and experience other side effects when on the pill.

Yes, and weight gain is the no. 1 complaint. “Studies show an average of a three- to five-pound weight gain for some women,” says Dr. Salvador, “but just as many other women lose weight when on the Pill. Pre-menstrual bloating is also a complaint, but like in non-Pill-takers, it disappears once their period arrives.”

Other women complain of decreased libido. While a few women do experience this, it is generally not the case in the majority of Pill users.

Some women complain of nausea, headaches, or dizziness while on the Pill so they just stop using it altogether—and continue to have sex without a backup method! Consult your doctor before ditching the Pill; she or he might recommend switching to one with a lower dose of estrogen to avoid these side effects.

And cancer? Studies show the Pill can reduce the incidence of ovarian and uterine cancer by up to 50 percent. While various medical experts cite the Pill as a cause of breast cancer, the risk is small. “The best thing to do,” says Marcelo, “is to have an honest discussion with your doctor to find out of this method is the right one for you.”

“I’M BREASTFEEDING, SO I CAN’T GET PREGNANT.”
Contraception Misconception #7: Lactation equals contraception.

“This is true to a certain extent,” says Dr. Salvador. Breastfeeding postpones ovulation after delivery, but some women start ovulating again even while still lactating—“not what you call a surefire guarantee,” she adds.

(Photo by Daquella manera viaFlickr Creative Commons)

“BUT I DON’T HAVE SEX THAT OFTEN, ANYWAY.”
Contraception Misconception #8: Women get pregnant or STDs only when they have sex frequently.

You only need to have unprotected sex once to get pregnant, especially if you are fertile at the time.  “And unless your period is very regular, you have no accurate way of knowing if you’re fertile,” says Marcelo. “Also, frequency of sexual activity does not protect you from acquiring an STD,” she adds.

Admitting—and accepting—your sexuality and the possibility that you may have sex could be the first step in being decisive and proactive about contraception and protection from STDs.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

“I CAN’T GET PREGNANT IF I HAVE SEX DURING MY PERIOD.”
Contraception Misconception #9: You’re safe when you’re menstruating.

On the contrary, If you’re irregular, you can’t predict your “safe” days, so “the times when you’re likely to get pregnant may shift to the time you have your period,” says Dr. Salvador.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

“IT’S SCARY TO USE THE IUD OR THE DIAPHRAGM.”
Contraception Misconception #10: The IUD or diaphragm will have negative effects on health or sexual enjoyment.

The most common fears about these two contraceptive methods are: (1) they might get lost once inserted, or (2) when they’re inserted, sex will hurt for the woman. But Marcelo says that, if inserted properly (and only by your doctor or an experienced health worker), “they can be very effective.” If you prefer less hassle but do not want to go on the Pill, ask your doctor about options like injectibles, patches and implants.

(Photo by Gloecknerd viaWikimedia Commons)