There are many myths, rumours and misconceptions associated with taking oral contraceptives. You may be aware of some yourself. The most common Ones are listed in the Box below.
| Myth/misconceptions | Fact | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Women who stop taking the pill may not be able to get pregnant | Most women, who use a method of contraception, including the pill, can later get pregnant if they wish. The pill will not cause women to be infertile. |
| 2 | The pill cause cancer | The pill does not cause cancer. In fact, the pill reduces the risk of getting certain cancers, such as endometrial and ovarian cancers. |
| 3 | Oral pills build up in a woman‘s body. | Oral pills do not build up in a woman‘s body. |
| 4 | Women need to rest from taking oral contraceptives | Women do not need a rest from oral contraceptives. They have to take them every day, whether or not they have had sex that day. |
| 5 | Women who stop taking the pill may not be able to get pregnant. They become infertile | Most women who use a method of contraception, including the pill, can later get pregnant if they. |
| 6 | Oral pills build up in a woman‘s body. | Oral pills do not build up in a woman‘s body. |
| 7 | Oral contraceptives cause birth defects or Multiple births | Oral contraceptives do not cause birth defects or multiple births. |
| 8 | Oral contraceptives change women‘s sexual Behaviour. | Oral contraceptives do not change women‘s sexual behaviour. |
| 9 | Oral contraceptive pills collect in stomach | Oral contraceptives do not collect in the stomach. Instead, the pill dissolves each day. |