How False Beliefs and Fears Interfere with Contraception Use

A new study of 55 women, published in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, reveals that women do not end up with the best form of birth control for them due to false beliefs and fears. For example, the study found that two of the biggest things that turned women away from particular types of contraception were unfounded fears that they would harm their long-term fertility, and, in the shorter term, that they would make them put on weight. Results showed that:

• Anxiety about weight-gain deterred many from long-acting hormonal contraception
• IUDs and implants were rejected because women did not want examinations or invasive procedures
• Many chose the Pill just because their friends were using it

According to Lynn Hearton, of Fpa (the Family Planning Association), "Contraception is of paramount importance to many women of all ages, but there are many myths and misconceptions circulating about how methods work and what the side effects are. So it's imperative that each and every woman has the information, time and support to consider all these issues and make her own informed choice."

• Top 10 Myths About Contraception
• Common Pill Myths
• Birth Control Quiz

_{Birth Control Methods Photo © 2008 Dawn Stacey}