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Contraception Myths

TOP 20 CONTRACEPTION MYTHS

There are a number of contraception myths that are confusing and do a good job of turning you off finding the best method of contraception for your birth control needs.

We hope the myths and facts below set the record straight on contraception once and for all!

By being in control of your fertility, you can avoid any unplanned surprises and, when you’re ready, choose the timing, spacing and size of your family. To explore contraception methods that best suit your life stage, read through our contraception info section or take the free printable survey to your Doctor for advice.

HOME > MYTHS > 10. MYTH: IF YOU HAVE SEX WHILE TAKING THE SUGAR PILLS YOU WON'T GET PREGNANT

10. Myth: If you have sex while taking the sugar pills you won't get pregnant

Fact. Provided your hormone pills (also known as “active pills”) are taken correctly, you are still protected from pregnancy when you are taking the sugar pills. However if you haven’t taken the hormone pills correctly (i.e. you have missed a day) you may not be protected and therefore it is possible for you to fall pregnant.

If you think you have missed a pill, taken a pill late, vomited a pill or have had diarrhoea during your cycle, make sure you use another form of contraception, such as a condom for seven days. If you have less than seven hormonal pills left in your packet, do not take the ‘sugar’ pills. Instead go straight onto the hormonal pills in a new packet. Your period will be delayed until the next set of sugar pills.

If you'd like to have a chat to an expert about contraception, give Marie Stopes International a call on 1800 772 727 or talk to your GP

IMP-10-AUS-6860-PE First issued December 2010

New! Contraception conversation starters!

Contraception use

Almost a quarter of women surveyed about contraception and choice admit they have never considered changing from the contraceptive method they are currently using.

Contraception use

1 in 10 women say they are too uncomfortable to ask their partner to wear a condom.

Unplanned pregnancy

A Marie Stopes International survey revealed that an unplanned pregnancy was a reality for over half of the 2,003 Australian women surveyed.

Unplanned pregnancy

60% of these women were using contraception at the time they fell pregnant.

Unplanned pregnancy

The chances of a woman becoming pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex increases from almost nothing on day one of her period to 25% on the day prior to ovulation.

Talking to your GP

Research shows that 3 out of 10 Australian women have never visited their doctor specifically to talk about contraception or to have a contraception check-up.

Talking to your GP

49% of all women said that their doctor had never asked about their contraception during a check up.

Talking to your GP

7 out of 10 women said that their doctor had never encouraged them to consider alternative forms of contraception.

References
Safer sex and contraception fast facts – Family planning Victoria. Available at www.fpv.org.au. [Accessed December 2010].
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

References
Marie Stopes International Australia. Media release: research shows women place low priority on contraception. 25 August 2010.
Marie Stopes International Australia. Real Choices: Women, contraception and unplanned pregnancy. January 2008. Available at www.mariestopes.com.au/research. [Accessed December 2010 ].
IMP-10-AUS-7288-PE. First issued February 2011.

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