Misconceptions about Contraception and Birth Control
What are the most common forms of contraception? [1 - Mosher, W. D., et. al. Use of contraception and use of family planning services in the United States 1982-2002. Advance data from vital and health statistics; Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Services; 2004: no 350.]
- The Pill is the most common form of contraception used by teens and people in their 20s.
- 30.6% of women use oral contraceptives
- 18% use a male condom
How effective are condoms at preventing an unwanted pregnancy?
- The effectiveness of a condom depends entirely on correct use of the condom [1 - see above for reference]
- When a male condom is applied perfectly, the estimated failure rate is 3% which means that in 100 users there would be 3 pregnancies per year. [1- see above for reference]
- For typical users, however, the estimated failure rate jumps to 14% which would mean that out of 100 typical users, 14 would experience an unwanted pregnancy. [1 - see above for reference]
- There is also the risk that a condom could tear and that is estimated to be approximately 1 in 165 during vaginal intercourse. 
- The effectiveness of female condoms is also directly related to correct use. The failure rate for perfect use of a female condom is 3%, however, the failure rate for typical use is 21%. 
- It must be noted that male and female condoms are not meant to be used at the same time. 
Is withdrawal or "pulling out" an effective form of contraception?
- In order for withdrawal to work, the penis must be removed before ejaculation, so that only a limited number of sperm are able to enter the vagina. 
- The failure rate for perfect withdrawal is 7%, however, it is almost impossible to achieve this because prior to ejaculation, pre-ejaculation, which can contain sperm, is secreted. 
- The typical failure rate for this method is approximately 22%, which means that more than 20 out of 100 people who use this method have an unplanned pregnancy. 
How does emergency contraception, also known as Plan B, work and how effective is it?
- The most common form of emergency contraception is a 2 pill regime, where the pills are taken 12 hours apart within 72 hours of intercourse. It is available over the counter for women over the age of 17. 
- There is also now a 1 step Plan B, also available over the counter. 
- Plan B works by preventing ovulation and implantation of the fertilized egg.
- The cost is between $35 and $60.
- It provides NO Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) PROTECTION. 
What are some other entirely ineffective myths of birth control that are propagated?
The following "methods" of birth control are myths and they provide NO actual protection from pregnancy: 
- "Doing everything else" - any sperm near the vagina can cause pregnancy 
- Having sex in certain positions - sperm does not really care about orientation and it can swim against gravity. Having sex standing up does not protect against pregnancy. 
- Using fertility charts to avoid "one dangerous" day during the month - there are a number of factors that make this method unreliable. Check a fertility chart and remember that sperm an live for a pretty long time. Using this method effectively requires accurate tracking of menses and a very strong knowledge of the menstrual cycle. This method is NOT recommended.  
- Urinating following sex - this will not do anything to get rid of sperm. It will, however, help prevent urinary tract infections. 
- The following "methods" of birth control are myths and they provide NO actual protection from pregnancy: 
- For resources, please check out our Sexually Transmitted Diseases page.