5 Myths and Facts About Birth Control Every Young Woman Should Know

Choosing birth control is an important decision. You may have talked to your friends or read a few things online, but you may be overwhelmed and confused. There are a lot of myths about birth control, and it’s important that you learn the facts and get solid, trusted information when you’re making a decision.

Dr. Daniel Kushner is a highly skilled and respected OB/GYN with offices in White Plains and Queens, New York. He provides compassionate medical care in a safe and welcoming environment. Dr. Kusher knows that birth control can be confusing, especially for young women who’ve just become sexually active, and he’s here to help you sort through the myths and facts.

What are my birth control options?

There are many birth control options available. Your medical history, your preferences, and your lifestyle help you determine which contraception method is right for you. The types include:

Each method has different requirements and different effectiveness levels. It’s important to find one that you’re comfortable with, that you understand how to use correctly, and that you can stick with. Birth control must be used correctly and consistently to be effective.

In addition to the many options for birth control, many myths exist about the different methods. Dr. Kusher and his staff are here to give you accurate information and help you find a birth control method that works for you.

Myth: Birth control is expensive

The fact is that some of your options, such as condoms, are fairly inexpensive. Many health insurance plans cover hormonal birth control, so those may be less expensive than you think. After a few years of use, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as IUDs can be more cost-effective than other options that initially cost less.

Myth: Birth control causes cancer

Many people have heard that there’s a connection between hormonal birth control methods and cancers. Although a link has not been conclusively established, it’s possible that prolonged use of hormonal birth control can cause a slightly increased risk of cervical and breast cancers, but it seems to cause a decreased risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. 

Myth: Birth control doesn’t work well

In fact, many of the problems associated with birth control not working effectively are connected to it not being used correctly and consistently. All birth control requires some learning to use it effectively. When used properly, all forms of birth control significantly decrease pregnancy risk. 

Myth: Birth control protects against STIs

The truth is that most forms of birth control do not protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Male condoms, when used correctly, do protect against most types of STIs.

Myth: Birth control is complicated

If you’ve become sexually active and you’re trying to sort through the many birth control options, you may be overwhelmed by trying to understand all of them. Dr. Kushner can clear up your confusion. By learning more about you, your history, your lifestyle, and your pregnancy goals, he helps you find the birth control option that is best for you.

To discuss your birth control options, or for any other gynecological concerns you may have, call our office in either White Plains or Queens, New York, to make an appointment, or use our handy online booking system.

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