Birth Control Effectiveness and Misconceptions

Misconception:
"I'm protected if I just apply a spermicide after intercourse."
Effectiveness:
Spermicides must be inserted prior to intercourse to insure the cervix has a spermicidal barrier. Spermicides, like VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Film must be inserted 15 minutes prior, and reinserted every three hours.

Misconception:
"Vaseline is a great lubricant, and will kill sperm too."
Effectiveness:
Vaseline is not a good lubricant when used with condoms or diaphragms because the petroleum in Vaseline reacts with latex rubber, causing it to deteriorate. And, Vaseline is not a spermicide -- it cannot kill sperm.

Misconception:
"I only need to take a birth control pill whenever I have sex."
Effectiveness:
To be effective, the pill must be taken as directed -- that is one per day for 20 to 21 days, depending on the type of pill.

Misconception:
"Since I take my birth control pills as directed, there is no chance I'll get pregnant."
Effectiveness:
While the Pill can be close to 100% effective when used as directed, some antibiotics and antacids can reduce the Pill's effectiveness. In either case, you should use a "back up" form of contraception. Be sure your doctors know you are on the Pill.

Misconception:
"I have no worries, he always pulls out before he comes."
Effectiveness:
Ejaculation can occur in stages, so he may be unaware that it has actually commenced; Some of the penile lubricating fluid actually contains sperm that can be deposited in the vagina long before withdrawal. And, there is always the risk that he cannot mobilize the willpower to withdraw in time.

Misconception:
"As long as he doesn't ejaculate inside me, I won't get pregnant."
Effectiveness:
Whether there is full penetration or not really doesn't matter. Either way, sperm deposited in or even near the vagina (if enough moisture is present) can cause pregnancy. Sperm can travel 1 inch in 8 minutes, and can reach the fallopian tube in 1 to 1.5 hours.

Misconception:
"Ovulation is always 14 days after menstruation."
Effectiveness:
While ovulation may occur then, there is no real way of predicting the exact time of ovulation even the best estimates are often in error. To pinpoint ovulation with a reasonable degree of accuracy takes sufficient motivation, intelligence and awareness.

Misconception:
"I can't get pregnant as long as I continue to breast feed my baby."
Effectiveness:
Breast-feeding is an unreliable contraceptive. Although breast-feeding can suppress ovulation temporarily, a woman probably cannot recognize reliably when she returns to the state of being at risk. A vaginal barrier is a much safer contraceptive option for post-partum women.

Misconception:
"Once ejaculated, sperm can only live for an hour or so."
Effectiveness:
Sperm maintain their capacity to fertilize an egg for up to at least 48 hours after ejaculation

Misconception:
"You can only get pregnant one day a month - the day you ovulate."
Effectiveness:
Since an egg can be fertilized for approximately 12-24 hours (or longer) after ovulation, and sperm can fertilize an egg for up to 48 hours, there is an unsafe period of at least 3 days per month -- 2 days prior to ovulation, and 1 day after.

Misconception:
"Douching after sex is an effective birth control method."
Effectiveness:
Douching is not an effective method. Immediately after ejaculation sperm enter the cervix -- out of reach of any douching solution. Douching may even speed sperm on their way.

Sexual activity and birth control usage are responsibilities that should not be taken lightly. If a woman is sexually active and does not intend to have a child in the near future, she should protect herself by understanding her reproductive system, the different types of contraception available, identifying which is best for her, and following the directions exactly.