Choice Ireland

By Sudeep Chand
Health reporter, BBC News

A UK survey has revealed that myths about contraception may be widespread.

One in five women said they had heard of kitchen items, including bread, cling film and even chicken skin, being used as alternative barrier methods.

Others had heard food items such as kebabs, Coca-cola or crisps could be used as oral contraceptives.

The survey questioned 1,000 women aged 18 to 50 and was carried out by market research company Opinion Health, sponsored by Bayer Schering Pharma.

MYTHS THAT STILL EXIST
Chicken skin and cling film as barrier methods
Kebabs, crisps and chocolate as oral contraceptives
The pill as protection against HIV

Contraceptive myths have been around for thousands of years.
Ancient methods have varied from crocodile dung and honey before sex, to sea sponges and beeswax after. Perhaps the most intoxicating was alcohol made from stewed beaver's testicles. However, it seems that a variety of unsafe and unproven methods might still exist in modern Britain.

Dr Annie Evans, Women's Health Specialist at the Bristol Sexual Health Centre, said: "It is not surprising, given that Britain continues to have the highest unintended pregnancy rate in Europe."

Alarming
Other myths surround the use of oral contraceptive pills. One in 10 of the women questioned believed that it always takes a number of years to regain fertility after discontinuation of the pill. Others believed that the pill could protect them against HIV.

Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal of General Practitioners, commented: "This is alarming but not surprising. I've had complications with patients over the years that have concerned me. The more we can put appropriate information to the public about the availability of different methods of contraception, about their advantages and disadvantages, the better. It is important that access to advice is made as easily as possible for all ages."

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20 Birth control myths
1. Douching with any substance after intercourse does not work as a contraceptive and does not prevent pregnancy.

2. It is not true that a female cannot become pregnant after her first sexual intercourse.

3. It is not true that a woman cannot get pregnant during her menstrual period. It is true that a woman is usually less fertile for the first few days of menstruation - but less fertile does not mean not infertile.

4. Sexual intercourse in a hot tub or swimming pool does not prevent pregnancy.

5. There is no sexual position that prevents pregnancy. Some sexual positions may encourage pregnancy. Having sex standing up or with the female on top does not prevent pregnancy.

6. Urinating after sexual intercourse does not prevent pregnancy.

7. Toothpaste does not prevent pregnancy and should never be used as a contraceptive.

8. It is not true that if the man does not ejaculate the woman cannot get pregnant. There is a risk of pregnancy as soon as vaginal penetration by the penis occurs.

9. Breastfeeding is not a 100% sure way of not getting pregnant. It is true that breastfeeding significantly reduces the chance of becoming pregnant.

10. If the woman does not have an orgasm it does not mean at all that she cannot get pregnant. The risk of becoming pregnant is there as soon as vaginal penetration by the penis occurs.

11. Jumping up and down or placing seeds inside the vagina will not stop pregnancy occurring after intercourse.

12. Drinking a lot of milk does not prevent pregnancy.

13. If the male drinks a lot of alcohol pregnancy is not prevented.

14. Two condoms are not better than one. In fact, the friction between the condoms may cause them to tear more easily.

15. Waiting until the next day to take the morning-after- pill does not make it more effective. It should be taken as soon as possible. The emergency contraceptive pill can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, it is 95% effective during the first 24 hours, and goes down to 60% by 72 hours.

16. It is not true that the morning-after pill (emergency contractive pill) can only be used two or three times a year. It should be reserved for emergencies and should not be used as a regular contraception method. However, it can be used when necessary.

17. A tight condom does not reduce the risk of pregnancy. If anything, a tight condom has a higher likelihood of tearing.

18. It is not true that condoms can get lost in a woman's body.

19. Plastic wraps or balloons are not alternatives to condoms. Condoms are designed to prevent pregnancy and have a very high success rates. Other products are not and have a much lower success rate at preventing pregnancy.

20. Whether or not the sexual partners love each other makes no difference to the likelihood of pregnancy. It is a tragic myth to think that if you don't love him you won't get pregnant. Unfortunately, this myth still exists among a few very young women in some parts of the world.