Mythbusters

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Mythbusters

There are many myths regarding contraception, see below for the truth about these common misconceptions!

Myth: Getting tested for an STI is painful and embarrassing.

Truth:

For both men and women, tests for many STIs are as quick and easy as giving a urine sample. Some tests might also involve having blood taken, a visual examination to look for signs of infection, or using a swab (like a smaller, soft and rounded cotton bud) on the genital area. If a swab is needed, some services will offer you the option of using it yourself.
 
If you use an online service to order a home testing kit, you don't even need to go to a clinic or general practice. Make sure the service you use will help you get support as well as treatment if you need it.
 
And men, if you’ve heard scare stories about umbrella-shaped implements being inserted into your penis you can rest easy – it’s a myth.
 
As for the embarrassment, remember that health professionals carry out sexual health check-ups every day – and they don’t look at an STI test as a reflection on your behaviour, but as a responsible health choice.

Myth: Only people with a lot of sexual partners get STIs

Truth

STIs don’t care about your sexual history. They can be passed on through unprotected (without a condom) vaginal, anal or oral sex, by genital contact and through sharing sex toys – whether you’ve had sex once or 100 times.
 
And despite what a lot of people think, STIs don’t only affect young people – there has been a continued increase of some infections among older age groups.

Myth: STIs will go away on their own

Truth

It’s very unlikely that an STI will go away by itself and if you delay seeking treatment you risk the infection causing long-term problems.
 
There is also a risk of passing on the infections to partners, even if you don’t have any signs or symptoms at the time.

Myth: You would know if you had an STI because you would have symptoms such as a rash or discharge.

Truth:

Many STI’s have no symptoms - so if you have had unprotected sex get tested and if you need to get treated.

Myth: The implant can snap inside your arm, and can move around

Truth:

The implant is made of flexible plastic – once it’s inserted it stays put, and it’s manufactured to high standards so it won’t break.

Myth: The implant often makes your arm swell up really badly after it’s been put in.

Truth:

There might be some bruising after the implant has been put in, but this settles and disappears within a few days.

Myth: The Implant can make you gain weight

Truth:

Increased appetite can be  aside effect of the implant,  however this is not the case for everyone, some women might lose weight, and some stay the same weight. Any weight gain is due to eating more, and not due to the implant itself.

Myth: 3 years is a long time - once it’s in you can’t change your mind.

Truth:

Implants and coils can be removed at the clinic or GP at any time.

Myth: The injection makes you fat.

Truth:

Weight gain can be a side effect of the contraceptive injection, as for some women the hormone can increase appetite. However this is not the case for every one using the injection, some women might lose weight, and some stay the same weight.

Myth: The coil is for older women and if you’ve had children.

Truth:

The coil is suitable for women of any age, whether or not they’ve had children.

Myth: Contraceptives that last for a long time like coils, implants and injections are for women older than me.

Truth:

Long acting contraceptives are ideal for younger women - their effectiveness doesn’t depend on you remembering to take them or use them properly and they can be stopped or removed at any time.

Myth: I've had a baby recently, my Doctor said I needed to wait to get the coil.

Truth:

A Intrauterine Device or Intrauterine System can be put in from four weeks after a vaginal or caesarean birth. You will need to use another method of contraception from three weeks (day 21) after birth until the IUD is put in. For some women it can also be put in within 48 hours of birth, you can ask your midwife for more information. An Intrauterine Device can be used safely while you are breastfeeding and will not affect your milk supply.

Myth: I've just had an abortion, I can't get the coil now.

Truth:

There is no need to wait. You can get an Intrauterine Device or Intrauterine System inserted immediately after abortion (or miscarriage) which will protect you against further pregnancy immediately.

Click here to view our video gallery and find out more about your options!