Contraception Myths: What You Need to Know About the Pill, Condoms and Emergency Options
Contraception should make family planning easier, but misinformation can make the subject unnecessarily confusing.
Can the pill make you infertile?
What happens if you miss a dose?
What should you do if a condom breaks?
Do you still need condoms if you use an implant or injection?
For World Contraception Day on 26 September, we look at some common contraception myths and the practical steps to take when things do not go according to plan.
Myth 1: Contraception causes infertility
One of the most common worries about hormonal contraception is that using it now will prevent pregnancy later.
Modern reversible contraceptive methods do not cause permanent infertility.
For example, fertility returns quickly after stopping oral contraceptive pills. With some other methods, such as certain contraceptive injections, it may take longer for fertility to return after the final dose, but this is not the same as becoming infertile.
If having children in the near future is important to you, mention this when choosing your contraceptive method.
A healthcare professional can help you select an option that fits your plans.
Myth 2: You need to take a break from the pill
Some people believe the body needs a regular “rest” from hormonal contraception.
For most people using an appropriate contraceptive pill, there is no medical requirement to stop taking it periodically simply to give the body a break.
WHO notes that oral contraceptives can be used safely for many years when they are suitable for the individual.
Stopping and restarting contraception unnecessarily may instead create periods when pregnancy protection is reduced.
If you are experiencing side effects or want to change methods, speak to a healthcare professional rather than simply stopping treatment without another plan in place.
Myth 3: If you don’t have a period, something is wrong
Some hormonal contraceptives can change your menstrual cycle.
Depending on the method, periods may become:
- Lighter
- Less painful
- Irregular
- Less frequent
- Absent altogether
This can be an expected effect of some contraceptives.
It does not automatically mean blood is “building up” inside the body.
However, if you unexpectedly miss a period and pregnancy is possible — particularly after missed pills, a late injection or another contraceptive problem — consider a pregnancy test and seek advice if you are unsure.
Myth 4: All contraception protects against HIV and other STIs
This is particularly important.
The pill, implant, injection and IUD can help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Condoms are currently the only contraceptive method that can help prevent both pregnancy and the transmission of STIs, including HIV.
This means you may still choose to use condoms even when another highly effective contraceptive method is already being used.
This is often called dual protection.
Myth 5: Using two condoms is safer than using one
Two condoms at the same time do not provide double protection.
Using two external condoms together can create additional friction and may actually increase the risk of them tearing.
Similarly, an internal condom and an external condom should not generally be used together.
Use one condom correctly each time and follow the instructions provided with the product.
What happens if a condom breaks?
Condoms are highly effective when used correctly, but occasionally one may break, slip or come off.
If this happens, consider two separate issues:
Pregnancy risk
Emergency contraception may be appropriate if pregnancy is possible.
Emergency contraceptive options include emergency contraceptive pills and, in appropriate circumstances, a copper IUD.
WHO states that emergency contraception should be used within five days of unprotected intercourse, with earlier use generally preferable.
STI or HIV exposure
If there may have been exposure to HIV or another sexually transmitted infection, seek medical advice promptly.
Some preventive treatments are time-sensitive.
Do not wait for symptoms before getting advice, as many STIs can initially cause no symptoms.
What if you miss your contraceptive pill?
This is one area where there is not one universal answer.
What you should do depends on:
- Which pill you use
- How many pills were missed
- Where you are in the pack
- How late the dose was
- Whether you have had unprotected sex
Combined contraceptive pills and progestogen-only pills also have different missed-dose rules.
Do not simply double medication unless the instructions for your specific contraceptive advise you to do so.
Check the patient information leaflet, contact a pharmacist or speak to a healthcare professional.
You may need to use condoms temporarily or consider emergency contraception depending on the circumstances.
Set reminders if remembering the pill is difficult
The pill can work very well, but it relies on regular use.
WHO notes that missed or late pills reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
If remembering a daily tablet is consistently difficult, try:
- Setting a phone alarm
- Taking it alongside another daily habit
- Keeping a spare pack where appropriate
- Using a medication reminder app
Alternatively, a longer-acting contraceptive method may suit your lifestyle better.
What if your contraceptive injection is late?
Contraceptive injections need to be repeated according to the schedule for the particular product being used.
If you are overdue, do not assume that you are still fully protected.
Contact your healthcare provider to find out:
- Whether you can receive the next injection immediately
- Whether pregnancy testing is needed
- Whether temporary condom use is recommended
- Whether emergency contraception should be considered
If you frequently struggle to attend repeat appointments, you may want to discuss longer-acting alternatives such as an implant or IUD.
Implants and IUDs require very little remembering
Long-acting reversible contraceptives include:
- Contraceptive implants
- Hormonal IUDs
- Copper IUDs
Once inserted correctly, these methods provide ongoing contraception without requiring a daily tablet.
WHO considers implants and IUDs among the highly effective long-term contraceptive options.
They are also reversible.
A healthcare professional can help determine whether one of these methods is suitable for you.
Can an IUD move or disappear?
An IUD sits inside the uterus and has thin strings that extend through the cervix.
In uncommon cases, an IUD can move from its correct position or be expelled.
Seek advice if:
- You suddenly cannot feel strings you previously could feel
- The strings seem dramatically longer or shorter
- You can feel part of the device itself
- You develop unusual pelvic pain
- You have unexpected heavy bleeding
- You believe you may be pregnant
Do not attempt to remove or reposition an IUD yourself.
A healthcare professional can examine you and confirm whether the device remains correctly positioned.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
Situations where it may be considered include:
- A condom breaking
- Sex without contraception
- Missed contraceptive pills
- A significantly late contraceptive injection
- Sexual assault
- Another contraception error
Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from becoming established.
It does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
WHO identifies both emergency contraceptive pills and the copper IUD as emergency contraceptive options.
Does emergency contraception affect future fertility?
No evidence shows that emergency contraceptive pills cause infertility.
They are designed for occasional emergency situations and do not affect someone’s ability to become pregnant later.
However, if you regularly find yourself needing emergency contraception, that may be a sign that another ongoing contraceptive method would fit your circumstances better.
Can you use emergency contraception more than once?
Emergency contraception can be used again if another emergency occurs.
However, it is generally less convenient than having a reliable ongoing contraceptive method.
Repeated need for emergency contraception may be a good reason to discuss options such as:
- The pill
- Injection
- Implant
- IUD
- Condoms combined with another method
The goal is not to judge how someone reached that situation.
The goal is to find a contraceptive approach that works reliably for them.
Side effects do not always mean a method is dangerous
Hormonal contraception can sometimes cause temporary side effects such as:
- Irregular bleeding
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Changes in menstrual flow
WHO notes that some side effects of oral contraception, such as bleeding changes, headache, dizziness or nausea, often improve with time.
If side effects are bothering you, speak to a healthcare professional.
Another formulation or entirely different contraceptive method may suit you better.
You do not necessarily have to choose between tolerating unpleasant symptoms and having no contraception at all.
Social media is not your medical history
Contraception is frequently discussed online.
Personal experiences can be helpful, but someone’s negative experience with a particular contraceptive does not mean that everyone will react in the same way.
Similarly, a method that worked perfectly for a friend may not be the most appropriate option for you.
Choosing contraception should take into account factors such as:
- Your medical history
- Blood pressure
- Migraine history
- Smoking
- Current medication
- Previous blood clots
- Pregnancy plans
- Menstrual symptoms
- Lifestyle
- Personal preference
WHO emphasises that contraceptive choice should be based on an individual’s health, needs and preferences.
What if your partner refuses to use condoms?
Contraception and sexual health decisions should involve respect and informed consent.
No one should feel pressured into unprotected sex.
If pregnancy prevention is your main concern, another method such as the pill, injection, implant or IUD may give you greater personal control over contraception.
However, remember that these methods do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Condoms remain important where STI exposure is a concern.
Don’t let myths make the decision for you
Fear of side effects, misinformation and misconceptions remain recognised barriers to contraceptive use worldwide.
Good contraception counselling should allow you to ask questions openly.
You should understand:
- How the method works
- How effective it is
- How to use it correctly
- Possible side effects
- What to do if something goes wrong
- How quickly fertility returns after stopping
- Whether you still need condoms
The best contraceptive method is not necessarily the newest or longest-lasting option.
It is one that is medically appropriate and that you can use confidently and consistently.
Speak to a TruMD Eswatini healthcare professional
If you have missed contraceptive pills, experienced a condom failure, are late for an injection, need emergency contraception or simply want to understand your options, TruMD Eswatini gives you convenient access to qualified healthcare professionals.
You can discuss your situation confidentially and receive guidance on the appropriate next step.
Where contraception requires a physical procedure, examination or in-person service, your healthcare professional can advise you accordingly.
Contraception should give you more control over your reproductive health — not more confusion.
When you are unsure, ask before relying on a myth or assumption.
