Common myths about family planning methods continue to influence how individuals and couples make decisions about contraception. Family planning means helping individuals and couples decide freely and responsibly if, when, and how many children to have. It allows people to plan pregnancies in ways that support the health of women, children, and families, while respecting personal values and choices.
Contraceptive methods are the tools used in family planning. They include pills, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, permanent methods, and natural methods. These methods help prevent unplanned pregnancies, allow healthy spacing between births, and support physical and emotional wellbeing.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), family planning is one of the most effective public health interventions for reducing maternal deaths and improving child survival.
Despite strong scientific evidence, many people avoid or stop using family planning because of myths and misinformation. These myths can lead to unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and preventable health problems.
This article explains the most common myths about family planning methods, why people believe them, and what reliable scientific evidence shows.
Below are some of the most common myths about family planning methods, along with clear, evidence-based facts to help individuals make informed health decisions.
Why do many people believe these myths?
Common myths about family planning methods continue because of:
- Stories shared by friends or relatives without medical explanation
- Fear of side effects that are misunderstood
- Cultural or religious beliefs
- Limited opportunities to receive clear counseling from trained health professionals
Misinformation often spreads faster than facts. Addressing these myths with empathy and evidence helps people make safer and more informed health decisions.
Common Myths About Family Planning Methods
Myth 1: Family Planning Causes Infertility
Many people believe this because some women do not become pregnant immediately after stopping contraception and assume the method permanently affected their fertility.
The fact:
Scientific evidence shows that modern family planning methods do not cause infertility. Fertility returns after stopping contraception, although the time to pregnancy may vary depending on the method and individual health factors. Difficulty becoming pregnant is more commonly linked to untreated infections, hormonal conditions, or age, not contraceptive use.
Myth 2: Contraceptives Are Only for Women
Most contraceptive methods act on the female body, and family planning services have traditionally focused on women’s health.
The Fact:
Family planning is a shared responsibility. Men can participate through condom use, vasectomy, and by supporting their partners’ choices.
Myth 3: Family Planning Always Causes Weight Gain
Many women notice weight changes after starting hormonal contraception and link the change to the method.
The Fact:
For most hormonal methods, scientific evidence shows no direct cause of significant long-term weight gain.
However, some women do experience real weight changes, especially with injectable contraception, due to fluid retention, appetite changes, or natural life factors. This means weight change is individual, method-specific, and not the same for everyone.
If weight change is concerning, consult a health professional to assess causes or switch to a more suitable method.
Myth 4: Family Planning Causes Dangerous Vaginal Bleeding
For most hormonal family planning methods, can cause temporary changes in bleeding patterns, particularly in the first few months.
In most cases, these changes are not dangerous, but they should always be discussed with a qualified health professional, especially if bleeding is heavy, prolonged, or worrying.
Myth 5: Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Move to the Heart, Brain, or Abdomen
Many people worry because they are not familiar with how the body is structured, there is no pathway that allows an IUD to travel from the uterus to other organs such as the heart, brain, or abdomen, an IUD stays inside the uterus. These complications are very rare and can be prevented through proper insertion and follow-up by trained health professionals in medical settings.
Myth 6: Family Planning Is Only for Married Couples
Cultural beliefs often link contraception only to marriage.
Family planning is for any sexually active individual who wishes to prevent pregnancy or space births. Access to family planning supports health, education, and economic wellbeing, regardless of marital status.
Any individual who is sexually active, is encouraged to seek professional counseling to choose safe and appropriate methods.
Myth 7: The use of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Cause Vaginal Infections
Some women develop vaginal symptoms after IUD insertion and may assume that the device itself caused an infection.
In reality, IUDs do not cause vaginal infections. There is a small, short-term risk of pelvic infection during the first 20 days after insertion, mainly when a woman has an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI) at the time the IUD is inserted. After this initial period, the risk of infection becomes the same as in women who do not use an IUD.
To reduce this risk, healthcare providers routinely assess for signs of vaginal or cervical infection before inserting an IUD and provide treatment if needed. This screening and proper insertion technique make IUD use very safe.
Women who experience symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, lower abdominal or pelvic pain should seek care from a qualified health professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment, regardless of the contraceptive method used.
Myth 8: Implants Disappear Inside the Arm
Implants are small and may become harder to feel over time, leading to fear that they have disappeared.
Contraceptive implants do not disappear. They remain just under the skin and can always be located and removed by trained providers. Changes in body weight or scar tissue can make them less easy to feel, but this does not mean they have moved.
If a woman cannot feel her implant or has concerns, she should visit a health facility for reassurance and assessment.
Myth 9: Condoms Reduce Sexual Pleasure
Some people associate condoms with discomfort due to incorrect use or lack of lubrication.
Research shows that when used correctly, condoms do not significantly reduce sexual pleasure for most people. They also provide essential protection against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, in addition to preventing pregnancy.
Health professionals can provide guidance on correct condom use to improve comfort and effectiveness.
Myth 10: Family Planning Causes Fibroids or Cancer
Hormones are often blamed for growths in the uterus, leading to fear that contraceptives cause fibroids or cancer.
Scientific evidence shows that family planning methods do not increase the risk of fibroids or cancer. In fact, some hormonal methods reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. Fibroids and cancers have many causes, including genetics and age, and are not caused by contraception.
Anyone with symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain should consult a health professional for proper assessment.
Key Takeaways on Common Myths About Family Planning Methods
- Family planning methods are safe, effective, and evidence-based
- Side effects vary by method and individual
- Weight or bleeding changes are not the same for everyone
- No contraceptive method causes infertility, cancer, or fibroids
- Men and women both play important roles in family planning decisions
Anyone with concerns should consult a qualified health professional, who can explain options, manage side effects, and help switch methods safely if needed.
When Should You Visit a Health Facility?
Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Fever, pelvic pain, or foul-smelling discharge
- Any concern about side effects or method choice
Family planning services are available at nearby public and private health facilities.
Understanding these common myths about family planning methods can help reduce fear, misinformation, and unnecessary discontinuation of contraception.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No.
Scientific evidence shows that modern family planning methods do not cause permanent infertility. After stopping contraception, most women can become pregnant again. The time it takes may vary depending on the method and individual health factors, but fertility returns. Difficulty becoming pregnant is more often related to infections, hormonal conditions, age, or other medical issues—not contraceptive use.
Yes, for some methods.
Hormonal family planning methods can cause temporary changes in menstrual bleeding, especially during the first few months. This may include spotting, irregular bleeding, heavier or lighter periods, or no bleeding at all. In most cases, these changes are not dangerous, but heavy, prolonged, or painful bleeding should be discussed with a qualified health professional.
Not always.
For most hormonal methods, there is no direct cause of significant long-term weight gain. However, some women may experience weight changes due to fluid retention, appetite changes, lifestyle factors, or use of injectable contraception, which is known to cause weight gain in some women. Weight change is individual and method-specific, and options can be adjusted with professional guidance.
No.
An intrauterine device (IUD) stays inside the uterus, which is a closed organ. There is no pathway for an IUD to travel to the heart, brain, or other organs. Rare complications may occur during insertion, but these are uncommon and can be prevented through proper insertion and follow-up by trained health professionals.
You should seek care from a qualified health professional if you experience:
Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding
Fever, pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Any concern or discomfort related to your contraceptive method
Health professionals can assess your symptoms, manage side effects, and help you safely switch to another method if needed.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for health education purposes only and does not replace professional medical consultation. Always seek advice from a qualified health professional for personal medical decisions.