I’s a myth! Birth Control Pills Prevent Pregnancy.

Debunking the myth: do birth control pills really may prevent pregnancy? Let's explore the truth.

One of the most perplexing myths I’ve encountered is the one surrounding birth control pills. It seems that people are quick to cast blame and attach all sorts of negative connotations to this highly reliable method of contraception. Today, I aim to dismantle the illusion surrounding their supposed influence on female fertility.

Birth Control Pills As a Mean of Contraception

Birth control pills hold a special place in my gynecological journey. On one hand, I recognize that for women who have no desire for pregnancy at this stage of their lives, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are a fantastic and dependable method to prevent unplanned pregnancies. On the other hand, the abundance of myths, fears, and risks surrounding their usage has led to widespread mistrust in this form of contraception and its incorrect application.

So today, let’s set the record straight on the pill! It’s widely understood that public opinion has the power to both create and dispel myths.

COCs are pills that contain a specific combination of estrogen and progesterone. While the type of estrogen remains consistent across all pills, the concentration may vary. The particular type of progesterone present in the pills contributes to their additional benefits beyond contraception. The contraceptive effect of these pills is achieved by suppressing ovulation in the ovaries and thickening the cervical mucus.

Birth control pills
Your health provider will help to choose pills right for you

Combined Oral Contraceptives “Do” and “Don’ts”

  • They do not trigger menopause. The absence of menstrual-like bleeding while taking COCs is due to the thinning of the uterine lining;
  • They do not enhance or impair a woman’s fertility potential;
  • They do not improve ovarian reserve. There is no scientific evidence supporting the notion that long-term use of COCs preserves the quantity of eggs. While we can speculate about this capability, their mechanism primarily revolves around preventing follicle growth and ovulation;
  • They do not effectively treat acne unless it is specifically caused by elevated androgen (male hormone) levels;
  • They can occasionally dampen libido, primarily when using COCs with anti-androgenic properties;
  • If you smoke or consume less than two liters of water per day, they are not a reliable method of pregnancy prevention for you.

Birth Control Pills Benefits Beyond Contraception:

  • Long-term use of COCs decreases the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and benign breast conditions;
  • They aid in improving skin conditions for women with acne;
  • Providing relief from painful menstrual periods;
  • Suppressing the production of androgens associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
  • Reducing blood loss during menstruation, facilitating the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia or underlying iron deficiency;
  • Alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS);
  • They offer women control over the timing of their menstrual cycles;
  • Enhancing the well-being of women experiencing early signs of estrogen deficiency.


During one of my seminars from the series, “All About You. What it’s like to be a woman” in Kryvyi Rih, one of the participants made an interesting statement: in the instructions for COCs, it is mentioned that the body should “take a break” from contraceptive pills every 6–12 months.

Foremost, official medication instructions should be consulted exclusively on official websites, like FDA or NHS.

Secondly, for the body to actually take a break, it needs to first become fatigued.

I will soon address another favorite myth of mine regarding the “rest period” for the body from pills. And of course, I will dedicate a separate scientifically supported post to the risk of breast cancer and COCs.

Together, we are building a community of modern, empowered, and well-informed women!

Share this material with your friends so that more people can free themselves from harmful misconceptions.

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