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exposed by Maria McHale – Editor, Sláinte Magazine

1. The pill makes you gain weight

One of the most common myths about the pill is that it makes you gain weight. Modern pills contain much less hormone, which makes this much less likely. Where weight-gain does happen, sometimes changing brands can help.

2. You should take a break from the pill

Many believe that you need a seven-day break at the end of each pack.

There are brands available in Ireland where you take a pill everyday for 28 days, and then start a new pack straightaway. Taking a pill every day makes it easier for you to remember as you don't break your routine.

3. You can only take the 'morning-after' pill 3 times in a lifetime

This is just not true, although the morning-after pill should only be used in times of real emergency and not as your day-to-day method of preventing pregnancy. It is not as effective as other types of contraception and is only intended as a back-up.

4. The pill can make you infertile

This is also untrue. The pill does not affect your ability to become pregrant after stopping it. Research has shown that there's no medical reason for stopping and restarting. It’s a truly reversible method of contraception, as many women will testify who have taken it long-term and then come off it to become pregrant.

5. The only benefit of taking the pill is contraception

Actually, some versions of the pill offer additional benefits, including easing PMS-like symptoms, less water retention and reducing oily skin.

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