Sexual Health Awareness Week: Contraception Myths Explained

Sexual Health Awareness Week: Contraception Myths

With the wealth of information available nowadays at the mere click of a button, it's astounding to hear how many sexual health misconceptions are still flying around.

So to mark Sexual Health Awareness week, HuffPost UK Lifestyle have decided it's time to set the record straight. It's important to get these things cleared up.

From toilet seats to HIV, with help from the NHS we've compiled a list of the biggest contraception myths.

TRUE OR FALSE?

Sex Myths: True Or False?

A major awareness campaign We Can’t Go Backwards was launched on 10 September by sexual health charities FPS and Brook.

Together they warn against the “toxic mix” of circumstances combining to create a looming crisis in unplanned pregnancy, abortion and sexual health, unless urgent action is taken.

They argue that with cuts and policy changes, vital services that provide advice and information are diminishing.

Despite the fact that there are 15 types of contraception readily available for use, the FPA estimate that almost 2 million women in the UK are unhappy with the method they are using. The charity say that almost one third of women aged 18-49 spend a mere five minutes when deciding which method to use.

“We need to further educate women about all of their contraception options and clear up any misconceptions so they can make informed decisions that are right for them," said Dr Diana Mansour, head of Sexual Health Services at Newcastle Hospitals Community Health.

"Women, along with their healthcare providers, should take into account their lifestyles when considering available birth control options."

Myth

Contraception Myths Explained

The above myths are findings from a global survey commissioned by Growth for Knowledge (on behalf of MSD) among 4,199 women aged 18-35.

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