12 birth control myths debunked

Key takeaways:

• There’s a lot of birth control misinformation out there. It’s important to get your information from trusted sources and/or a healthcare professional.
• Not all birth control methods are the same, and there’s no one-size-fits-all option. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the right fit for you.

While estimates vary, it’s safe to say nearly every woman in this country will be on the pill at some point in her life. The pill is the most popular form of birth control—and has been since the early 80s.

With the pill’s popularity comes a few misunderstandings, myths, and just plain lies. If you’re taking birth control, you’ve probably heard rumors and wondered what to believe. Is it safe to vape when you’re on certain birth control? Does birth control stop migraines, or not?

We’re here to set the facts straight when it comes to common birth control myths. 

Myth 1: Most birth control methods contain hormones

Many common options—condoms, spermicides, copper IUDs, the sponge, and diaphragms are hormone-free.

Still, the truth of the matter is that lots of other birth control options contain at least one hormone. Pills, patches, rings, injections, implants, and non-copper IUDs—these all contain at least one hormone. All of the birth control methods Nurx offers have hormones.

But let’s break this down a little further. Some birth control contains two hormones: estrogen and progestin.

You might hear people talk about “low-dose” or “low-hormone” birth control pills. These usually contain less estrogen, but they’re just as effective as standard-dose pills. What really matters is the specific combination of hormones, not the overall amount of one hormone. Since everyone’s body is different, people can respond to birth control in unique ways, which is why finding the right option for you may take some trial and error.

This explains why your provider at Nurx asks you a series of questions about your health. They’re here to guide you toward safe and effective options that fit your needs and preferences. To do that, they need to know your medical history, whether you’ve had side effects with previous methods, and other factors like age, weight, blood pressure, and whether you smoke or vape.

Myth 2: Vaping is safe when you’re on birth control

No, no, no. Vaping liquid contains nicotine. (And so do patches, gums, lozenges—and cigarettes and cigars, obviously.) Nicotine can be harmful to your health at any age. If you’re 35 and older, it’s especially not safe to use nicotine in any form when you’re on birth control containing estrogen. 

Why? It puts you at risk of serious side effects like heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.

The safest option is to quit nicotine altogether. If you can’t, be honest with your provider at Nurx about your nicotine use. Your provider is not here to judge you, just to make sure you stay healthy.

Myth 3: Birth control eliminates migraines

This is one of those things you hear that contains an ounce of truth. Here’s what we mean: If migraines generally hit you when it’s that time of the month—and you have just started on hormonal birth control—then yes, birth control might help rid you of migraines.

But—this comes with a big caveat. If you don’t have period triggered migraines, birth control may not help. In fact, if you have migraine with aura, then it’s recommended that you avoid birth control that contains estrogen altogether. That’s because estrogen-containing methods may slightly increase the risk of stroke for people who suffer from migraine with aura.

Myth 4: Lesbians do not need birth control

This myth perpetuates the idea that birth control is only for preventing pregnancy. Many women across the globe take birth control for a myriad of other reasons related to health and personal preferences.. Birth control helps control a heavy period and lessen cramps, bleeding, bloating, and PMS. Birth control makes your cycle predictable and can clear up acne.

These are all great health benefits. It makes no sense to exclude lesbians, and it’s discriminatory.

Myth 5: Hormones are hormones

All hormones are not created equal. Estrogen in your birth control, for example, isn’t the same as estrogen for gender-affirming therapy or menopause. What does this mean? You can’t use your birth control patch, for instance, to manage hot flashes or for gender transitioning.

While it’s true that hormone therapy for transgender women contains estrogen, it’s also true that many birth control methods contain a mix of estrogen and progestin. In fact, transgender women don’t need progestin—progestin actually interferes with the estrogen they do need.

Myth 6: Birth control pills cause weight gain

This is one of the most common concerns people have about birth control pills—and it’s understandable to worry about how a medication might affect your body. But here’s what the research says: studies have not consistently shown a clear link between birth control pills and significant, lasting weight gain.

Some people may notice small fluctuations in weight when starting the pill, often due to fluid retention or changes in appetite, but these changes tend to be mild and temporary. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress, and sleep usually have a much bigger impact on weight than birth control alone. The main exception is the Depo-Provera® shot, which research has shown can contribute to weight gain with long-term use.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body responds differently to hormonal birth control. Some people may feel more bloated or notice slight changes, while others don’t experience any weight changes at all.

If weight concerns are top of mind for you, it’s worth talking openly with your healthcare provider. Together, you can explore different birth control options that suit your health goals and lifestyle. And if you’re using Nurx, your provider will consider all of this when helping you find the best method for you.

Ultimately, birth control is about giving you control and confidence, without unnecessary worry about things like weight gain.

Myth 7: You can’t get pregnant on the pill

The birth control pill is highly effective—but like any method, it’s not foolproof. When taken perfectly—meaning at the same time every day, without missing any doses—the pill is more than 99% effective. But in real life, things don’t always go perfectly. With typical use, which accounts for occasional missed pills or late doses, the pill is about 91% effective. That means around 9 out of 100 people may still get pregnant in a year of use.

Several factors can lower the pill’s effectiveness:

• Missing or forgetting a pill (especially a progestin-only pill)
• Not starting a new pack on time
• Vomiting or having diarrhea soon after taking your pill (which can interfere with absorption)
• Taking certain medications like rifampin or some anti-seizure drugs (note: most antibiotics do not interfere with the pill, but always check with a provider)

If you’re worried about how to use your pill consistently or want backup protection in case something goes wrong, your provider can help you create a plan that works for your lifestyle.

The takeaway: the pill works really well when you use it consistently and correctly, but yes, it’s still possible to get pregnant on the pill. Being informed helps you stay protected.

Myth 8: IUDs are only for women who have given birth

This is one of the most persistent myths about IUDs—and it’s simply not true. IUDs are designed to be safe and effective for most people, including people who haven’t given birth.

IUDs (intrauterine devices) are small, T-shaped devices that are placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider. They’re highly effective—more than 99%—and offer long-term protection without the need to remember a daily pill. IUDs come in two types:

• Hormonal IUDs: These release a small amount of progestin to prevent pregnancy and may lighten or even stop your period over time.
• Non-hormonal (copper) IUDs: These use copper to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and don’t contain any hormones—ideal for people who prefer or need a hormone-free option.

Whether you’ve had children or not, you deserve birth control that works for you.

Myth 9: IUDs can travel around the body

This myth can sound scary, but it’s not grounded in how IUDs actually work. Once placed correctly, an IUD stays in your uterus. It doesn’t move to other parts of your body or “get lost.” While it’s true that very rarely an IUD can shift slightly or be expelled, it does not migrate to distant organs or float around your body.

IUD movement, when it happens, usually occurs within the uterus or cervix. In very rare cases (fewer than 1 in 1,000 insertions), the IUD can perforate the uterine wall during placement. 

After your IUD is inserted, you can check the placement by gently feeling for the small strings in your vagina. It’s a good habit to check monthly, often right after your period ends. If you notice unusual pain or changes in bleeding, reach out to your provider.

At Nurx, our licensed clinicians will walk you through what to expect and help you decide if an IUD is right for your body and your lifestyle.

Myth 10: You should take a break from birth control

There’s a common belief that long-term birth control use requires a “break” to let your body “reset.” But the truth is, if your birth control method is working for you, there’s no medical reason to stop using it just to take a break, especially when it comes to the pill, patch, or ring.

Modern birth control methods, particularly low-dose combination pills, are designed for safe, continuous use. There’s no evidence that staying on hormonal birth control for years causes harm to your fertility or overall health. In fact, stopping and restarting birth control frequently can actually increase your risk of unintended pregnancy, especially if you miss doses or don’t have a backup method in place.

For some people, long-term birth control use even offers added benefits beyond pregnancy prevention, like lighter periods, fewer cramps, and protection against certain reproductive cancers. If you’re using birth control and it’s working well for you, there’s no need to stop unless you’re planning to get pregnant or want to explore another option.

Myth 11: Birth control is only for preventing pregnancy

While pregnancy prevention is the most well-known reason people use birth control, it’s far from the only benefit. In fact, millions of people take birth control for reasons that have nothing to do with contraception.

Hormonal birth control methods—like the pill, patch, or vaginal ring—can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce heavy bleeding, and ease painful cramps. For people with endometriosis or PCOS, birth control is often a first-line option to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Some types of birth control can also reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Birth control is also commonly prescribed for acne control, especially for people whose breakouts are linked to hormonal fluctuations. By stabilizing hormone levels, certain pills can help reduce oil production and clear up skin over time.

Some people use birth control to manage PMS or PMDD symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. By preventing ovulation and creating more hormonal consistency, these methods can significantly ease monthly emotional and physical symptoms.

Myth 12: All birth control pills are the same

It’s a common assumption, but not all birth control pills are created equal. In fact, there are two main types of pills, and they work a little differently in your body.

Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin. These are the most commonly prescribed pills and work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. They often provide cycle control and may help with issues like acne, PMS, or heavy periods.

Progestin-only pills—often called the “mini-pill”—only contain one hormone and are a great option for people who can’t take estrogen. This includes those who are breastfeeding, have certain health risks (like a history of blood clots or migraine with aura), or are sensitive to estrogen. The mini-pill requires precise timing—taking it at the same time every day—for maximum effectiveness.

Beyond hormone type, different pills contain different formulations and hormone doses, which can affect how your body responds. One pill may ease your cramps, while another might help clear your skin—finding the right one is personal.

That’s where Nurx can help. Our healthcare providers review your health profile and goals to recommend the best birth control option for you, because one size definitely doesn’t fit all.

Know the facts—not the myths

When it comes to birth control, misinformation is everywhere—and it can keep people from finding the method that works best for their body and lifestyle. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your birth control needs are as personal and unique as you are.

Whether you’re looking for pregnancy prevention, relief from PMS or acne, or support for a hormone-related condition, it’s important to base your decisions on facts, not fear. Understanding how different methods work—and what’s actually true about them—can help you feel more confident and in control of your reproductive health.

At Nurx, our licensed medical providers are here to help you make informed choices to find the right method (with 50+ options available). We’ll take your health history, lifestyle, and goals into account and guide you toward the birth control that fits you best. It’s expert care, delivered with compassion—no myths, no judgment, just what you need.

Ready to find your best-fit birth control? Start your online consultation with Nurx today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Should my sexual partner pull out if I’m on the pill?

If you take the pill consistently and correctly, it’s effective on its own. Some people choose to pull out as an extra precaution, but it’s not necessary for pregnancy prevention.

What are some negative facts about birth control pills?

Some people experience mild side effects like nausea, spotting, or mood changes. Increased risk of blood clots exist with combined birth control but it is not common.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.

Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of required consultation. Individual results may vary.

Not all options discussed in the blog are available through Nurx. Please see Nurx.com for details.