There is plenty of information out there about birth control but not all of it is accurate.  Your friends may have told you about some real wild side effects or reasons birth control fails but the truth is- they are just myths!  Family Planning, your local expert in reproductive health, wants you to know the facts.

Myth:  You'll gain weight if you take birth control.

Fact:  According to WebMD, you may gain some weight when you initially start birth control but it's just water retention and not extra fat. The weight will go away in 2-3 months and should not be a reason to stop taking birth control.  Remember, not all pills are the same so if you are truly unhappy with any weight gain, talk to your doctor about it.

Myth:  You have to take the pill at the same time each day or it won't work.

Fact: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say that  you should make it a habit to take the pill at the same time each day because then you are less likely to forget taking it, thus putting yourself at risk. If you take it at 7am or take it at 9am- you've still managed to take it in the morning and are still protected. Talk to your doctor about your prescribed pill and its suggested usage.

Of course, these are just two of the very many myths that surround birth control.  Have other questions about your birth control?  Call Family Planning to set up a confidential visit today at their Fall River or Taunton office.

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