India is the world’s second most populated country. It is expected to have 1.7 billion people and overtake China as the world’s most populated country by 2024[1]. For a developing country like India, overpopulation leads to serious problems like poverty, unemployment, wider gap between the rich and the poor and a burden on natural resources.
The easiest and most effective method to contain population explosion is birth control.
What Is Birth Control?
Birth control is the use of various devices, drugs, sexual methods or surgical procedures to prevent pregnancy. How well a birth control method works depends on how carefully it is practiced. So let’s debunk some of the myths around birth control.
Myth: Women can’t get pregnant during their periods.
Fact: Women may be less fertile during the first 3 to 4 days of their period. But since sperm can live inside the female body for up to 5 days, pregnancy is possible.
Myth: Condoms interfere with performance or satisfaction during sexual activity.
Fact: Certain condoms can help the user maintain an erection longer and prevent premature ejaculation.Condoms are the only form of protection that not only prevents pregnancy but also the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Myth: Sex without penetration or ejaculation is safe.
Fact: Even before they ejaculate, men release a fluid known as pre-ejaculate. In some cases, this fluid may contain live sperm, which may enter the vagina even without penetrative intercourse.
Stay safe and aware with our women sexual wellness range. Explore More.
Myth: Urinating or washing after sex prevents pregnancy.
Fact: Washing or urinating after sex will not stop the sperm that have already entered the uterus through the cervix.
Myth: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: Breastfeeding may prevent pregnancy if a woman is within six months of delivery, has not had a menstrual cycle AND the baby is only feeding on breast milk. All three of these criteria must be met for breastfeeding to be an effective form of contraception.
Myth: Birth control pills cause weight gain and other health problems.
Fact: Most women do not gain or lose weight due to using birth control pills. Some short term side effects include changes in bleeding patterns during periods, headaches, and nausea may occur. However, these side effects are very short lived and must not discourage you from using this birth control method.
Besides helping in family planning, birth control is also effective for population control. To know more about the benefits of using birth control methods, click here.
Overpopulation puts stress on our national economy, while also hindering sustainable development. This population day, let’s be more responsible towards ourselves and our country.
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
Recommended Reads:
World Contraception Day: Top 10 Birth Control Methods To Know About!
Oral Contraceptive Pills Or Birth Control Pills — What You Need To Know
References:
1. World population projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100. News. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. United Nations. https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/world-population-prospects-2017.html