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I want to share some few important information about the Contraceptive pills which many of us use in our life. I just collected it from a popular magazine. I though it could be of use to many of us.

The first birth control pill introduced in May 1960 revolutionised women's lives. But till today myths and misconceptions about this pill is very much heard around us. So here are some of the mythis and the actual reality of the pill..

1. MYTH : THE PILL MAKES YOU GAIN WEIGHT

    REALITY : Not really.The claim may have been valid for the early versions which contained high levels of estrogen- leading to water retention and increased appetite. Now a days most versions of the pill have only half the amount.

2. MYTH : YOU NEED A BREAK FROM THE PILL EVERY NOW AND THEN

    REALITY : Not true, in fact, repeated restarting of the pill might be more harmful than the relatively steady-state situation that is maintained during sustained use, say experts.

3. MYTH :  THE PILL CAUSES CANCER

    REALITY : Pill may actually bring down the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers (by up to 50 percent if taken for a year). No links have been established with breast cancer too.

4. MYTH : THE MOST RISKY TIME TO MISS A PILL IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE    PACK

   REALITY : It's the least risky time. Women need to take seven consecutive active pills to prevent ovulation. They can then miss seven days without risk, which is what occurs during the pill-free week. The most unsafe time is at the beginning or end of a pack because it extends the pill-free week past seven days.

5. MYTH : BIRTH-CONTROL PILL CAUSES MENSTRUAL CYCLES TO CEASE

    REALITY : The opposite is true. Many women are actually prescribed birth-control pills to help regulate their cycles. The pill may also help reduce menstrual cramps and lighten blood flow.

6. MYTH : LONG TERM USE AFFECTS FERTILITY

    REALITY : No Connection. Fertility can return almost immediately after stopping the pill. The pill actually contributes to the preservation of women's fertility as it reduces a number of conditions which impact fertility (e.g. ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, fibroids)

7. MYTH : ALL PILLS ARE THE SAME

    REALITY : Combination pills contains two types of hormones, estrogen and progestin. Most pills contain the same estrogen but many brands use different types of progestin. The progestin can cause unpleasant side-effects, such as breast swelling and tenderness, acne and fluid retention, in some. It is always safe to consult a doctor before starting to take these pills.

Hope this information will be of use to many of us moms here..