UK women using bread, cola, cling film to prevent pregnancy
Reported September 06, 2009
Think bread can be a barrier against pregnancy? Some women in United Kingdom do. Some others think chicken skin and cling film prevent sperms from entering their womb.
These are the shocking findings of a survey in UK that explains the high rate of unintended pregnancies in the country.
The survey, commissioned by drugmaker Bayer Schering Pharma and conducted by research firm Opinion Health, involved 1,000 women between the ages of 18 and 50 years. As many as 53 per cent of those surveyed believed taking contraceptive pills over the long term impaired their chances of having a baby later. Ten per cent held the misconception getting pregnant after stopping the pill would take years.
Dr Anne Szarewski, associate specialist at Margaret Pyke Centre, said, “Combined oral contraceptive pills are the most widely prescribed contraceptive option, but they are particularly plagued by myths. It is vital that women of all ages are aware of the facts, to have a full understanding of their contraception and so avoid the distress of an unintended pregnancy.”
About 18 of the women felt they were protected against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if they were on the pill when fact is that only a condom can protect against the virus.
Some women wrongly believed sex during menstruation was safe.
Food-related myths also abound. Fifteen women said colas can prevent pregnancy. Others named kebabs, chocolate wrappers, packets of chips, and other items.
Dr Annie Evans, health specialist at Bristol Sexual Health Centre, said she wasn’t surprised at the findings. “This survey has uncovered how widespread contraceptive myths still are in this country, given that Britain continues to have the highest unintended pregnancy rate in Europe with as many as 50 per cent of births being unintended,” she said. Dr Evans said awareness campaigns are required to debunk such myths in the minds of women.
Source : www.littleabout.com