Birth control: myth or fact?

How it works

Every answer links to its source (WHO, NHS, Cochrane or Philippine government). Health workers and teachers can use the Taglish toggle and embed the quiz.

All 12 statements and answers

1. The pill makes you gain a lot of weight. Myth. Placebo-controlled trials found no large effect of combined pills on weight. Some people notice bloating early on.
2. Taking the pill for years makes you infertile. Myth. Fertility returns without a significant delay after stopping the pill. The injectable can delay it up to about a year.
3. Pineapple juice can prevent pregnancy. Myth. No juice, herb or vitamin is a reliable contraceptive.
4. You need a break from the pill every year. Myth. There is no medical need for a break. Breaks can lead to unplanned pregnancy.
5. You need a prescription to buy pills in the Philippines. Fact. Pills are prescription medicines under RA 10918, and most pharmacies now ask for one.
6. Implants and IUDs can be free at public health facilities. Fact. DOH says family planning services, including implants and IUDs, are free at public facilities, subject to supply.
7. Emergency contraception causes an abortion. Myth. WHO says emergency contraceptive pills do not induce an abortion; they work mainly by delaying ovulation.
8. You must have children before you can get an implant or IUD. Myth. WHO medical eligibility criteria consider implants and IUDs suitable for people who have never given birth.
9. Withdrawal is as reliable as the pill. Myth. In typical use about 20 in 100 women get pregnant in a year with withdrawal, versus about 7 with the pill.
10. The pill protects you from STIs. Myth. Only condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections.
11. A missing period on the pill always means you are pregnant. Myth. Light or missing withdrawal bleeds are common on the pill. A test settles it if you are unsure.
12. The pill lowers the risk of ovarian and womb cancer. Fact. The combined pill lowers the risk of womb, ovarian and bowel cancer, with a small rise in breast and cervical cancer risk while taking it.