Birth control has revolutionized people's ability to take charge of their health, pursue their dreams, and decide if and when to start a family. From pills to IUDs and emergency contraception, there are 18 FDA-approved categories of birth control (plus two emergency contraception categories) available to fit all our different goals, bodies, and needs. Yet, despite its crucial role in our lives, myths and misinformation about birth control persist. As an OB-GYN, I see every day how essential it is for people to have medically accurate information about all their reproductive and sexual health care options so they can make informed decisions. At a time when misinformation is at an all time high and attacks on reproductive and sexual health increase, we're clarifying the top five birth control misconceptions so people can make informed decisions about their birth control options this year.

You do not need a "break" from birth control pills

There are countless posts on social media about taking a "break" or doing a "cleanse" from birth control, and how hormonal birth control is "unnatural" - but this is not helpful advice. If you are on a pill that is working well for you, it is safe to take the birth control pill for years without a break. If you want to get pregnant or are experiencing side effects, talk to a provider about the best way for you to stop the pill. Everyone is different, and not all birth control methods work for everyone, so it may take a couple tries until you find the method that's best for you. And, while we're here, long-term use of the pill - does not affect your fertility once you stop taking it.

There is no minimum age to get birth control pills over the counter

Last year, the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill, Opill, arrived on shelves. Anyone, regardless of age, gender identity, or location, can get Opill OTC at their local drug store, convenience store, or grocery stores. It is also available online at either Amazon or Opill's website with no prescription or ID required. Opill is a progestin-only pill, and is a safe and effective option for a wide range of people, including those with certain medical conditions that might make combination progestin and estrogen birth control less desirable. (There are some people who should avoid Opill, like those with breast cancer or certain liver conditions.) It works similar to other progestin-only birth control pills, the only difference between it and prescription progestin-only birth control pills is how you get it.

Hormones are not dangerous

Despite what influencers might say, hormone is not a dirty word. Those assigned female at birth (AFAB) have hormones in their body that regulate menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. And, it's normal for hormones to fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. These hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are similar to the hormones found in some methods of birth control. Years of research and use has found these hormonal birth control methods to be safe and effective for most people. Of course, hormonal birth control might not be for everybody, and there are some people who should avoid it. Good news: there are non-hormonal birth control methods such as the copper IUD, condoms, and newer methods like Phexxi. But just because this option isn't right for everyone doesn't make it unsafe or wrong for the people happily and successfully using hormonal pills or IUDs.