provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
HomeHealth ConditionsBirth Control
02:48

6 Myths About Birth Control Pills You Can Safely Ignore

Ob/gyn Kecia Gaither, MD, debunks common myths about birth control pills, such as whether they cause cancer or weight gain.

Lauren Smith, MAMandy Armitage, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD
Updated on February 14, 2025

Here are some common myths that don’t actually hold up to science, according to OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Kecia Gaither, MD.

Advertisement
Additional Medical Contributors
  • Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS, MBA, FACOGDr. Gaither, an ob-gyn and maternal fetal medicine specialist, is director of perinatal services at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, a member of NYC Health + Hospitals System in Bronx, New York.

    References

    Cooper, D. B., et al. (2024). Oral contraceptive pills. StatPearls.

    Daniels, K, et al. (2013). Contraceptive methods women have ever used: United States, 1982-2010 [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Health Statistics Report No.: 62.

    View All References (7)

    Drugs.com. (2022). Antibiotics and birth control pill interactions: Fact or fallacy?

    Godfrey, E.M., et al. (2011). Contraceptive methods and use by women aged 35 and over: A qualitative study of perspectives. BMC Women’s Health.

    Lindh, I, et al. (2011). The long-term influence of combined oral contraceptives on body weight. Human Reproduction.

    Morse, J. (2014). Gaining weight: Is it birth control? Bedsider.org.

    Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Which kind of emergency contraception should I use?

    Raine-Bennett, T. (2010). Birth control and infertility: Does using birth control hurt my chances of getting pregnant later? Besider.org.

    Rodriguez, M.I. (2017). Which medications can mess with birth control? Besider.org.

    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

    Was this page helpful?

    Subscribe and save.

    Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up.

    By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.