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Contraception myths 'widespread' Contraception myths 'widespread'
(about 23 hours later)
A UK survey has revealed that myths about contraception may be widespread.A UK survey has revealed that myths about contraception may be widespread.
One in five women said they had heard of kitchen items, including bread, cling film and even chicken skin, being used as alternative barrier methods.One in five women said they had heard of kitchen items, including bread, cling film and even chicken skin, being used as alternative barrier methods.
Others had heard food items such as kebabs, Coca-cola or crisps could be used as oral contraceptives.Others had heard food items such as kebabs, Coca-cola or crisps could be used as oral contraceptives.
The survey questioned 1,000 women aged 18 to 50 and was carried out by market research company Opinion Health, sponsored by Bayer Schering Pharma.The survey questioned 1,000 women aged 18 to 50 and was carried out by market research company Opinion Health, sponsored by Bayer Schering Pharma.
MYTHS THAT STILL EXIST Chicken skin and cling film as barrier methodsKebabs, crisps and chocolate as oral contraceptivesThe pill as protection against HIV Source: Bayer Schering PharmaMYTHS THAT STILL EXIST Chicken skin and cling film as barrier methodsKebabs, crisps and chocolate as oral contraceptivesThe pill as protection against HIV Source: Bayer Schering Pharma
Contraceptive myths have been around for thousands of years.Contraceptive myths have been around for thousands of years.
Ancient methods have varied from crocodile dung and honey before sex, to sea sponges and beeswax after.Ancient methods have varied from crocodile dung and honey before sex, to sea sponges and beeswax after.
Perhaps the most intoxicating was alcohol made from stewed beaver's testicles.Perhaps the most intoxicating was alcohol made from stewed beaver's testicles.
However, it seems that a variety of unsafe and unproven methods might still exist in modern Britain.However, it seems that a variety of unsafe and unproven methods might still exist in modern Britain.
Dr Annie Evans, Women's Health Specialist at the Bristol Sexual Health Centre, said: "It is not surprising, given that Britain continues to have the highest unintended pregnancy rate in Europe."Dr Annie Evans, Women's Health Specialist at the Bristol Sexual Health Centre, said: "It is not surprising, given that Britain continues to have the highest unintended pregnancy rate in Europe."
AlarmingAlarming
Other myths surround the use of oral contraceptive pills. One in 10 of the women questioned believed that it always takes a number of years to regain fertility after discontinuation of the pill. Others believed that the pill could protect them against HIV.Other myths surround the use of oral contraceptive pills. One in 10 of the women questioned believed that it always takes a number of years to regain fertility after discontinuation of the pill. Others believed that the pill could protect them against HIV.
Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal of General Practitioners, commented: "This is alarming but not surprising.Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal of General Practitioners, commented: "This is alarming but not surprising.
"I've had complications with patients over the years that have concerned me."I've had complications with patients over the years that have concerned me.
"The more we can put appropriate information to the public about the availability of different methods of contraception, about their advantages and disadvantages, the better."The more we can put appropriate information to the public about the availability of different methods of contraception, about their advantages and disadvantages, the better.
"It is important that access to advice is made as easily as possible for all ages.""It is important that access to advice is made as easily as possible for all ages."