This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/8238789.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
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 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 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." |
Alarming | Alarming |
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." |