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Most women will use some form of birth control in their lifetime. Here in Australia, two thirds of women of reproductive age are using a method of contraception, in most cases the Pill.

Yet, despite how everyday it is, we hear some seriously mixed reports about birth control and its side effects.

We asked the women in our office what ‘truths’ they’ve been told about the Pill, IUDs, emergency contraception and others over the years. You’ve probably heard most of these in your time, too, from your mum, your sister or just in general watercooler chat.

Then we took these stories to three health experts — Dr Deborah Bateson, Medical Director of Family Planning NSW; Professor Jayne Lucke, Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society; and Dr Kathleen McNamee, Medical Director of Family Planning Victoria — to help us sort the facts from the total bollocks.

“You should change your Pill every couple of years, otherwise your body gets used to it and it becomes less effective.”

Verdict: Myth

“There’s absolutely no evidence that the Pill becomes less effective the longer you take it,” says Dr Bateson. “We also know it is common for younger and older women sometimes to come in and say, ‘I needed a Pill holiday’ – what we know is that that actually increases the risk of an unintended pregnancy. There’s no reason whatsoever to have a break.”

That doesn’t mean you should stick to just one Pill, or one type of birth control – it’s always worth discussing the range of available options with a doctor. Similarly, finding the best Pill for you doesn’t always happen straight away. Dr Bateson says it’s worth talking to a doctor about changing to another Pill if your current one gives you side effects you’re uncomfortable or unhappy with.

“I’m on the Pill. That’s me sorted for life.”

Verdict: Myth. Even if the Pill is working well for you, it’s often worth exploring other options as your needs could evolve over time.

“There are a number of different long-acting reversible methods (like the implant or IUD) that might suit you better, be more cost effective, or simply be less hassle,” Professor Lucke says. “Women often find that they need to review their contraceptive needs at certain times, like when they have a new partner, after having a baby, or when they have decided that they don’t want to have any more children.”

Here are some different options to consider [post continues after gallery]

Popular forms of birth control

Contraceptive pill

The Pillis the most popular form of birth control. There are two types: the combined pill, containing two hormones, and theprogestogen-only, or mini, pill, which only contains one female hormone. The combined pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The mini pill changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, which stops sperm from entering. Both are 99.7% effective; however, they don't offer protection from STDs.

Intrauterine device

IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD: copper, which affects the movement and survival of sperm in the womb while changing the lining of the womb;and hormonal, which releases progestogen (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone) into the uterus. Although IUDs have a success rate of more than 99%, only around 2% of Australian women currently use one.

Condoms

The male condom is a barrier contraception that prevents both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. They work by collecting semen so it doesn't enter theman's partner's body. Condoms are 95 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The female condom

The female condom is a pre-lubricated sheath, which loosely fits inside of the vagina. The condom has a removable ring, which helps to insert the sheath and keep the condom in place. A larger ring remains on the outside to cover the opening of the vagina. They are designed to fit all women and can only to be used once. Due to misuse of the product it is only 79 per cent effective.

Diaphragm

Like the male condom, the diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It's a shallow silicone dome that's inserted into the vagina andcovers the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. It's held in place by the pelvic muscles, and works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. After sex, diaphragms need to remain in placefor another six hours, in which time the sperm inside the vagina die. This method is 88 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, although this rate increases with experience.

Birth control implant

This is a 4cm-longimplant that is inserted into a woman's upper arm, just under the skin, by a doctor. It releases a hormone called etonogestrel, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which can stop sperm from entering. Contraceptive implants - usually sold as Implanon - are removed under anaesthetic every three years, and are close to 100% effective.

Vaginal ring

Vaginal rings are soft plastic rings that contain the same two hormones as the combined pill - oestrogen and progestogen. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where the hormones are absorbed into the body and then prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once inside the ring can't be felt, and it needs replacing every three weeks (with one week's break in between). When used correctly, this method is more than 99% effective.

Depo Provera

Depo is a long lasting hormonal injection. The synthetic form of progesterone is administered every 12 to 14 weeks to woman, preventing pregnancy within this ongoing time period. The injection, which is given in the buttock or muscle of the upper arm, prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, helping to block sperm. The injections are 99 per cent effective but do not protect against STDs. Male contraceptive injections are currently being trialled

The morning after pill

Emergency contraception (popularly referred to as the morning after pill) is used to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected sex. Other reasons include missing a contraceptive pill or a condom breaking. It is common in Australia to use the progestogen-only method. This entails a dosage of EC pills containing progestogen or the synthetic version. A doctor can prescribe the pill or they can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraceptionis 85 per cent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. For women there are two types of sterilisation: tubal ligation, in which clips are placed on the fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion in which a device is inserted into the tubes. These methods work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal litigation is 99.5 per cent effective. The Vasectomy (for men) works by cutting and blocking the tubes called the vas deferens, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. The chances of impregnation with a vasectomy are 1 in 1000.

“IUDs aren’t a good option for young women who don’t have kids.”

Verdict: A big, fat myth. IUDs are increasingly popular among this demographic, and they’re commonly recommended by doctors.

“We’ve noticed a really interesting change here – seven or eight years ago we hardly ever did them in young women who hadn’t had children, but now most of our clients are young women who haven’t had children. I would say it’s at least 60 per cent of the women we see,” Dr McNamee says.

“We think they’re a really good option for young women because they’re very effective. You can have a hormonal one, and that’s got the benefit of giving you a really light period or no period at all. Or you can have a copper one and that doesn’t have any hormones – it’s the really the only reliable, reversible method and there’s no hormones.”

It doesn’t really matter how you store your birth control, right?

Verdict: It's not a huge drama, but it's worth giving it some thought – use your common sense and read the packages.

"For most Pills there is some guidance on the packaging that it shouldn't go above about 25 degrees. Generally, as long as you're keeping your Pill in a cool-ish place in the cupboard or bedside drawer, there's no problems, and certainly, when we're transporting contraceptives we need to make sure they don't go above certain temperatures," says Dr Bateson. She also advises keeping the Pill in a visible location so you don't forget to take it.

However, storage temperature is particularly important for the vaginal rings, as they're heat-activated. As for condoms, keep them out of direct sunlight as you would with any other medications. If your birth control's packaging is getting damaged, perhaps find another place to keep it.

"You get your period for ages after taking out an IUD"

Verdict: Myth — IUDs are fully reversible, so you should simply go back to your previous menstrual cycle. This also applies to the Pill.

"Sometimes there can be a tiny bit of bleeding associated with the removal, but that would generally be a bit unusual," says Dr Bateson. "But there's certainly no evidence that women are going to have prolonged bleeding after taking out a [hormonal] IUD. Generally, you would just go back to the pattern of bleeding that you had before your IUD was put in, which might have been heavier or more irregular ... and your fertility goes back to normal pretty much straight away."

"Long-term use of the Pill can impact my future fertility."

With all these myths circulating, is it any wonder stock image models always look so confused about birth control?

Verdict: This is a common myth surrounding any hormonal contraceptive, including IUDs. Unless your contraception is a permanent method like st