Many women encounter misconceptions about their reproductive health that can lead to confusion and poor decision-making. These myths can also result in delays in seeking the right care or lead to misdiagnosis. It's crucial to set the record straight so that you can make informed choices about your health. Here are seven common myths about gynecological health that you should know about.

1. You don’t need to see a gynecologist until you’re older

A common misconception is that young girls or women don’t need to visit a gynecology clinic until they reach a certain age, often 18 or 21. The reality is that it’s a good idea for girls to have their first gynecological check-up during their teenage years. This visit helps establish a relationship with a healthcare provider, monitor any early issues, and track their reproductive health as they grow. Regular check-ups during adolescence can also help prevent potential problems in the future.

2. Hormonal birth control leads to infertility

One of the most persistent myths surrounding contraception is that hormonal birth control causes permanent infertility or that it takes a long time to regain fertility after stopping the pill or other methods. In truth, fertility usually returns very quickly after discontinuing hormonal contraception, often within the first month or cycle. Even if a woman misses a dose or two, it doesn’t mean she will be infertile. Many women get pregnant shortly after stopping birth control, as the body tends to resume its normal cycle almost immediately.

3. Pregnancy is impossible during your period

A widespread belief is that women cannot get pregnant if they have sex during their period. Although the likelihood is lower, pregnancy is still possible. Ovulation typically occurs around two weeks before the start of your next period. For women with shorter cycles or longer periods, ovulation might happen right after menstruation. Additionally, sperm can live in the body for several days, which means that they can still fertilize an egg if ovulation occurs shortly after sex.

4. Painful periods are part of being a woman

While many women experience some discomfort during their menstrual cycle, severe pain should not be considered normal. If your period pain is intense enough to interfere with daily life, it could indicate an underlying medical issue, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. If you struggle with extreme cramping or other severe menstrual symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out any serious conditions and explore treatment options.

5. All birth control methods protect you from STDs

It’s important to understand that not all forms of birth control provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Methods like pills, IUDs, and implants are excellent for preventing pregnancy but do not shield you from infections. Condoms (both male and female) are the only form of birth control that helps reduce the risk of both pregnancy and STDs. They are not foolproof, but they are the most effective tool for minimizing the spread of infections during sex.

6. You only need to see a gynecologist If you’re experiencing problems

Many women believe they only need to visit a gynecologist when they notice something wrong, like pain, bleeding, or changes in their menstrual cycle. While it’s definitely important to see a doctor when something feels off, annual gynecological exams are essential even if you feel perfectly healthy. Many gynecological conditions, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, or infections, may not show noticeable symptoms until they’ve progressed. Regular check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment of these issues.

7. Douching Is effective for preventing pregnancy and STDs

Some women believe that douching—washing out the vagina with water or other liquids—can help prevent pregnancy or protect against STDs. This is a dangerous misconception. Douching does not prevent pregnancy, and it can actually increase the risk of infections by disrupting the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Furthermore, douching can force sperm into the uterus, which could make it easier for fertilization to happen. Douching is not a safe or effective practice and can cause more harm than good.