Oral contraceptives (BCPs) are marketed as a way for women to gain control—over their bodies, emotions, and fertility. However, the reality of taking the pill is far different from the promises made. As more research emerges on its effects, it’s becoming clear that these promises are misleading. Here are three common myths about the pill—and what’s really happening.

Myth #1: The Pill gives you control over your body

For many women, the promise of less painful periods is a major incentive to take the pill. Period cramps can be debilitating, and the idea of eliminating them sounds appealing. Organizations like Planned Parenthood promote the pill as a way to regulate and reduce pain. However, they rarely discuss the wider impact hormonal contraception has on a woman’s body.

The pill artificially alters a woman’s natural cycle by suppressing ovulation and changing hormone levels. This process disrupts the body’s finely tuned hormonal system, which naturally shifts throughout the month to prepare for possible pregnancy. While this suppression may prevent pregnancy, it also affects overall health in profound ways.

Health risks you should know

• Increased risk of blood clots & stroke – The pill has been linked to a higher risk of life-threatening blood clots, particularly in smokers and women over 35.
• Breast cancer risk – Some studies suggest that long-term use of oral contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Group 1 carcinogen – The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies synthetic estrogen and progesterone in oral contraceptives as Group 1 carcinogens—the same category as asbestos and tobacco.

Instead of giving women more control, the pill takes control away by overriding the body’s natural regulatory systems.

Myth #2: The Pill stabilizes your emotions

Another common belief is that hormonal birth control helps regulate mood swings. Many women take the pill expecting emotional stability, but research suggests that it can have the opposite effect.

One major concern is its impact on cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Women on the pill often have lower cortisol levels, which hinders their ability to handle stress. Without proper cortisol regulation, women may experience intensified emotional reactions, anxiety, and even depression.

How the pill alters mood & attraction

• Increased risk of depression – Studies have found that women who take the pill are more likely to be diagnosed with depression or prescribed antidepressants.
• Changes in romantic preferences – The pill alters hormone levels, which can shift attraction patterns. Women on the pill may prefer more “feminine” men and find themselves less drawn to partners they previously found attractive.

Rather than providing control over emotions, the pill can lead to mood instability, higher stress sensitivity, and unexpected changes in attraction.

Myth #3: The Pill guarantees pregnancy prevention

The primary reason most women take the pill is to prevent pregnancy. However, while oral contraceptives are marketed as being highly effective, they do not eliminate the risk of unintended pregnancy.

The reality of birth control failure

• Annual unplanned pregnancies – Among the 11 million U.S. women on the pill, approximately 1 million still become pregnant each year.
• Abortion link – Studies suggest that 40% of women who become pregnant while on the pill choose abortion.

Reduced libido – Many women experience a lower sex drive while on the pill, which directly contradicts the goal of maintaining an active sex life without pregnancy concerns.

If the goal of using birth control is to enjoy intimacy without the risk of pregnancy, yet the pill both lowers libido and fails to prevent pregnancy reliably, it raises an important question: Is it truly delivering on its promises?

Still curious? Check out this video by Ascension Press: