Expert says birth control myths not backed by evidence – CTV
May 04, 2026
An obstetrician-gynecologist is pushing back on persistent myths about hormonal birth control, saying most concerns around infertility, weight gain and the need for “detox” breaks are not supported by evidence.
In an interview with CTV Your Morning, Dr. Julie Thorne of Toronto’s Women’s College Hospital said common hormonal contraceptives, including pills, patches and vaginal rings, remain safe and effective options for many patients.
Common methods explained
“Probably the most well-known and most popular birth control is the birth control pill,” Thorne said, explaining that most pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin and are taken daily, often with a short hormone-free interval that triggers a withdrawal bleed.
Other hormonal options include a weekly patch and vaginal rings changed about every four weeks. Longer-acting methods include implantable rods and intrauterine devices, or IUDs, which can be hormonal or non-hormonal and last between five and 10 years.
Read more: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/expert-says-birth-control-myths-not-backed-by-evidence/
