Debunking Koochie Myths with an OB/GYN [Part 2 of 5]

Part 2 of 5

Welcome back to Koochie Khronicles as we continue our enlightening conversation with Dr. Cynthia Fletcher, a board-certified OB/GYN who is here to debunk some of the biggest misconceptions about vaginal and reproductive health. In Part 2 of our 5-part series, we tackle three common myths that have been passed down through generations, leaving many of us confused and misinformed. Let's get into it!

Myth #1: Your period should always be regular. If not, something is wrong.

The truth is, menstrual cycles naturally vary. A "regular" cycle is often considered 28 days, but a normal cycle can range from 21 to 35 days. Factors like stress, diet, exercise, travel, and even illness can cause fluctuations. Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, postpartum, an perimenopause, can also affect cycle regularity. So, an occasional irregular cycle isn't necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you're experiencing extreme irregularity-such as skipping multiple periods, excessive bleeding, or debilitating pain-then it's worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Myth #2: Birth control makes you infertile.

This is one of the biggest fears people have about birth control, and to set the record straight-birth control does NOT cause infertility.

Hormonal birth control methods (like the pill, patch, shot, or IUD) work by temporarily preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning the uterine lining. Once you stop using birth control, your body can take some time to regulate, but fertility typically returns to normal. Some people may conceive right away, while others may take a few months. The only exception is the Depo-Provera shot, which takes 6 months to a year for fertility to return. However, this is a delay-not infertility.

If someone is struggling to get pregnant after stopping birth control, it's likely due to an underlying condition that was masked (like PCOS or endometriosis) rather than the birth control itself.

Myth #3: You can't get pregnant on your period.

It's not completely true! While it's less likely to get pregnant during your period, it is not impossible-especially for those with shorter cycles.

Here's why: Sperm can live in the reproductive tract for up to 5 days. If you have a shorter cycle (say, 21 days), you could ovulate earlier than expected-potentially right after your period ends. If you had unprotected sex during your period and ovulated a few days later, sperm could still be present and fertilization could happen.

So, unless you're actively preventing pregnancy pregnancy with a reliable method, assume there's always a chance.

The Bottom Line

There's a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to vaginal and reproductive health, but knowledge is power! Understanding how your body works helps you make informed decisions about your health, contraception, and fertility.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where we'll bust more myths with Dr. Cynthia Fletcher! Have a question or myth you want debunked? Drop it in the comments or DM us! We've got you covered!

Until next time, keep that koochie knowledge growing!