A NEW survey has shown that a number of myths and misperceptions continue to exist around family planning.

The survey suggests that better communication may be needed during GP consultations to help women understand the variety of contraceptive options available, with only 58 per cent of women saying their doctor had explored all options with them when discussing their contraceptive choice.

In addition, more than 1 in 10 of the women surveyed think it’s impossible to get pregnant during their period and a quarter had heard of ‘alternative’ barrier methods being used, such as cling film, latex gloves or even a plastic bag.

While 17 per cent of women had relied on the withdrawal method in the past and 30 per cent had taken emergency contraception, the Pill was the most popular method of contraception; 4 out of 5 women surveyed had taken the Pill at some point.