Recent Scottish survey has shown that various misconceptions and beliefs regarding long-acting hormonal contraception are stopping women to use them. According to medical experts, hormonal contraception is best form of contraception. This survey showed that most women harbor false notion like weight-gain, adverse effect on fertility due to this kind of contraception. These contraceptives are suggested by medical experts because of their reliability and fewer side effects.

This survey was carried out by sexual health specialists in southern Scotland. 55 women were made part of it. The survey showed that fear of weight gain doesn’t let women use long-acting hormonal contraception. This study showed that only one in 10 women have used them in the last one year. 

The survey showed that the biggest fear preventing women from using long-acting contraceptives was fear of weight gain and harm to their long-term fertility. 

Women rejected the coil and implants because they disliked examinations or invasive procedures. Some women rejected such the intrauterine devices because it has to be put in by a doctor. The thought of implant sitting under the skin was off-putting to some of the women.

Some women chose the Pill because their friends were using it. It was easier for most women to take the pill on the recommendation of their friends rather that going to GP to ask about the right form of contraception. The use of oral contraceptives or condoms was found high among the women.

The use of long-acting hormonal contraception has been recommended by Department of Health and the Scottish authorities. According to the guidelines by authorities, GP should recommend these long lasting contraceptives when women seek their advice regarding use of contraceptives.

Researchers also found out that the tag of "long-acting" attached to some forms of contraception is creating false myths about these contraceptives. 

Professor Anna Glasier, from Sexual Health NHS Lothian, said that we are shooting ourselves in the foot by saying they are long-acting, and we need to emphasise that they don't impair fertility, and the majority of them don't affect weight.  

Lynn Hearton, of Fpa (the Family Planning Association), said that women do worry about things like their fertility and gaining weight. Hearton added that contraception is of paramount importance to many women of all ages, but there are many myths and misconceptions circulating about how the methods work and what the side effects are. So it's imperative that each and every woman has the information, time and support to consider all these issues and make her own informed choice.