According to a recent survey conducted by the American Pregnancy Association, half of women skip birth control on Christmas.

The survey found that approximately 50% of women choose to forego contraception during the holiday season, often citing a desire to conceive or a decreased risk of pregnancy due to the stress and travel associated with the holidays.

The Holiday Season and Conception

For many women, the holiday season is a time of celebration, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones. As a result, many women choose to forego birth control during this time in the hopes of conceiving a child.

However, it’s important to note that fertility rates may not actually be higher during the holiday season.

In fact, studies have found that fertility rates tend to be lower during the winter months, due to decreased exposure to sunlight and changes in daily routines.

Additionally, the holiday season can be a stressful time for many individuals, which can negatively impact fertility.

The Risks of Skipping Birth Control

While many women may choose to skip birth control during the holiday season, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved.

Unplanned pregnancies can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences for both women and their families.

Additionally, if women are relying on birth control to manage medical conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), skipping birth control can have negative health impacts.

It’s important for women to consider the consequences of skipping birth control and to discuss their options with their healthcare provider.

Alternative Methods of Birth Control

For women who wish to forego traditional forms of birth control, there are a variety of alternative methods available.

These include:

Fertility awareness methods, which involve tracking ovulation and avoiding intercourse during fertile periods.
Barrier methods, such as condoms or diaphragms, which prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
Hormonal methods, such as the birth control pill, patch, or shot, which regulate ovulation and prevent pregnancy.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or implants, which provide long-term, highly effective birth control.

It’s important for women to discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine the best method of birth control for their individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

The holiday season can be a joyful and festive time, but it’s important for women to remember the potential risks of skipping birth control.

By understanding their options and discussing their needs with their healthcare provider, women can make informed decisions about their sexual health and contraception.