What are the side effects of birth control methods?
Just like any medicine, such as over-the-counter pain killers, there are side effects associated with birth control. But just because they’re possible doesn’t mean you will have them.
Most women who use birth control methods have none or few side effects. Most side effects often lessen or disappear over time. Keep in mind that every woman is different. A certain method of birth control may work perfectly for one woman, but not for another. If one method isn’t right for you, there are many others to try, including methods that don’t contain hormones. Don’t give up!
Some possible side effects of hormonal birth control methods may include irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness and mood changes. Some side effects are things that women might see as positive- like having lighter periods, having less cramps and clearer skin. Much less common, more serious health complications such as blood clots and strokes can happen. It’s important you talk to a health care provider or pharmacist about possible side effects before you start a new method of birth control.
If you want to learn more about birth control and side effects make an appointment with a health care provider. Find a family planning clinic near you or visit the Physicians Desk Top Reference Website to learn about the possible side effects of each birth control method.
Does birth control affect my ability to get pregnant later?
Talk to your physician or a health care provider at a local family planning clinic about your personal child bearing goals. You can discuss how long it takes your body to be able to become pregnant after birth control use and your child bearing goals to find a birth control method that is right for you.
It’s common to have concerns about using a birth control method for a long period of time. Certain types of birth control have no delay at all, meaning that you are able to become pregnant as soon as you stop using them. The only birth control method that seems to have a prolonged contraceptive effect is Depo- Provera or the birth control shot. It takes anywhere from 3 to 18 months for your body to be able to get pregnant after you stop using the shot. Women who are planning to get pregnant in the next year should consider other methods.
It takes very little time for your body to be able to become pregnant after you stop using of some types of birth control. This includes the intrauterine devices, such as Mirena and ParaGard, and barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms. For women who use Implanon, your body is able to become pregnant immediately after implant removal.
For women who use birth control pills, there is a potential for a month or two of delay until your body can get pregnant. Less than 3 percent of women who used birth control pills experience this delay. There is also a minimal delay after you stop using the patch and vaginal ring.
Does the duration of birth control use affect my ability to get pregnant later?
The amount of time you are using a birth control method does not seem to affect fertility. There is no need to “take a break” from birth control methods, especially if it puts women at risk for an unwanted pregnancy. For more information on each specific type of birth control, visit Stork Insurance.
What do I do if I want to use condoms but I’m allergic to latex?
If you are allergic to latex you can use polyurethane (male or female) condoms, which protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
How do I protect myself from sexually transmitted infections?
Abstinence and latex and polyurethane condoms are the only forms of birth control that will protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Correct and consistent use of condoms reduces the risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancy. Both male and female condoms are available.
Make sure you read the instructions on the condom box for proper use.
What do I do if I think I have a sexually transmitted infection?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are spread through sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs are also spread through close contact by touching an infected part of the body. Often, these infections cause mild symptoms or do not have any symptoms , but can result in serious and sometimes life threatening complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active and have more than one sexual partner or are not in an exclusive relationship with your partner.
If you think you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the first thing to do is to make an appointment for a full STI checkup at a family planning clinic near you. When you go to your appointment make sure you tell your healthcare provider the symptoms you are experiencing. This is not something you have to be embarrassed about and it’s important that you’re honest so you can receive the most appropriate treatment. Most STIs are treatable, and it is important for you to get treatment right away. Also, you can use this opportunity to get information about specific STIs and to talk about ways to prevent transmission. Your healthcare provider can also tell you when it is OK to become sexually active again to prevent spreading the infection.
When being tested for a STI, the tests used may take some time to produce a positive or negative result. It’s best to stay abstinent (don’t have any type of sex- vaginal, oral or anal) during that time to prevent spreading an infection.
Also, remember honesty is the best policy when communicating with your sexual partner. If you think you may have an STI it’s important to tell your partner. It may not be easy, but it’s the right thing to do.
Does using the birth control pill make me more likely to get cancer?
While some studies suggest birth control pills may reduce the risk for some types of cancer and others suggest birth control pills increase your risk for certain types of cancer, no studies have shown that birth control pills cause cancer. Remember, cancer is a complex disease that has many causes. If you would like to learn more about this topic make an appointment with a health care provider or learn more at National Cancer Institute.
