Birth control is widely used and highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but like any medication, it can come with side effects. These side effects can vary from person to person and depend on the type of birth control used. It’s important to understand what the potential side effects are, what’s normal, and what might indicate the need for a change in method. Here’s the truth about birth control side effects:
1. Hormonal Birth Control (Pills, Patches, IUDs, Injections, Implants)
These methods release hormones (typically estrogen and progestin or just progestin) to prevent pregnancy.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea: Some women experience nausea, particularly when first starting the pill or switching methods. This usually subsides after a few days or weeks.
- Mood Changes: Hormonal birth control can affect mood. Some people report feeling more irritable, anxious, or depressed, while others might experience improvements in mood due to regulated hormones.
- Breast Tenderness: Hormonal fluctuations can cause temporary breast swelling or tenderness.
- Spotting or Irregular Bleeding: Especially during the first few months, breakthrough bleeding (spotting between periods) is common.
- Weight Gain: Some people experience slight weight gain, but studies show that hormonal birth control methods are not typically responsible for significant weight changes. However, some women may retain water or experience increased appetite.
- Decreased Libido: Hormonal changes can affect sexual desire, with some people reporting a decrease in libido, though others may have no change or even an increase in sexual desire.
- Headaches or Migraines: Birth control can trigger headaches or migraines, especially if the estrogen dose is too high or if someone is sensitive to hormonal changes.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Blood Clots: There’s a small risk of blood clots, particularly with birth control methods containing estrogen (like the pill, patch, or ring). Women who smoke or have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, or certain genetic conditions are at higher risk.
- High Blood Pressure: Hormonal birth control can raise blood pressure in some women, so regular monitoring is important.
- Stroke and Heart Attack: While rare, hormonal birth control has been associated with a slightly increased risk of stroke or heart attack, particularly for those who smoke, are over 35, or have other cardiovascular risk factors.
2. Non-Hormonal Birth Control (Copper IUD)
The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a non-hormonal option that works by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg.
Common Side Effects:
- Heavier Periods: The copper IUD can make periods heavier, longer, or more painful, especially during the first few months.
- Cramps: Some women experience cramping after insertion and during their periods, particularly in the first few months of use.
- Spotting: Some women experience irregular bleeding or spotting, especially during the first few months.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Infection: The risk of pelvic infection is higher within the first few weeks after insertion, so it’s important to follow aftercare instructions carefully.
- Expulsion: The IUD can sometimes be expelled from the uterus, especially within the first year after insertion.
- Perforation: Very rarely, the IUD can puncture the wall of the uterus during insertion, which may require surgical intervention.
3. Emergency Contraception (Morning-After Pill)
The morning-after pill contains higher doses of hormones and is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The higher hormone dose can cause nausea, and in some cases, vomiting. If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the pill, a second dose may be needed.
- Spotting or Irregular Bleeding: Spotting between periods or a delay in the next menstrual period is common after taking emergency contraception.
- Fatigue: Some people report feeling tired or fatigued after taking emergency contraception.
4. Implantable Contraceptives (Nexplanon)
An implant is a small rod inserted under the skin that releases progestin to prevent pregnancy for several years.
Common Side Effects:
- Irregular Bleeding: Irregular bleeding or periods that stop altogether is a common side effect, especially in the first few months.
- Weight Gain: Some women report slight weight gain, though research shows the implant is not generally associated with significant weight changes.
- Mood Changes: Like other hormonal methods, some women may experience mood swings, irritability, or depression.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Pain at the Insertion Site: The area where the implant was inserted may be sore, swollen, or infected, but this usually resolves after a short time.
- Headaches: Some women experience headaches or migraines due to hormonal changes.
5. Barrier Methods (Condoms, Diaphragms, Cervical Caps)
Barrier methods work by physically preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
Common Side Effects:
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to latex or other materials used in condoms or diaphragms. This can cause irritation, itching, or redness.
- Discomfort During Use: Some women may find diaphragms or cervical caps uncomfortable during insertion or wear.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Women who use spermicides with barrier methods may be at a higher risk of urinary tract infections.
6. Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)
These methods involve tracking your menstrual cycle, temperature, and cervical mucus to avoid pregnancy.
Common Side Effects:
- Higher Risk of Pregnancy: If not followed carefully, fertility awareness methods have a higher failure rate compared to other birth control options, leading to an increased risk of unintended pregnancy.
7. Sterilization (Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy)
Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control for those who do not want more children.
Common Side Effects:
- Surgical Risks: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of infection, bleeding, or complications during surgery.
- Post-Tubal Ligation Syndrome: Some women report symptoms such as irregular periods, mood changes, and pelvic pain after having a tubal ligation, though this is rare.
