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Understanding birth control1

Contraception, including methods, medications, and devices, helps prevent pregnancy. Women have a range of birth control options to choose from, each with varying levels of effectiveness. Your selection should be based on your health status, whether you wish to have children now or later.

Birth control types

  • Pills
  • Shots
  • Rings
  • Patch

Birth control methods vary in reliability. Correct use is crucial for effectiveness; for instance, the contraceptive pill is over 99% effective when used properly, but up to 9 in 100 women may still become pregnant each year due to user errors2. A discussion with your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate birth control method for you.

Birth control side effects

Birth control can be a highly effective method of preventing pregnancy, but they’re not without their potential side effects. While many women experience no significant issues, others may encounter a variety of symptoms.

  • Combined hormonal birth control pills offer both benefits and potential drawbacks. While it can effectively prevent pregnancy, it may cause minor side effects, especially during the initial adjustment period. These side effects can include:3
    • Nausea
    • Headaches
    • Breast tenderness
    • Irregular periods
  • Birth control shots can cause side effects, though many people adjust within 2-3 months. Changes in your period, like more frequent bleeding, spotting, or no periods, are common in the first year. Other possible effects include nausea, weight gain, headaches, breast tenderness, or mood changes, which usually improve after stopping the shot.4
  • Birth control rings’ side effects can be beneficial, such as easing cramps, PMS, and making periods lighter and more regular. It also helps prevent acne, anemia, bone thinning, cysts, and certain cancers. Although changes in your period may cause concern, using the ring correctly keeps the chance of pregnancy very low.5
  • The birth control patch may cause side effects like headaches, nausea, sore breasts, changes in your period, spotting, or skin reactions where the patch is applied. However, many people use the patch without any issues. Most side effects typically go away after 2-3 months as your body adjusts to the hormones.6

Choosing a birth control method

Choosing a birth control method involves considering several factors to find the best option for your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help with the decision:

  • Health considerations: Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss any health conditions or concerns. Certain methods may not be suitable for you based on your medical history.
  • Effectiveness: Different methods have varying effectiveness rates. For example, hormonal methods, IUDs, and implants tend to be more effective than barrier methods.
  • Convenience: Think about how often you want to manage your birth control. Some methods require daily attention (like the pill), while others are long-acting (like IUDs or implants).
  • Side effects: Be aware of potential side effects. Hormonal methods can cause mood changes, weight gain, or headaches, while non-hormonal methods may have different effects.
  • Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and preferences. For example, if you travel frequently or prefer a low-maintenance option, long-acting methods might be more suitable.
  • Future plans: If you plan to have children soon, temporary methods might be better. For long-term use, more permanent solutions like sterilization could be considered.
  • Cost: Check the cost of different methods and whether they are covered by your insurance or available through public health services.

AZOVA’s Virtual Care offers personalized guidance on choosing the right birth control method and can prescribe options directly through our platform. Experience expert support and convenience from the comfort of your home.

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References

1U.S. Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Birth control methods. Women’s Health. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods

2Medical News Today. (2020, February 7). Birth control: Types, side effects, and effectiveness. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162762#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

3WebMD. (2023, May 15). Birth control: Side effects and risks. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-side-effects-risks

4Planned Parenthood. (2023, September). What Are the Side Effects & Disadvantages of Depo-Provera? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-shot   

5Planned Parenthood. (2023, September). What are the side effects of the birth control ring? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring  

6Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). What are the side effects of the birth control patch? Planned Parenthood. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-patch/birth-control-patch-side-effects

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