• Birth Control

Is Birth Control Bad for You?

Birth control is a contraceptive method that prevents pregnancy. Different forms of birth control are more long-term than others. Most birth control options are safe for everyone. However, some birth control methods may cause more side effects than others.

It can be used for more than just pregnancy prevention. Some people may start birth control for other reasons like reducing severe acne or symptoms of endometriosis.

You may experience changes in your menstrual cycle and more mood swings when using birth control because of its effect on the hormones. Read on to learn more about other side effects you may experience while on birth control.

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What is Birth Control?

Birth control is a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against STIs and STDs. There are both hormonal and non-hormonal birth control options that prevent ovulation.

Hormonal birth control works by increasing progesterone and estrogen levels. Progesterone prevents pregnancy, while estrogen alters menstruation.

The birth control pill is the most common form of birth control. This method prevents the ovaries from releasing the egg. There is a mini pill that only contains progestin and no estrogen, combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, and a low estrogen option.

There are three types of birth control pills that your healthcare provider can prescribe to you. Other types of birth control include:

• Birth control patch: The birth control patch is worn once a week to release hormones into the body that prevent pregnancy.

• Female sterilization (tube litigation): The fallopian tubes are blocked or removed to prevent pregnancy. This is the most permanent form of birth control.

• Birth control shot: The birth control shot injects progestin into the body to prevent pregnancy for three months before needing another shot.

• IUD (intrauterine device): An IUD is a small device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.

• Vaginal ring: This form of contraception is inserted into the vaginal canal and replaced monthly.

• Birth control implant: An implant is inserted under the skin of the arm. It releases hormones to prevent pregnancy for up to five years.

Be sure to let your healthcare provider if you are considering having children at another time or have just completed a pregnancy.

What are the Side Effects of Birth Control?

The side effects you experience on birth control depend on multiple factors. For example, some people may experience weight gain when they start the birth control pill. There is no way to know for sure if you will experience side effects while using birth control.

Most side effects of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control are mild and short-term. You may experience more side effects when you first start birth control as your body adjusts to the release of hormones.

What are the side effects of hormonal birth control?

Common side effects of hormonal birth control like the pill, shot, implant, and hormonal IUD may include:

• Nausea

• Weigh gain

• Acne

• Weight loss

• Breast tenderness

• White vaginal discharge

• Spotting in between periods

• Irregular periods

• Headaches

• Dizziness

Severe side effects of hormonal birth control can also occur. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Ovarian cysts 

• Hypertension

• Blood clots

• Loss of appetite

• Changes in stool

• Liver tumors

• Persistent thrush

• Abdominal pain

• Abnormal discharge

• Myocardial infarction

It is not uncommon to have mood swings while taking hormonal birth control pills. 

may occur in people who have trouble sleeping or staying energetic throughout the day. A healthcare provider may recommend mental health services or an alternate birth control option if you have symptoms of depression.

One rare symptom of using the birth control shot is a slight weakening of the bones. This can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Some people may also develop a scar on the upper arm where the injection is done every three months.

What are the side effects of non-hormonal birth control?

Non-hormonal birth control may be less effective than hormonal birth control because of the risk of human error.

Non-hormonal birth control methods include:

• Copper IUDs

• Condoms

• Diaphragms

• Spermicide

• Sponges

Condoms are a form of birth control that also prevents STIs. A diaphragm is a non-hormonal birth control method used with spermicide to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.  Spermicide may irritate the vaginal canal. This can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI) and other complications.

Non-hormonal birth control methods have similar potential side effects as hormonal birth control including:

• Abdominal pain

• Irregular periods

• Pelvic infections

• Ectopic pregnancies

• Skin irritation

What are the side effects of sterilization?

Female sterilization —  also known as tubal ligation — is a non-hormonal form of permanent birth control. Vasectomies are a form of sterilization for men that prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. 

While generally safe, there is a risk of pelvic infections from the surgical procedure. If considering sterilization, a healthcare provider may discuss the option extensively with you before you make a decision. 

When do side effects go away?

Side effects from birth control tend to disappear within months of no longer using birth control. Menstrual cycles can return to normal as soon as three menstrual cycles after stopping birth control use.

You may experience different side effects if you choose to switch from one birth control method to another.

What are the Risks of Being on Birth Control?

Birth control may increase your risk of breast, cervical, and endometrial cancer. However, being on birth control can also reduce your risk of other types of cancer like bowel and ovarian cancer.

Women over the age of 35 with preexisting cardiovascular conditions may experience more side effects on hormonal birth control. Hormonal birth control options may increase blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure).

The following health conditions may also increase your risk of side effects from birth control:

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Acute liver disease

• Stroke

• Undiagnosed uterine bleeding

Be sure to let your healthcare provider if you are taking certain medications or herbs. Medications that increase potassium levels, certain NSAIDs, anti-seizure medications, and antifungals may make certain types of birth control less effective.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Birth control is generally safe for most people. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any severe symptoms like:

• Chest pains

• Swelling and redness

• Pain in the legs

• Jaundice

While rare, there is always a chance of pregnancy even while on birth control. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider right away if you begin to experience pregnancy symptoms.

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