Everyone has the right to full information about the birth control methods they are debating and how those methods may affect their bodies.
That’s why I put together this brief guide to some of the lesser-known effects of a few common birth control methods!
1. The Implant
What It Is
A small rod that a healthcare provider inserts underneath the skin of your upper arm that releases the hormone progestin into your body to keep your ovaries from producing eggs and to thicken your cervical mucus so that sperm cannot access an egg.
What Rocks
Once it’s inserted, you’re all set for three years, and it’s over 99% effective! You don’t need to do anything, and for those who are concerned about hormones, there’s no estrogen involved (often the culprit when it comes to people’s least favorite side effects of other hormonal methods).
It may also make your period lighter and menstrual cramps less severe, after potential irregular bleeding/spotting for the first three to six months.
What’s Less Fun
Though they are less common, there is still the possibility of side effects typically associated with hormonal birth control like the pill: Weight gain, nausea, soreness, and changes in sex drive.
2. The IUD (Intra-Uterine Device)
What It Is
A small T-shaped device that a provider inserts into your uterus, affecting the way sperm move so that they are unable to merge with an egg. Some IUDs, like the Mirena (which lasts between five and seven years), release a low dosage of progestin similarly to the implant. The copper IUD, ParaGard (which lasts up to 12 years), is fully non-hormonal.
What Rocks
Like the implant, the IUD is more than 99% effective, with no effort on your part aside from actually getting it inserted. The hormonal IUD can make your period lighter and your cramps less severe, again after a three to six month period of potential irregular spotting, which makes it a great option for folks who have used hormonal birth control in the past.
What’s Less Fun
Getting the IUD inserted into your cervix can range from severely uncomfortable to painful, although the insertion is quick and cramping subsides after a day or two.
For those with pain and/or anxiety related to penetration, including those with a history of sexual trauma, the implant (which is similar in its effectiveness and ease) may be a better choice. Also, especially for people who have been on hormonal birth control already, the copper IUD can make your period heavier and your cramps worse.
3. The Pill
What It Is
A pill, usually combining the hormones estrogen and progestin, which keep your ovaries from producing eggs and thicken your cervical mucus. It is taken daily, at about the same time each day, and needs a doctor’s prescription.
What Rocks
It allows you some control over when you get your period, and some versions of the pill can make your period lighter and decrease menstrual cramps. Plus, when taken correctly every day, it is about 99% effective.
What’s Less Fun
When it is not taken at about the same time every day, the pill’s effectiveness decreases. And besides the more commonly known, short-term side effects of weight changes, possible nausea/vomiting, and bleeding between periods, the pill can negatively affect your sex drive and change the way you experience pleasure long-term or even permanently.
4. The Ring (NuvaRing)
What It Is
A small, bendy ring you insert into your vagina each month and leave in for three weeks. Like other hormonal birth control methods, it releases estrogen and progestin to prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs and to thicken your cervical mucus. A doctor must prescribe it.
What Rocks
The ring is a lot less work than the pill, and like the pill, when used correctly it is about 99% effective.
What’s Less Fun
You’re still in charge of making sure you insert and remove it each month and that you put it back in if you take it out. Side effects are similar to those associated with the pill.
5. The Patch
What It Is
A hormonal patch you put on your body every week that releases estrogen and progestin, similarly to other hormonal methods. It needs a doctor’s prescription, and when used correctly, it is 99% effective.
What Rocks
As with other hormonal methods, your period may be lighter and cramps may be less painful. This method is also less work than the pill, since you just need to remember to change it on time every week.
What’s Less Fun
Again, human error comes into play with a method that you are responsible for tracking and changing. The patch also has similar short-term side effects to the pill and the ring.
6. The Shot
What It Is
A shot of the hormone progestin, prescribed and administered by a healthcare provider four times a year.
What Rocks
You only have to get the shot every three months, so it beats out the pill, the patch, and the ring on ease of use. Plus, no estrogen!
What’s Less Fun
You have to go to the doctor every three months to get the shot – you can’t just do it at home. And even without estrogen, side effects resemble side effects of the pill, the ring, and the patch.
Remember, these are all contraceptive methods, and none of them protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs and STDs)! Combine them with a barrier method like a condom or dental dam for safer sex. And check out Planned Parenthood or my favorite resource, Bedsider, for more information about any and all safer sex methods!
A note about doctors: When it comes to certain aspects of sexual health and pleasure, healthcare providers are not always well-trained or willing to talk about it – and this can extend to their recommendations and the information they share about various birth control methods.
This means that when it comes to hormonal side effects related to your ability to self-lubricate or reach orgasm, your doctor may not even know that the side effect exists. And even the best-intentioned doctors may not share some information about a certain birth control method because it may make the doctor, the patient, or a parent uncomfortable.
Always ask more questions, and always do your research! When deciding what method of birth control is best for you, you should have access to full information that allows you to make the right choice for you and your body at any given time.
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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