More Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with the non-hormonal barrier method of birth control, like with the condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap although allergies can rarely occur, especially if latex is present. Toxic shock syndrome may rarely occur with the contraceptive sponge.
Serious side effects with the copper IUD may include: pelvic inflammatory disease , uterine perforation, ectopic pregnancy, and IUD expulsion.
Other warnings and side effects may occur with the use of non-hormonal birth control. It is important to review the specific consumer information for your birth control choice. Discuss these serious side effects with your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin and herbal supplements.
How Does Birth Control Work
There are various types of birth control, and they each work slightly differently from one another. Lets take a quick look and break down the three main types of birth control.
Monophasic pills: These pills come in one-month cycles. Each active pill gives the same dose or amount of hormones. You take this pill for 21 days. For the last week of your cycle, you can either take the pills or skip the inactive pills . On these placebo pills, you will get your period.
Multiphasic pills: These pills come in one-month cycles too, but they have different levels of hormones during the cycle. During the last week of your menstrual cycle, you have the same choice of taking or skipping the inactive pills and youll still be getting your period.
Extended-cycle pills: These are more long-term-focused pills and are usually given out in 13-week cycles. You take active pills with hormones for 12 weeks, after which you can take or skip inactive pills and get your period. You will only get your period three to four times a year on these types of pills.
You May Like: Periodic Table With Real Elements Inside
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Copper Iud
The benefits of using a copper IUD are numerous for women. First and foremost, its a long-term form of birth control. Because there are no pills to remember or condoms to put on before sex, many women appreciate the freedom of using an IUD for birth control. There are many other benefits to using a copper IUD.
- It can remain in place for up to 10 years and can be removed at any time if you decide you want to become pregnant.
- Its safe to use while breastfeeding following childbirth.
- It doesnt carry the same risk of side effects that other hormonal forms of birth control do, including hormonal IUDs.
- If needed, the copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception if its inserted within five days of having unprotected sex.
You May Like: Are My Hormones Making Me Gain Weight
Read Also: Can A Uti Stop A Period
What Is The Pill And How Does It Work
Birth control pills are taken daily to prevent pregnancy. The pills contain hormones similar to the ones that naturally exist in a womans body. Those hormones help prevent ovulation. And without ovulation, theres no egg released for sperm to fertilize.
There are two types of birth control pills: progestin-only pills and combination pills . Both types of pills are highly effective they just contain different amounts of hormones.
You can also choose between conventional pills and extended-cycle pills. The conventional pills come with 24 active pills and four inactive pills. This enables you to get your period regularly, every month. Extended-cycle pills are designed so you take more active pills in a row and typically have your period four times a year, or once every three months.
Which Birth Control Is The Best For Acne
A dermatologist may prescribe birth control or oral contraceptive pills to treat acne. This is especially done when conventional methods such as topical creams and oral medications such as antibiotics have failed and other underlying conditions have been ruled out. Hormonal imbalance is generally associated with acne, and oral contraceptive pills help correct that issue. You must take the pills only under a doctors guidance because they may cause side effects such as blood clots, onset of migraines, heart diseases, and high blood pressure, especially in women with certain risk factors .
Don’t Miss: Can You Get Period Cramps While Pregnant
Do Birth Control Pills Help With Acne
Breakouts happen to everyone. Most women notice a couple of pimples popping up near their periods. When facials, face masks and cleansers dont help, you might be surprised to find out that birth control pills can.
The ovaries produce a hormone called androgen. Androgen helps produce oils on the skin. If you produce higher than average levels of androgen or are more sensitive to androgens in the blood, this can cause frequent breakouts.
Combination birth control pills can help lower the amount of androgen you produce, which can help reduce hormonal acne.
How Long Does It Take For Birth Control To Stop Your Period
Okay, so if some types of birth control can delay or prevent a visit from Aunt Flo, how long do you need to be on it before you see a change in your period? According to Dr. Walsh, most hormonal contraception methods take two to three months to work entirely in terms of bleeding modification. So, with that in mind, its important to plan and prepare if you want to use birth control to reduce, regulate, or delay menstrual bleeding.
Also Check: Why Is My Period So Heavy And Clotty
Can Birth Control Help With Period Cramps
I have heard from lots of people that you can use contraceptives to help deal with really bad menstrual cramps, is it true?
Yes! Many people use hormonal birth control to help with period issues like cramps and PMS. Birth control pills, the ring, and the patch can make periods lighter, more predictable, and less painful. You can also use the pill, patch, and ring to safely skip your periods altogether.
Hormonal IUDs, the implant, and the shot can also ease cramps and make periods lighter and shorter . But theyre a little less predictable – some people have more irregular periods while on these methods. But theyre still really handy when it comes to helping out with period cramps.
Your local Planned Parenthood health center can help set you up with the right birth control method for you.
Signs Of Abnormally Heavy Periods
About 1 in 5 women is living with abnormally heavy periods, but many women dont seek treatment. You might be experiencing abnormally heavy menstrual periods if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Periods lasting longer than seven days
- Passing blood clots larger than a quarter
- Needing to change pads or tampons every hour
- Needing to change pads or tampons during the night
- Missing out on daily activities due to period symptoms
These are all signs of heavy periods. Experiencing heavy bleeding can drain your energy, cause symptoms of anemia, and make you miss out on activities because youre tired or uncomfortable.
Talk to Dr. Sejour about your periods to find out if your menstrual cycle might be abnormal. If youve tried other methods of controlling your period, or you dont want to use hormones, an IUD, or other method, endometrial ablation might be a good option for you.
There are many birth control options available to teenagers for pregnancy prevention, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases , and managing monthly cycles and hormones. For sexually active teens, healthcare providers typically prescribe implants and intrauterine devices first because of their effectiveness and reliability.
This article discusses birth control options for teens, including benefits, risks, and side effects.
Read Also: Do You Need Parental Consent For Birth Control
Also Check: Periodic Table With Real Elements Amazon
Can Birth Control Reduce The Risk Of Endometrial And Ovarian Cancers
For women who have used combination birth control pills pills that contain both estrogen and progestin studies show they are anywhere from 30 to 50% less likely to develop endometrial or ovarian cancers . The longer you take the pill, the more your risk is lowered.
However, taking a birth control pill doesnt replace regular check-ups and Pap tests. The pill can be a healthy addition to a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, a diet full of fruits and vegetables, and annual preventive care visits.
Things To Keep In Mind When Taking Birth Control Pills
- Keep another form of birth control, like spermicidal foam and condoms, on hand in case you forget to take a pill.
- Carry your pills with you if you dont always sleep at the same place.
- Take your pill at the same time every day.
- Get your refills soon after you start the last prescription. Dont wait until the last minute.
- Birth control pills are medications. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist you are on the pill if you see them for any reason.
Read Also: How To Make Period Flow Lighter
Hormonal Methods Impact Periods
Periods can be really hard for a woman to deal with. That is especially true if they are very heavy since that can make a person very uncomfortable. In addition, deciding what clothes to wear during that time of the month can be challenging when one has a heavy period as well. But an interesting fact is that the form of birth control that a woman chooses can impact her period in various ways. According to uofmhealth.org, hormonal birth control methods can reduce the bleeding and cramping that women experience while on their periods. It can also stop their periods altogether.
Birth Control Pills And Period: Your Questions Answered
Laurel Klafehn
Laurel Klafehn
Laurel is a linguist at heart and studying to become a Certified Spanish Interpreter and Translator. She believes in making quality healthcare accessible, and is proud of PlushCares mission to do so.
Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives or the pill, are one of the most common forms of hormonal birth control. Birth control pills have been studied for over 50 years, and were approved by the FDA for contraceptive use in 1960. Your menstrual cycle will change depending on the type of birth control pill you choose because each variety contains different quantities and types of hormones that work together to prevent pregnancy.
Understanding your options will help you determine the nature of your period while on birth control pills.
Also Check: What Happens When Your On Your Period
Also Check: What Is Considered The First Day Of Your Period
Does The Birth Control Pill Cause Blood Clots
There is a very slight risk of developing blood clots in the legs, but this risk is far less than the risk during pregnancy. Among teens who do not take the Pill, 1-10 in 100,000 will develop blood clots each year. Among teens who take combined oral contraceptive pills, the risk increases 3-5 fold or to 5-50 per 100,000 per year. For those who are pregnant, the risk of developing blood clots is twice as high as Pill users and 4-10 fold compared to nonusers.
Will My Child Start Having Sex If They Go On Birth Control Pills For Acne Or Any Other Medical Reason
Your child will most likely not start having sex if they go on the Pill for reasons other than birth control. If they go on the Pill for one of the medical reasons, they are probably just thinking about treating whatever the problem is. Their decision to have sex will likely be completely independent from their decision to go on the Pill at this time. Your child will choose to start having sex when they are ready, which involves much more than just when birth control is available.
Also Check: Home Remedies For Pcos And Irregular Periods
Birth Control For Managing Cramps
Hormonal birth control is easy to use and effective at preventing pregnancy. Certain birth control methods can provide non-contraceptive benefits as well.
Some hormonal contraceptives have been shown to lower the pain associated with dysmenorrhea. The following is a list of the prescription birth control methods that have been shown to be helpful in relieving some bad menstrual cramp pain:
- Combination birth control pills: Containing both estrogen and progestin, these pills help relieve bad menstrual cramps by blocking prostaglandin production.
- NuvaRing: NuvaRing works like combination pills to ease menstrual cramps.
- Nexplanon: This progestin-only implant appears to reduce dysmenorrhea in most women.
- Mirena IUD: While theres not much data supporting it, this IUD may reduce or eliminate monthly periods for many women, which should theoretically make menstrual cramps less likely.
- The Patch:The contraceptive patch also works like combination birth control pills and can help to decrease menstrual pain.
How Much Does It Cost
When budgeting for birth control, be sure to factor in the cost of the drug or device, along with any related doctors appointments.
You might be able to get your birth control for a lot less or even for free depending on:
- whether you have health insurance
- if you qualify for Medicaid or another government program
You May Like: Why Is My Period 6 Days Late
First Things First: The Period You Experience On The Pill Isnt Real
Hormonal birth control prevents your body from ovulating, and also prevents your endometrium from thickening and shedding the way youre used to with normal periods.
When youre on the pill, and you have a few days during the month when youre taking the inactive pills, you might experience some bleeding and cramping. This isnt a true period, however. Medical professionals call this withdrawal bleeding, and its what happens when the hormone levels in your blood drop as you take those placebo pills.
If your period was especially heavy before you started taking the pill, and you notice that its much more manageable now, thats why.
Although your period might be more regular and less intense, those placebo pills may or may not end your period woes completely. Since everyones body is so different, theres no way to know whether your specific birth control pill will eliminate your period without first-hand experience.
Option #: Hormonal Iuds
Theres a reason why OB/GYNs are obsessed with IUDsthey freaking work. Not only do they have the highest rate of pregnancy prevention , but they also last for years, meaning theres virtually no user error or memory involved. And, for once, you’ve got tons of options to choose from: either hormonal IUDs, all of which contain the same type of progestin-only hormone called levonorgestrel, or the non-hormonal IUD, which uses copper filament to prevent pregnancy.
Within the hormonal IUD category, youve got four different types on the market: Liletta and Mirena , and Skyla and Kyleena . Theyre all progestin-onlywhich we’ve already said isn’t usually as effective at blocking ovulation and crampsbut because IUDs sit within your uterus, they’re powerhouses for thinning your uterine lining, which, in turn, lessens bleeding and cramps.
Okay, okaybut what about the non-hormonal IUD? Is there a way to curb cramps and prevent pregnancy without flooding your body with hormones? Unfortunately, no. The copper, non-hormonal IUD ) is a huge no-no for dealing with period cramps. With the copper IUD, your period will be crampier and a little bit heavier over time, which is something to keep in mind when choosing your IUD, says Dr. Stoddard. The biggest benefit of the copper IUD is that it protects against pregnancy for a full 10 years, but if youre dealing with severe cramps already, you may not want to take a chance on making them more painful.
Also Check: Why Is My Period So Heavy And Long This Month
What Are The Treatment Options For Heavy Periods
There are various treatment options available for women who have very heavy periods, including medication, hormonal contraceptives and surgery. Knowing about the advantages and disadvantages of each can help make it easier to choose an appropriate treatment.
If very heavy periods become too much of a problem, treatment can help you to cope better. Different types of medication can reduce the bleeding and related problems. If one medication doesnt work, it is usually possible to try out other kinds.
Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills or intrauterine devices affect the menstrual cycle and lessen the amount of bleeding. Any fibroids or polyps that are found to be the cause can be surgically removed. If the effects of heavy periods are particularly bad, other procedures can be considered.
The choice of treatment and best time for treatment will depend on whether a woman is planning to become pregnant. The most effective treatments all limit a womans ability to get pregnant either temporarily, like the pill, or permanently, like the surgical removal of the womb .
But as long as the heavy periods arent causing anemia, they dont necessarily need to be treated. Some women learn ways to prepare as well as possible for heavier days. But its a good idea to see a doctor and try to find out what the cause is.
Recommended Reading: 90 Probationary Period Employment Form
Get The Most Out Of That Little Pill
Birth control pills have been around for decades, and they do a lot more than just prevent pregnancy. Millions of women use birth control pills to help manage painful period symptoms and other conditions. And with several formulas available, finding the right contraceptive for you is easier than ever.
Whether youre on the pill and wondering if a different one would be more effective, or this would be your first time, make an appointment with an OB-GYN or certified nurse-midwife to get help selecting the right pill for you.
OB-GYNs and midwives are experts in womens health making them experts in birth control, too. You can also make an appointment with a primary care doctor.
Ready to get on the pill? Were ready to help.
You May Like: What Does A Missed Period Mean