Is birth control bad for you?

Birth control comes in many forms, including pills, condoms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Each method has pros and cons. It’s important to know that what works for one person might not work for you.

Experts generally agree that birth control is a safe and effective method for preventing pregnancy.

But some birth control methods, such as the combination pill, have potential side effects and complications.

Is birth control safe? 

When deciding what birth control method may be right for you, it can help to understand the benefits and side effects of each.

Birth control pill

The hormonal birth control pill works by preventing ovulation. It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), only 9 out of 100 people who use the pill get pregnant each year.

Most birth control pills contain the hormone estrogen, which carries a small risk of blood clots. Those who are postpartum and take birth control pills with estrogen have an increased risk of blood clots.

Possible side effects of hormonal birth control pills include:

• breast tenderness
• nausea
• headaches
• changes in your menstrual cycle
• spotting between periods

One of the most common forms of birth control is the combination pill, which includes both estrogen and progestin.

Examples include:

• levonorgestrel ethinyl estradiol (Tyblume)
• norgestimate ethinyl estradiol (Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo)
• drospirenone ethinyl estradiol (Yaz)

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Intrauterine device (IUD)

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped device that healthcare professionals insert into the uterus.

It’s available in two forms: A hormone IUD and a copper IUD. They both stop the fertilization of an egg. The hormonal IUD releases the hormone progestin into the uterus, while the copper IUD releases copper. 

IUDs are a very effective form of birth control, resulting in less than 1 pregnancy per 100 people.

Possible side effects of an IUD include:

• headaches
• nausea
• spotting

Vaginal ring

This flexible ring releases estrogen into the vagina but at a lower dose than the pill. It’s as effective as the pill but may have fewer side effects.

Side effects include:

• headache
• vaginal discharge
• breast tenderness

Condoms

Condoms are a well-known contraception method that blocks sperm from reaching an egg.

They come in male and female forms, but male condoms are slightly more effective.

Condom use poses very few risks. Also, one of the most significant benefits of barrier methods such as condoms is that they also prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In some cases, condoms may cause genital irritation. If you have a latex allergy, consider switching to condoms made of lambskin or polyurethane.

Sterilization

Tubal ligation is a highly effective female birth control method involving surgical fallopian tube removal. About 18–37 out of 1,000 people get pregnant within 10 years of getting a tubal ligation procedure.

ACOG considers tubal ligation to be a safe procedure with a low risk of complications.

Male sterilization involves sealing off the tube that releases sperm. Healthcare professionals consider it a safer procedure than female sterilization.

Both procedures come with a risk of bleeding and infection.

How to choose the best type of birth control for you

Here’s what to consider when choosing the right birth control option for you:

• Do you want to have kids in the future? If not, you may want to consider a longer-term or permanent form of birth control such as an IUD or sterilization.
• What are the side effects? Understanding the potential side effects, even uncommon ones, can help you make your decision.
• Do you have any health conditions? Some health conditions, including breast cancer or liver disease, may pose some risks for hormonal birth control.
• What’s the effectiveness? Effectiveness is based on perfect use. So while the birth control pill is effective if you remember to take it regularly, it may not be a good option if you think you may forget to take it.

Summary

Birth control options such as hormonal contraceptives, condoms, and sterilization are effective ways to prevent pregnancy. Most forms of birth control are safe, but like any medication, birth control can have side effects.

Side effects vary from person to person, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option when considering birth control.

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