In reality, most women have very little information about their prescription—other than it reduces the chances of unplanned pregnancy. So you may not know about the added benefits of the pill—including less painful menstrual cramps, a lighter flow and even cleared up acne. These can be life changing for women suffering from severe PMS, endometriosis and other reproductive issues.
There are also many varieties of the pill and each type can affect users in different ways. It is important to be educated on the subject, not only because it’s something you’re putting in your body, but because of what can happen if you don’t use it correctly.
Know all your options before settling on one method or (even worse) deciding to forgo contraception altogether.
The Patch
A beige, two-inch square piece of sticky plastic, the patch releases hormones through the skin and works for a week at a time.
With the similar side effects and benefits, the Patch is great for women who have trouble remembering to pop that pill every day. It’s easy to use, though some women complain it falls off too easily.
The Implant
Placed under the skin of your arm, this contraceptive uses progestin to suppress ovulation. The device—about the size of a matchstick—is inserted and removed by a professional with the use of local anesthetic and lasts three years.
There are side effects including irregular bleeding, mood changes, acne, weight gain and changes in sex drive, but these often subside after a few months. The implant offers long-term protection that you rarely have to think about.
The Ring
This device is the size and shape of a hair-tie and can be inserted at home. It works in month-long cycles, remaining in the vagina for three weeks and removed for the fourth.
Women dissatisfied with other methods often prefer the Ring, as it’s the lowest level of hormones and has fewer side effects. Most people can’t feel it, but it can be removed for sex and remains effective if replaced within 24 hours.
The Shot
Another long-term solution that uses progestin, the Shot is an injection that is effective for three months. It is easy to use, safe for breastfeeding women and has the added benefit of being totally discrete.
Changes in mood, appetite and blood-flow are sometimes reported, but side effects usually subside within six months.
IUD
Intrauterine devices are hormone-free copper or synthetic progestin devices that are surgically inserted into the cervix. These work for between three and 12 years and are safer for smokers and those with high blood pressure than other hormonal methods.
It’s almost impossible to get this one wrong, though cramps, spotting and increased blood-flow are possible side effects. Another bonus, it can be used while breastfeeding.
Gel
Phexxi is a non-hormonal birth control option that comes in the form of a gel. It must be inserted vaginally before sex and works to change the pH of the vagina during sex to prevent pregnancy. Phexxi was approved by the FDA in 2020.
Other Pills
The progestin-only pill (AKA “mini pill”), is great for women who can’t tolerate estrogen in their birth control. Additionally, the traditional (estrogen/progestin combo) pill is offered in a variety of brands that are equally effective, but have differing benefits and side effects for each woman.
So if you suddenly start gaining weight or notice your skin clearing up years after taking YAZ, it’s not the formula that’s changed; it’s you. Obesity has also been linked to a slight decrease in effectiveness.
You can switch up methods of birth control over time as your lifestyle and body changes.
If you’re going to try to start a family in the next year or two, your IUD or implant may not be the best choice. Women who are smokers, over 35 or at high-risk for breast cancer are encouraged to try contraceptives with lower hormone levels and to take breaks from long-term methods.
Whether you’ve been using the same method for a while or if you’re not totally satisfied, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives.
The pill is not recommended for smokers. Oral contraceptives are less safe to take for those with a history of migraines, diabetes, stroke or heart disease, as the ingredients may increase the risk of blood clots and high blood pressure.
Even if your healthcare provider has given you the all-clear, the pill can have side effects that may surprise you. The most common are bleeding, nausea, vaginal infections, decreased libido, high blood pressure, headaches, bloating, weight gain and depression. These should subside within a few months.
More serious but rare side effects include blood clots, heart attacks, stroke and cervical cancer. Your contraceptive can also interfere with other medication, so if you experience unusual and unpleasant changes, talk to your healthcare provider about trying something new.
Just like the pill, there are many kinds of condoms—latex-free, lubricated and non-lubricated depending on your preference. And size does matter! Most brands have various sizes and malfunction most commonly occurs because of improper fit, so it’s important that your condoms have a snug fit.
Whatever you do, don’t double up if you miss a dose! This can have seriously un-fun consequences like excessive bleeding, headaches and emotional changes. If you forget a pill, resume taking as normal and make sure to use a secondary method of birth control for at least a week afterwards.
A Word From Verywell
Though all this information may seem overwhelming, it’s crucial to have the facts when choosing something as important as birth control. Thankfully, there are many options available for short and long-term use, so if one (or three!) methods aren’t for you, you’re sure to find one that is if you keep trying.
