Today there are many options for contraception, and each has its own risk for side effects. Options include the pill, hormonal patches, rings that are inserted into the vagina, implants placed under the skin in the arm and barrier methods such as condoms.The most common side effects are from contraception that uses the hormones progestin, a synthetic version of progesterone and estrogen. Side effects may include depression, mood swings, headaches, breast tenderness, nausea or bleeding between periods.
Some people are allergic to the latex used to manufacture male and female condoms, resulting in skin irritation. Others may be allergic to the spermicides used on their own or with condoms: Skin irritation is the most common complaint.
See your doctor to help you determine which type of contraception is best for you.
Identification
The pill taken by women comes in several formulations. Some contain progestin and estrogen, others only one of these two hormones.
Reported side effects are depression, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and breakthrough bleeding that occurs between menstrual cycles.
The uterus has a thin lining, and it can shed layers easily. Changing to a different type of pill may reduce this. Some women have a very light or nonexistent period depending on what type of pill they use.
Hormone patches, implants and rings also release hormones, and their side effects are similar to those produced by the pill.
Implants may also cause skin irritation and may need to be removed if an infection develops.
Effects
Depression and breakthrough bleeding are the side effects that many women find the most disruptive. Doctors recommend using a different type of contraceptive pill to reduce or eliminate the depression: using one that has more androgens (synthetic testosterone components) may solve the problem.
Some doctors may even prescribe an antidepressant to a patient who prefers the pill but has depression as a result.
Breakthrough bleeding may be reduced if women take their pills at the same time each day.
Significance
For contraception to be effective, it must be used consistently. Women who use the pill must take it every day in most formulations. (Generally women take a pill for three weeks that contain estrogen or progestin, and one week is a placebo pill so that the habit of always taking a pill daily is imprinted.)
For women who use another form of birth control, if the side effects become too unpleasant and interfere with their ability to work and function, it is clear that another option for contraception must be explored.
For example, arm implants are used three months at a time and replaced. If a woman develops a severe reaction to it and the implants become infected, this is no longer a viable option for her.
Considerations
Each woman must determine what is the most practical form of contraception for her.
Women in a committed, monogamous relationship who have been tested with their partners for sexually transmitted diseases may be able to rely on nonbarrier methods of contraception, such as the pill or hormonal rings or patches.
Women who have more than one sexual partner may want to consider always using a barrier method such as a male or female condom to prevent the transmission of HIV, AIDS and other STDs.
Condoms are the only form of contraception that will provide this protection.
Warning
According to Planned Parenthood, the combination pill may produce some serious side effects. These include stroke, heart attack and blood clotting in the heart, brain, lungs or legs. In some cases, women may develop high blood pressure, gallstones, liver tumors or jaundice.
See your doctor at the first sign of any unusual side effects.
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