Sexual Health Birth Control How to Choose Contraception Side Effects to Consider When Choosing Birth Control By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC twitter linkedin Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience. Learn about our editorial process Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on December 03, 2019 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on October 25, 2020 Print With so many birth control methods available and so many factors to consider, choosing a birth control method can be difficult. If you have certain health problems or other risk factors, some brands of birth control may not be the safest option for you. Knowing birth control side effects ahead of time can help aid in your decision making. Antoine Arraou PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections / Getty Images Potential Side Effects It may be wise to consider your tolerance for the possible side effects associated with certain brands of birth control. In general, these side effects are not serious and will often go away within a few months of use. For example, some hormonal methods, particularly those that contain estrogen, may pose a risk of rare but serious side effects. Some common side effects for combination birth control pills include break-through bleeding and nausea. Some people experience side effects with Depo Provera, which could include excessive bleeding or weight gain. Depo Provera use can also lead to reversible bone loss. More About Side Effects Certain spermicides could cause irritation to the penis or vagina. Some women may experience skin reactions when using the Ortho Evra Contraceptive Patch. Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women who use Implanon (implants), as well as possible pain at the insertion site. Very rarely, a Mirena or ParaGard IUD can puncture the uterine wall during insertion. If not corrected, the IUD can move into other parts of the pelvic area and could damage internal organs. Research the side effects of each birth control method and determine how comfortable you would be if you experience one of those side effects. Allergic Responses Potential allergies to contraceptives are another consideration. If you or your partner are allergic to latex, you could choose a barrier method made of silicone or polyurethane, like: Female condomsPolyurethane condomsSKYN polyisoprene condomsLambskin condoms Diaphragms and cervical caps are not recommended for those with both latex and silicone allergies. Some people are allergic to chemicals found in spermicides. Other possible allergies could include: allergic reactions to the hormones found in the pill or other hormonal methods, allergies to the copper in the ParaGard IUD, and allergic rashes caused by the NuvaRing. Medical History Consider whether your medical history conflicts with the use of certain contraceptive methods as various health factors could interfere with some of the available birth control options. For instance: Birth control pills are not recommended for women who smokeCertain health conditions such as migraines, diabetes, and history of stroke or heart problems could make certain contraceptives less safe to use.Learn if birth control pills can affect blood pressureYour weight relates to birth control pill effectiveness Additional Medical Considerations Having just delivered a baby or breastfeeding can also affect the type of birth control one should use. Progestin-only pills (the mini pill) could be a good option for women in this situation. It is also important to consider that certain methods, like diaphragms, cervical caps, and the sponge may be less effective once a woman has given birth. Sexual Transmitted Diseases and IUDs Another health factor to consider is whether or not you currently have or potentially could be exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If an STD is present at the time an IUD is inserted, the infection can be carried into the uterus. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility if left untreated. If you choose an IUD and are at any risk of catching an STD, it's wise to use condoms before and after the IUD is inserted. Depo Provera and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Additionally, in a study reported in the Sexually Transmitted Diseases journal, women who used Depo Provera are more than three times as likely to catch chlamydia or gonorrhea over the course of a year than women who use birth control pills or non-hormonal contraceptives. Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Condom Use If you currently have an STD, remember that a condom is the only method that prevents the spread of certain STDs to your sexual partner. In fact, condoms help reduce the risk of all of the following STDs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Condoms can also protect against vaginitis caused by trichomoniasis or changes in the pH balance of the vagina that can be triggered by semen. Keep in mind, however, that condoms do not offer protection against HPV/genital warts or herpes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit