Hormonal birth control is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential long-term effects of hormonal birth control, as these can vary depending on the individual.
What is hormonal birth control?
Hormonal birth control is a type of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. It can be taken as a pill, patch, ring, shot, implant, or IUD.
Hormonal birth control works in a few different ways. It can prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. It can also thicken the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Additionally, hormonal birth control can thin the uterus lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
Positive effects
- Lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. Women who use hormonal birth control for at least five years have a lower risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancers.
- Less severe menstrual cramps. Hormonal birth control can help to reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.
- Less heavy bleeding. Hormonal birth control can help to reduce the amount of blood lost during menstruation.
- Less frequent periods. Some forms of hormonal birth control can help to make periods less frequent or even stop altogether.
Negative effects
- Weight gain. Some women experience weight gain while taking hormonal birth control. However, the amount of weight gain is usually small and may be due to other factors, such as changes in diet or exercise.
- Mood swings. Some women experience mood swings, such as depression or anxiety, while taking hormonal birth control. These mood swings are usually mild and disappear when the woman stops taking the medication.
- Blood clots. An infrequent but profound side effect of hormonal birth control is blood clots. Blood clots can be dangerous, and they are more likely to occur in women over 35 years old, who smoke, or have a family history of blood clots.
- It decreased bone density. Long-term use of hormonal birth control may reduce bone density. This is a concern for women who are at risk for osteoporosis.
When to talk to your doctor
If you are considering hormonal birth control, you must talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. Your doctor can help you decide if hormonal birth control is proper.
How does hormonal birth control work?
Hormonal birth control works by preventing ovulation. Ovulation is the release of an egg from an ovary. When an egg is not released, it cannot be fertilized by sperm. Hormonal birth control also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus. Additionally, hormonal birth control can thin the uterus lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
There are two main types of hormonal birth control: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. Progestin-only tablets contain only the hormone progestin.
Some of the different types of hormonal birth control
- Combination birth control pills are the most common type of hormonal birth control. They contain two hormones, estrogen, and progestin. Women who take combination birth control pills must take one every day for 21 days, followed by a week of no pills. During the week of no pills, women will have a menstrual period.
- Progestin-only birth control pills: These pills contain only the hormone progestin. Women taking progestin-only birth control pills must take medication daily without a break. Progestin-only birth control pills are not as effective as combination birth control pills, but they can be a good option for women who cannot take estrogen.
- The birth control patch: The birth control patch is a small, adhesive patch applied to the skin once a week. The patch releases hormones into the bloodstream, preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
- The birth control ring: The birth control ring is a flexible, plastic ring inserted into the vagina. The ring releases hormones into the bloodstream, preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
- The IUD (intrauterine device): The IUD is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. IUDs can contain either copper or hormones. Copper IUDs work by preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Hormonal IUDs release hormones into the uterus, preventing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus.
- The implant is a small, rod-shaped implant inserted under a healthcare provider’s upper arm’s skin. The implant releases the hormone progestin into the bloodstream, preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
However, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects, which can vary depending on the type of hormonal birth control used. Some common side effects of hormonal birth control include weight gain, nausea, mood swings, and breakthrough bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you experience any bothersome side effects or do not go away.
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