Birth Control: Pros and Cons of Hormonal Methods
Topic Overview
The following tables list some pros and cons of using hormonal
birth control
methods.
Combination pills, skin patch, or vaginal ring (estrogen plus progestin)
Pros | Cons |
- No interruption of foreplay or intercourse
- Reduced bleeding and cramping with periods, which lowers the risk of
anemia
- Fewer or no periods
- Reduced pain during ovulation
- Reduced risk of
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Reduced fibrocystic breast changes
- Reduced risk of
ectopic pregnancy
- May reduce
acne
- May reduce
ovarian cysts
- May reduce symptoms of
endometriosis
- May protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer
- Can be used after an abortion
| - Does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections
or
HIV
- May not be as effective when taken with certain medicines
- May delay return of normal cycles
- Pills must be taken every day.
- Patches may not fully protect you from pregnancy if they are exposed to direct sun or high heat. This can release a high dose of hormone from the patch, which leaves less for the patch to release later in the week.
- Patches deliver more estrogen than low-dose birth control pills do. Some research has found that women using the patch are more likely to get dangerous blood clots in the legs and lungs. The risk may be higher if you smoke or have certain health problems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that you talk to your doctor about your risks before using the patch.
|
Progestin-only pills, implant, or shot
Pros | Cons |
- No interruption of foreplay or intercourse
- Fewer or no periods (especially with shot or implant)
- Reduced cramps and pain during ovulation
- Shot reduces bleeding with periods, which lowers the risk of
anemia
- Reduced risk of
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Does not contain
estrogen
, so can be used by women who cannot take estrogen
- May be used by women over 35 who are smokers
- Reduces risk of
ectopic pregnancy
- Possible protection against endometrial and ovarian cancer
- Implant gives rapid return to fertility following removal.
- Shot and implant provide extremely effective birth control protection.
- Shot protects for about 3 months; implant lasts 3 years.
- Shot reduces symptoms of
endometriosis
.
- Shot reduces frequency of
seizures
in women who have a seizure disorder.
- Shot reduces number of sickle cell crises in women who have
sickle cell disease
.
| - Does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections
or
HIV
- Causes more irregular periods or spotting between periods
- May not be as effective when taken with certain medicines
- Makes
diabetes
more likely if you have had
gestational diabetes
during pregnancy
- Progestin-only pills are less effective than combination pills, but the shot and implant are extremely effective.
- Pills must be taken at the same time each day.
- Implant must be inserted and removed by a trained health professional.
- Implant may cause headaches.
- Shot may delay return of normal cycles for 6 to 8 months after the medicine is stopped, but there is no delay with pills or implant.
- Shot causes slight weight gain.
- Shot may decrease levels of
HDL ("good") cholesterol
.
- Shot can cause reversible bone mineral loss.
|
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
These advantages and disadvantages apply to both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs.
Pros | Cons |
- Does not require interruption of foreplay or intercourse
- Does not require cooperation of sex partner
- More than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy
- Easy to use
- Most cost-effective method of birth control over time
- Can be removed whenever you have problems or want to stop using it. Fertility returns with the first
ovulation
cycle following IUD removal.
- Can be inserted after a normal vaginal delivery, a cesarean section, or a
first-trimester
abortion
- Hormonal IUD can relieve heavy menstrual bleeding and cramping in most women.
| - Does not provide protection against
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
or
HIV
- Costs several hundred dollars for insertion. But this cost is often covered by your health insurance. And when an IUD is used long-term, it costs less than other methods over time.
- Only a health professional can remove the IUD. Never attempt to remove the IUD yourself or allow a partner to try to remove it.
|
Credits
Current as of:
February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Rebecca Sue Uranga
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Rebecca Sue Uranga