Understanding Contraceptives: Methods and Side Effects

Sir Isaac Newton famously said, “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” It applies to everything under the sun. So, why would contraceptives be an exception? Yes, we are advanced enough to minimise the harmful ones, but when you stop your body from functioning in a natural way, there are bound to be some side effects, right?

The side effects of using contraception can range from a bit of an itch here and there to full-blown psychological alterations. Don’t worry; this information is only there to help you make a more informed decision.

Topics of sex and contraception have long been hushed over. We sometimes tend to focus only on the immediate outcome rather than the long-term effects. And our health suffers. One in four women who use hormonal contraceptives report experiencing side effects. One in ten women who start using a contraceptive stop using it within 12 months because of the side effects.

I’ve done some digging, noted all the possible side effects from every contraceptive method, and listed them here! Happy reading!

1. Male Condom - Male or external condoms, if used correctly, are the only method of contraception that can effectively prevent contracting STIs, including HIV, as well as prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Side Effects

Condoms have almost no side effects except for latex allergies. And in this case, you could opt for other alternatives like polyurethane condoms or those made from lambskin.

2. Female Condom - Female condoms do have a high failure rate, and they also are less widely available. But if they are used correctly, they do prevent pregnancy as well as help prevent STIs(sexually transmissible infections). It is probably the only contraception for women that does not have a lot of side effects.

Side Effects

There are almost no side effects from female condoms except for people who have a latex allergy, and in some cases, people have reported irritation.

3. Spermicide - Spermicide, on its own, is not considered an effective method of prevention, but it needs to be used with condoms, cervical caps or diaphragms.

It also needs to be used at a certain time before having intercourse(not more than thirty minutes before) and then needs to be left for six to eight hours to kill the sperm effectively. It may sound like a lot of hassle, but hey, something is better than nothing. Right?

Side Effects

• Spermicide might actually increase your chances of contracting STIs, including HIV, in case of sexual intercourse with someone who is already infected.

• In a 2007 research conducted on 300 people, 91 reported allergies, and 12 reported infertility due to using spermicide.

• Could lead to UTIs(urinary tract infections) in women.

• In the case of women, it could also cause cloudy or bloody urine.

• Again, for women, there could be pain in the lower abdomen or bladder.

4. Diaphragm - Diaphragms are domes that need to be fitted carefully and need to be used correctly. While most women can use them, there are cases when they are not suitable for your particular situation.

Diaphragms are not for you if you-

• Are prone to urinary tract infections.

• Have an unusually shaped cervix or any vaginal abnormalities that may interfere with the fit and placement of the diaphragm.

• Are allergic to latex or spermicide.

• Are you uncomfortable touching your vagina.

Side Effects

• It can cause cystitis (a bladder infection) in some women.

• Vaginal irritation.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• Skin irritation is caused if allergic to latex or spermicide

• In some rare cases, it may even lead to toxic shock syndrome(a life-threatening condition caused by a bacterial infection)

5. Cervical cap - Cervical caps and diaphragms are basically similar and work as a barrier by blocking the cervix. Diaphragms are easier to insert and remove, whereas cervical caps are smaller. But you can leave in a cap longer than a diaphragm. Apart from that, a cervical cap also has the same side effects as that of a diaphragm.

Side Effects

• Can cause cystitis (a bladder infection) in some women

• Vaginal irritation

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Results in skin irritation if allergic to latex or spermicide

• In some rare cases, it may even lead to toxic shock syndrome(a life-threatening condition caused by a bacterial infection).

1. Birth Control Pill - Birth control pills have hormones. There are two kinds available - the combined pill (or the pill) that contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen and the progestogen-only pill (or the mini-pill).

Your healthcare provider should suggest the best option for you according to your medical history. Let’s listen to our doctors; they know best!

The combined pill is not for you if you

• Are aged 35 or over

• Are living with obesity

• Smoke

• Have had blood clots

• Have high blood pressure, a heart abnormality or heart disease

• Have breast cancer

• Have a liver disease

• Have diabetes with complications

• Have gallbladder problems

Side Effects

• Changes in menstrual cycles, no menstrual cycles, extra bleeding(between periods)

• Headaches, nausea, mood swings, worsening of migraines

• Breast tenderness

• High blood pressure

Rare but high risks

• Thrombosis(Blood clots)

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Breast cancer

• Cervical cancer

2. Mini pills - Mini pills are slightly less effective than the combined pill since they do not contain oestrogen, which means it doesn’t prevent ovulation quite as well. However, the lack of oestrogen also means there are fewer side effects.

The mini pill is not for you if you

• Have a liver or heart disease

• Have ever had a stroke

• Breast cancer

• Have ovarian cysts

• A condition that affects your kidneys

Side Effects

• Irregular menstrual cycle, extra bleeding(between periods)

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches

• Mood swings

• Changes to sex drive (libido)

• Ovarian cysts

3. Birth Control Patch - The contraceptive patch releases the hormones oestrogen and progestogen into the bloodstream. There is an ease of usage because you need to wear a patch for seven days and then replace it with a new one. If used correctly, it is highly effective, but it also comes with its fair share of restrictions. Let’s get down to it.

The birth control patch is not for you if you

• Are aged 35 or over

• Are living with obesity

• Smoke

• Ever had blood clots or you have ever had a stroke

• Have high blood pressure, a heart abnormality or heart disease

• Have migraines

• Have a liver disease

• Have diabetes with complications

• Have gallbladder problems

• Breast cancer

Side Effects

• Skin irritation

• Irregular menstrual cycle, extra bleeding(between periods)

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches or dizziness

Rare but high risks

• Blood clots

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Breast cancer

• Cervical cancer

4. Vaginal Ring: The vaginal ring is also a hormonal contraceptive that releases the hormones oestrogen and progestogen into your body through the vaginal lining. It needs to be worn for three weeks and then removed for one week. Wearing the ring may feel bothersome, but its side effects should bother you more. Let’s get into it.

The vaginal ring is not for you if you

• Are aged 35 or over

• Are living with obesity

• Smoke

• Ever had blood clots or you have ever had a stroke

• Have high blood pressure, a heart abnormality or heart disease

• Have had blood clots

• Have migraines

• Have or had breast cancer

• Have diabetes with complications

Side Effects

• Irregular menstrual cycle, extra bleeding(between periods)

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches or dizziness

• Nausea

• Mood changes

• Increased vaginal discharge

Rare but high risks

• Blood clots

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Breast cancer

• Cervical cancer

• Liver cancer

1. Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)- The Copper IUD is a long-term contraceptive that does not release hormones, but instead, it works by releasing copper into the uterus. It is highly effective and is also safe to use during breastfeeding. But let’s take a look at who can use it and the side effects.

The copper IUD is not for you if you

• Have a STI or pelvic infection

• Have fibroids or cervical cancer

• Unexplained bleeding between or after sex

• Have low iron levels

• Heavy periods

• Endometriosis

Side Effects

• Irregular menstrual cycle, extra bleeding(but this may happen only temporarily)

• Pelvic infection(rare)

• Ectopic pregnancy in case you get pregnant(rare)

2. Hormonal IUD- The hormonal IUD releases the hormone progestogen into the uterus. It is also highly effective and is also safe to use during breastfeeding.

The hormonal IUD is not for you if you

• Been treated for breast cancer

• Have a liver disease

Side Effects

• Irregular menstrual cycle, extra bleeding(between periods) [Note- by six months, you may have a lighter period or no period at all]

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches or dizziness

• Mood changes

3. Implantable Rod- The contraceptive implant releases the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream. It is also highly effective and safe even during breastfeeding.

The implant is not for you if you

• Have liver disease

• Heart disease or stroke

• Have or had breast cancer

Side Effects

• Irregular periods

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Changes in mood

1. Vasectomy - It is a permanent method of contraception for men that is quite a safe procedure to get and does not have many side effects. It can also be reversed, but it may not always work. But as is the case with any surgical procedure, it can lead to complications.

Side Effects

• Bleeding inside the scrotum

• Infection of the surgery site

• Swelling

• Mild pain or discomfort

2. Sterilisation - Female sterilisation or tubal ligation, the permanent method of contraception for women, does pose some serious complications.

Side Effects

• It is normal to experience vaginal bleeding for up to one month after surgery

• Swollen abdomen for several days post-surgery

• Shoulder pain

• Bloating

• Abdominal cramps

• Nausea

• Sore throat

• Dizziness

Rare but high risks

• Blood clots

• Wound infection

• UTI

• Damage to a nerve or artery

• Damage to an organ (rare)

• If the surgery fails and you get pregnant, it could lead to an ectopic pregnancy

Before you jump to any conclusions about contraception, doing your research is imperative. If you are reading this, you are just one step closer to making an informed decision. If you are already using a contraceptive and feel you have a symptom that you did not find here, go see your doctor immediately.

As for the rest of you, see a healthcare professional, disclose your medical history and chart the best path forward!

Let’s stay protected and, as always, talk about it.