Why Your Contraception Might Not Be Working for You

If you’re sexually active and not ready to have a baby, birth control is an absolute necessity. Women today have far better choices when it comes to contraception, as well as better access. You can choose from an array of birth control methods that are safe and effective.

That doesn’t mean, however, that all options are a good fit for you. Here, Hany H Ahmed, MD, helps you understand when it might be time to consider a new contraceptive approach. 

Why your birth control may cause unwanted changes

Most forms of birth control use synthetic hormones to alter your natural hormonal balance and dramatically reduce the chance that a sperm can fertilize one of your eggs. 

One way that happens is by preventing ovulation. No egg means no chance of pregnancy. Hormonal birth control also thickens your cervical mucus, making it challenging for sperm to reach an egg. 

Altered hormone levels also make it unlikely for an embryo to implant in the uterus and can cause other changes throughout your body.

Not every woman experiences unwanted side effects from hormonal birth control. For others, however, these changes can be incredibly disruptive to their routines. 

Possible side effects of hormonal birth control

Changes in your menstrual bleeding are a common side effect. For many women, hormonal birth control dramatically reduces monthly bleeding, which often comes as a relief. You may also notice less cramping and bloating during periods. 

If you take the birth control pill, you may even be able to skip your periods by continuing to take the active pills in your pack each month. 

Other changes that you might experience with hormonal birth control include:

• Frequent or intense headaches
• Mood swings
• Acne breakouts (although acne improves for some women)
• Reduced sex drive
• Depression
• Irregular bleeding (spotting)
• Facial hyperpigmentation (dark patches of skin)
• Nausea
• Hair loss
• Frequent yeast infections
• Weight gain

Again, not every woman encounters these changes. 

What to do if your birth control causes side effects

It takes time for your body to adapt to a new form of birth control. If you experience side effects, consider giving your system some time to adjust to the new hormonal shifts.

For example, some women who rely on long-lasting options like an implant or an IUD experience heavy bleeding for a few months but then find their bleeding lessens to almost nothing over time. 

After a while, however, your birth control shouldn’t cause changes that interfere with your daily life. If it does, consider a change. There’s no need to suffer through unwanted side effects when you have so many options to choose from. 

Set up a time to come in and meet with Dr. Ahmed to discuss your experience and explore alternative birth control methods. Call our office in Houston, Texas, today or request an appointment online.