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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, complications ahead of time can help aid in your decision-making.
Potential Side Effects, Complications -
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.
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For example, some hormonal methods, particularly
those that contain estrogen, may pose a risk of rare but serious
side effects.
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Some common side effects for combination birth
control pills include break-through bleeding and nausea.
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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, Birth Control Complications -
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Certain spermicides could cause irritation to the penis or vagina.
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Some women may experience skin reactions when using the
Ortho Evra
Contraceptive Patch.
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Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect for women who use
Implanon (implants), as well as possible pain at the
insertion site.
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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.
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:
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Female Condoms
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Polyurethane Condoms
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SKYN Polyisoprene Condoms
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Lambskin 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.
Solution for most Common Birth Control Side Effects
are -
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Headache, dizziness, breast tenderness - Be
patient. "These side effects seem to go away after you've been
taking the Pill for a while.
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Nausea - It will probably go away in a
couple of months. If not, and you're taking oral contraceptives, try
taking it with food. If you're taking the ring or the patch, you
might need to switch methods.
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Decreased libido - Try another formulation.
"Some women, if you change the Pill to one that's more androgenic
[testosterone-like], the libido comes back," says Dr. Hutcherson.
Otherwise, find another method completely.
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