Choosing the right birth control method involves various factors. This article will provide you with some information about the contraceptive choices with least side effects.
With numerous methods of birth control options, contraception is no more a matter of concern. However, you may want to know more about which is the best method. Choosing the right method involves various factors, like the requirements of the user, side effects, affordability, effectiveness, reversibility and many more. One of the important factors that is taken into consideration, while selecting a birth control method is the possible side effects associated with them. Nobody will go for one with serious side effects, unless its benefits outweigh the side effects. Most of the artificial methods are not completely free of side effects.
Birth Control Methods and Side Effects
As mentioned above, most of the artificial methods may have certain side effects. In order to choose the one with least side effects, you must have a basic understanding about the possible side effects of birth control methods. This will help you in choosing the right type with least side effects.
Hormonal Contraception
One of the popular methods of contraception, pills are a type of hormonal contraception. As it is systemic, the possibility of side effects is also high. The most common side effects of birth control pills are mood swings, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, depression, rise in blood pressure and acne. The nature and severity of these symptoms may vary from one woman to another. Sometimes, changing the brand may relieve such symptoms. So, make sure that you take these pills, as per the instructions of your doctor.
Other types of hormonal contraception include transdermal birth control patch, vaginal ring, contraceptive implants and injections. While injections are said to cause long-term side effects like reduction in bone density, depression, and weight gain, transdermal patches may increase the risk of thromboembolic problems that can be fatal. Even vaginal ring is not fully free of side effects as it can lead to endometriosis and prolapse.
Barrier Methods
Male condoms are also found to cause no significant side effects. But, some people may develop allergy, after using it. Even other barrier methods like female condoms and cervical cap are found to cause very few side effects, that too minor ones. There are certain other options like contraceptive sponge, diaphragm with spermicides and vaginal contraceptive film.
Apart from providing with a barrier, these forms of birth control have spermicidal action too. In such cases too, allergies are the most common side effects. Vaginal and urinary tract infection may also be caused by these types of birth control. Intrauterine devices are also not found to cause serious side effects, other than painful and heavy menstrual flow. But, there are certain types that synthetic hormones and they may cause benign ovarian cysts.
Other Methods
Apart from the above said, there are other methods like sterilization that is considered to be of low risk. But, there are chances of infection in case of males. Young females may face various side effects like ovarian isolation, hormonal imbalance, and severe PMS. Natural methods like coitus interrupts or withdrawal method and fertility awareness based birth control (avoiding intercourse during the fertile period) are found to cause no side effects, but, are not reliable in effectiveness.
The above said is a brief overview about the possible side effects of birth control methods. Among them, hormonal contraceptive measures are found to be associated with more possible side effects, as compared to others. Among others, male condoms, followed by female condoms, diaphragm and cervical cap, are found to cause least side effects. While natural methods are the safest, they are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy.
So all you have to do is to compare the different options and choose the right birth control with least side effects. You may also seek the opinion of your doctor, in this regard. However, some of these products are available with doctor’s prescription only. So, it is always advisable to consult your doctor, before making a choice.
