FAQ
Most Commonly Asked Questions
ANSWER
Contraceptives do not affect your ability to have babies when you're ready for them. Your body resumes its natural reproductive functions as soon as you stop taking using your chosen Birth Control Method.
LET'S LOOK AT SOME FACTS
A 2011 study by Oregon Health and Science University, Portland compared pregnancy rates following the use of various forms of hormonal birth control. Overall, pregnancy rates were similar among previous users of birth control and those who had never used it.
SOURCE: Medical News Today, 2023
ANSWER
Many young women who are not sexually active choose to use birth control for a variety of reasons - some not even related to pregnancy prevention. Reasons may be related to heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping or acne. If you're considering sexual activity or have been sexually active in the past, being on birth control is the smart decision.
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Its been proven that birth control can help prevent or lessen: acne, bone thinning, cysts in your breasts and ovaries, serious infections in your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, iron deficiency (anemia), and PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
SOURCE: Medical News Today, 2023
ANSWER
The whole process is kind of like getting your ears pierced. For most people, the bee sting feeling of the local anesthesia the worst part. Once the skin in your arm is numb, your provider will put the implant just below the skin with a special inserter.
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Recent research shows the implant actually provides great pregnancy protection for up to 5 years without any pains or complains.
SOURCE: Bedsider, 2023
ANSWER
Hormonal birth control mimics natural hormones, reducing the body's own production to prevent pregnancy. Methods can inhibit egg release, impede fertilized egg implantation, and thicken cervical mucus. Some women experience side effects like menstrual changes, breast tenderness, nausea, headaches, mood fluctuations, weight gain, or altered libido. Outcomes vary by method and individual. Trying different brands or hormone variations may yield different experiences. Effects are reversible, and fertility returns to normal after discontinuation.
LET'S LOOK AT SOME FACTS
Dr. Lesley Miller at the University of Washington in Seattle points out that "when a woman is on the birth-control pill, every day becomes the same hormonally. The woman has a set dose of progesterone and a set dose of estrogen..." So for people with hormone-driven period disorders or acne, having the same amount of hormone every day can be a good thing. In fact, the pill is often prescribed to treat these disorders.
SOURCE: Bedsider, 2023
ANSWER
Weight gain is one of the most common concerns when starting birth control. In past decades, hormonal birth control may have caused some people to gain weight because it contained significantly higher amounts of estrogen and progesterone. However, this is not the case with most current combination hormonal birth control.
LET'S LOOK AT SOME FACTS
A 2016 Cochrane review of 22 previous studies found little or no evidence of weight gain. Even among studies that did show slight increases in weight, the average weight gain was only 4.4 pounds.
SOURCE: Medical News Today, 2023
ANSWER
It's tricky to determine what affects our moods on a day to day basis since there are so many factors at play. Most research shows us that most people report either no change or slightly more positive mood after starting the birth control pill. Another study found that other hormonal methods may cause a very slight increase in the risk of depression.
Bottom line is you know your body best - talk to your provider if you're concerned about this.
LET'S LOOK AT SOME FACTS
The pill is sometimes prescribed for people who report severe mood swings with the flow of their monthly hormones!
SOURCE: Bedsider, 2019
Birth Control Basics
Privacy, Access and Cost
Side Effects of Birth Control
Relationships and Boundaries
