May not be as effective when taken
with certain
medications
May delay return of normal
cycles
Pills must be taken every day.
Patches may not
fully protect you from pregnancy if they are exposed to direct sun or high
heat. This can release a high dose of hormone from the patch, which leaves less
for the patch to release later in the week.
Patches deliver more estrogen than low-dose birth control
pills do. Some research has found that women using the patch are more likely to
get dangerous blood clots in the legs and lungs. The risk may be higher if you
smoke or have certain health problems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) suggests that you talk to your doctor about your risks before using the
patch.
If used in early breast-feeding, may reduce milk
supply.
May not be as effective when taken
with certain
medications
Shot may delay return of
normal cycles, but there is no delay with pills or implant.
Pills
must be taken at the same time each
day.
Progestin-only pills are less effective than combination
pills, but the shot and implant are extremely effective.
Make
diabetes more likely if you have had
gestational diabetes during pregnancy.1, 2 (Combination estrogen-progestin
birth control does not appear to increase this diabetes risk.)3
Cause more irregular periods or spotting between
periods
Implant must be inserted and removed by a trained health
professional.
Shot causes bone mineral loss, so calcium supplementation is
necessary.
Citations
Kjos SL, et al. (1998). Contraception and the risk of
type 2 diabetes mellitus in Latina women with prior gestational diabetes
mellitus. JAMA, 280(6): 533-538.
Kahn HS, et al. (2003). Effects of injectable or
implantable progestin-only contraceptives on insulin-glucose metabolism and
diabetes risk. Diabetes Care, 26(1):
216-225.
Hatcher RA, Nelson A (2004). Combined hormonal
contraceptive methods. In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive Technology, 18th ed., pp. 391-460. New York:
Ardent Media.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Kjos SL, et al. (1998). Contraception and the risk of
type 2 diabetes mellitus in Latina women with prior gestational diabetes
mellitus. JAMA, 280(6): 533-538.
Kahn HS, et al. (2003). Effects of injectable or
implantable progestin-only contraceptives on insulin-glucose metabolism and
diabetes risk. Diabetes Care, 26(1):
216-225.
Hatcher RA, Nelson A (2004). Combined hormonal
contraceptive methods. In RA Hatcher et al., eds., Contraceptive Technology, 18th ed., pp. 391-460. New York:
Ardent Media.
