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Here’s how different contraception methods can affect your periods

On World Contraception Day, read about the side effects of contraception methods and how they can take a toll on your menstrual cycle.
Contraception may affect hormones
Contraceptive pills may affect your hormone balance. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Sujata Pawar Published: 26 Sep 2022, 14:59 pm IST
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Contraception is a safe and efficacious way to prevent pregnancy by way of birth control pills, devices, or surgery. However, variations in menstrual bleeding behaviours are linked with all hormonal contraceptives. Some individuals may notice irregular bleeding or spotting when trying a new hormonal contraception method. Others may recognize transformations in the duration or heaviness of the bleeding, and for some, bleeding might stop completely. Well, contraception may cause side effects for some people, but they usually go away in a few months.

Here’s everything you need to know contraception affects periods

1. Birth control pills

A combined hormonal contraceptive pill contains hormones that mislead the body into not discharging an egg that month, preventing ovulation and embryo implantation. Regardless of which contraception pill you consume, you may undergo infrequent spotting or bleeding within the first few months of use. When compared to combination pills that consist of estrogen and progestin, this is more frequent when taking progestin-only pills (mini-pills). Bleeding between periods can also occur as a consequence of failing to take a pill or taking it too late.

side effects of contraception
Birth control pills can even cause no period. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Intrauterine devices (IUD)

Copper IUD and the progestin IUD are the two types of IUDs readily accessible. The copper IUD develops an unfavorable environment for sperm, blocking it from accessing the egg and fertilizing it. The hormonal IUD secretes the hormone progestin, which thins the uterine lining and thickens cervical mucus, preventing childbirth by disabling sperm from entering the uterus. Spotting between periods, as well as irregular and menstrual cramping, is common in the first three to six months of using a copper IUD or a progestin IUD. Most women discover that this improves with time.

Also, read: On World Contraception Day, we’re debunking 5 myths about birth control pills

3. Emergency contraceptives

The morning after pill shortens your monthly cycle, causing your period to arrive sooner or later than anticipated. If you use emergency contraception pills during the first three weeks of your cycle, your period will most likely show up early. Your period could also be prolonged. In most instances, the earlier you are in your cycle, the faster your period will arrive. Your periods may be delayed if you use emergency contraceptive pills after ovulation.

side effects of contraception
Don’t suffer period troubles! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Know what are the normal side effects of birth control ways on menstrual health

In the first few months of using any hormonal contraceptive, irregular menstruation and bleeding between periods are normal, but they usually improve as time passes. But we should use any contraception method with caution, as any hormonal imbalance can lead to long term implications for the body. Since every woman’s body responds slightly differently to several methods of contraception, determining on your own when irregular bleeding is undesirable or abnormal can be difficult. We advise you to visit a gynaecologist and take their suggestions for contraceptives.

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About the Author

Sujata Pawar; Menstrual Health Educator and Healthcare Professional ...Read More

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