In this article, we are going to look at birth control and periods — including what contraception is, why it is used and how it can affect your menstrual cycle. Find out all of this and more with OneWelbeck.
Your periods can be impacted by all sorts of different things — from your hormone levels to stress and even your weight. And while contraception is something necessary for many women, it can affect your menstrual cycle.
In this article, we are going to look at birth control and periods — including what contraception is, why it is used and how it can affect your menstrual cycle. Find out all of this and more with OneWelbeck.
Contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sexual intercourse — helping you to have control over your reproductive and sexual health.
Unwanted or accidental pregnancies can have serious consequences for you and your partner. Not only are you faced with the decision of parenthood, but it can also affect your health mentally and physically. Contraception provides a way for you to plan your pregnancies so that you can start a family when you are ready.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, some forms of contraception can also reduce the risk of STIs. For example, male and female condoms provide a barrier that can prevent the exchange of bodily fluids — reducing the risk of STIs such as HIV.
Other forms of contraception, such as hormonal methods, do not protect against STIs and should be used in combination with condoms to reduce the risk of infection.
Contraception is commonly used to prevent pregnancy, but it can also be used to help manage menstrual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding and painful or irregular periods. The most common types of contraception include the pill, the patch or the hormonal coil — all of which can help regulate menstrual cycles.
Some types of contraception may also help reduce the risk of certain health conditions like ovarian or endometrial cancer.
Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, can also reduce the risk of cervical cancer by preventing the transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
Hormonal contraception is a type of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. There are different types of hormonal contraception, including the pill, the patch, the implant, vaginal ring, injection and some types of intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Hormonal contraception works by preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. It does this by suppressing the production of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Without these hormones, the ovaries do not release an egg, so pregnancy cannot occur. Hormonal contraception also thickens the cervical mucus, which can make it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Hormonal contraception can have an impact on your periods including:
There are some side effects of hormonal contraception such as breakthrough bleeding or spotting, especially when you first start taking it. After a few months, this should stop as your body becomes used to the hormonal changes.
Non-hormonal contraception is a type of birth control that does not use hormones to prevent pregnancy. This type of contraception includes barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms and copper IUDs.
Non-hormonal contraception works by preventing sperm from reaching the egg, rather than by affecting your menstrual cycle. Barrier methods, such as condoms, physically block sperm from entering the uterus. Copper IUDs work by releasing copper ions into the uterus, which prevents sperm from fertilising an egg.
Non-hormonal contraception generally has minimal to no impact on period regularity or bleeding. Copper IUDs may cause heavier or more painful periods in some women.
Birth control can impact your periods, but the effects can vary depending on the type of birth control you use.
Hormonal contraceptive methods, such as the pill, may make your periods lighter and reduce cramping. Copper IUDs, on the other hand, may cause heavier periods and more cramping.
Hormonal birth control can cause irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the first few months of use. This is more common with certain types of hormonal birth control, such as the mini-pill (progestogen-only pill) and the injection. Hormonal birth control can also cause missed periods or lighter and shorter periods.
Hormonal contraception may sometimes be used to manage certain menstrual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or painful cramps.
Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are a type of birth control that contains both oestrogen and progestin hormones. This type of contraception includes the pill and the patch.
CHCs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly and consistently. They also offer other benefits, such as:
CHCs are also easy to use and most of the time can be taken at home.
CHCs may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor. They may not be recommended if you have certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, liver disease or a history of blood clots. Additionally, they may not be suitable if you smoke or are over the age of 35.
Progestogen-only contraception (POC) is a type of birth control that contains progestogen hormone only, and not oestrogen. This type of contraception includes the mini-pill, injection and implant.
POC can be an effective form of contraception for people who cannot or do not want to use options that contain oestrogen.
Some of the benefits of POC include:
POC can affect periods in different ways, depending on the type of contraception you take. The mini-pill can cause irregular bleeding or spotting and may make your periods lighter or heavier. The injection and implant can cause changes in bleeding patterns, such as lighter or missed periods.
POC may be suitable if you cannot or do not want to use oestrogen-containing contraceptives. This includes people who are breastfeeding, have a history of blood clots or have certain medical conditions.
However, it may not be recommended if you are at risk of osteoporosis, as it can decrease bone density over time.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a form of long-acting, reversible contraception that are placed inside the uterus. They are small, T-shaped devices that are made of either copper or contain hormones and they prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm moves, or by thickening cervical mucus.
There are two types of IUDs available in the UK: the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD. The copper IUD does not contain any hormones and can last up to 10 years. The hormonal IUD contains progestin hormone and can last up to 3–5 years, depending on the type.
Some of the benefits of using an IUD include:
IUDs may be suitable if you want a reliable, long-acting form of contraception. They can be beneficial if you struggle with using other forms of contraception consistently or cannot use oestrogen-containing contraceptives due to medical conditions.
Barrier methods of contraception work by physically preventing sperm from reaching the egg, therefore preventing fertilisation. They include methods such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and contraceptive sponges.
The benefits of using barrier methods include:
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using barrier methods. They can be less effective than other forms of contraception, mainly if not used correctly or consistently.
Barrier methods can be suitable for you if you want to prevent pregnancy without using hormonal contraception or have concerns about the side effects of hormonal contraception. They may also be a good option if you are not in a monogamous relationship and want to protect yourself against STIs.
Barrier methods do not directly impact periods, although some women may experience irritation or discomfort from the use of diaphragms or cervical caps. Condoms can sometimes break or slip off as well, which can lead to unintended pregnancy or exposure to STIs.
Choosing the right contraception method is a personal decision that should take into account several factors, such as your personal preferences, health considerations and lifestyle factors.
A contraception specialist can help provide further information about the benefits and potential side effects of each method and help you assess your options based on your needs.
If you want to find out more about what contraceptive methods we provide at OneWelbeck, book an appointment with one of our expert team.