Yes, but it is important to understand that despite what the evidence suggests, everybody is different and may react differently to hormones in birth control pills. Many studies found that some participants lost weight whereas others gained a few pounds while on the pill. The side effects cannot be generalized to everyone, including weight gain. However, it is better to be on a good diet and workout regimen while on birth control pills.
Which birth control has the least side effects?
Every birth control has benefits and side effects. The decision about whether to use birth control pills and/or another method of contraception is personal. The doctor may be able to guide individuals so that they can identify which method will be the best for them to prevent pregnancy safely and effectively. The following are a few birth control methods with the least amount of side effects
Abstinence: The only 100 percent certain way to avoid pregnancy is to not have penis in vagina sex or do any sexual activity where sperm can get on the vulva or in the vagina. This method is called abstinence.
- Advantages
- The only method which is 100 percent effective to prevent pregnancy.
- No side effects.
- Disadvantages
- It may be difficult to abstain from all sexual activity for extended periods.
Male condom: This provides 84 percent effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
- Advantages
- Widely available over-the-counter.
- Easy to carry.
- Protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Disadvantages
- It may break during use, especially if it is used improperly.
Female Condom: This provides up to 79 percent effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
- Advantages
- Female-controlled.
- More comfortable to men because it gives more sensation than a male condom
- Offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases (covers both internal and external genitalia).
- Can be inserted before sex.
- Stronger than latex.
- Disadvantages
- Not aesthetically pleasing.
- Can slip into the vagina or anus during sex.
- Difficulties in insertion/removal.
- Not easy to find in drugstores or other common sources of condoms.
- Higher cost than male condoms.
Withdrawal or pulling out method: This provides up to 78 percent effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. In this method, an individual may need to pull out from their partner before ejaculation.
- Advantages
- Can be used in combination with other birth control methods.
- No cost involved.
- Disadvantages
- May not withdraw in time.
- Pre-ejaculate can still contain viable sperm.
Sterilization: This provides up to 99.5 percent effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
- Advantages
- Highly effective.
- Long-lasting contraceptive solution.
- Disadvantages
- Reversal procedures are expensive and complicated.
Contraceptive patch: This provides up to 92 percent effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
- Advantages
- Small and easy to use.
- Stays on the skin without much disturbance to daily activity.
- Disadvantages
- Skin rash.
Emergency contraception: This provides up to 89 percent effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. Usually found in stores as “morning after pill” or “Plan B.”
- Advantages
- Reduces the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent when started within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
- Disadvantages
Conclusion
A condom with any type of birth control is the only way to get protection from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during vaginal sex. No birth control method is perfect. Using condoms with another type of birth control (such as an implant, intrauterine device or IUD or birth control pill) gives backup protection in case either method fails. Also, condoms usually reduce the chances of getting all kinds of sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes. Using a condom with any birth control is the safest and most effective contraceptive method.
References
Medscape Medical Reference
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Top Lose Weight While on the Birth Control Pill Related Articles
Birth Control Options
Birth control is available in a variety of methods and types. The method of birth control varies from person to person, and their preferences to either become pregnant or not. Examples of barrier methods include barrier methods (sponge, spermicides, condoms), hormonal methods (pill, patch), surgical sterilization (tubal ligation, vasectomy), natural methods, and the morning-after pill. Side effects and risks of each birth control option should be reviewed before using any birth control method.
Choosing Your Birth Control Method
Which birth control option is right for you? Discover birth control methods such as birth control pills, birth control shot, implant, patch and more. Learn about birth control side effects and effectiveness.
Birth Control Pill vs. Depo-Provera Shot
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and the Depo-Provera shot are two hormonal methods of birth control. Both methods work by changing the hormone levels in your body, which prevents pregnancy, or conception. Differences between "the pill" and "the shot." Birth control pills are available as combination pills, which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, or mini-pills that only contain progestin. In comparison to the Depo-Provera injection, which prevents pregnancy for three consecutive months. Both methods of birth control are very effective in preventing pregnancy. Both the combination pill (if you take them as directed) and shot are up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. While the mini-pill is only about 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. Both methods cause weight gain, and have other similar side effects like breast pain, soreness or tenderness, headaches, and mood changes. They may lead to decreased interest in sex in some women. There are differences between the other side effects of these methods (depending upon the method) that include breakthrough bleeding or spotting, acne, depression, fatigue, and weakness. Both oral contraceptives and the Depo-Provera shot have health risks associated with them, such as, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and cervical cancer. Birth control pills appear to increase the risk of cervical cancer. Talk with your OB/GYN or other doctor or health care professional about which birth control method is right for you.
Birth Control Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
What is the best form of birth control? Take this quiz to find out about hormonal, surgical, barrier, and natural methods!
Does the Pill Stop Your Period?
Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) or birth control pills or the pill is a hormonal pill that is used to prevent pregnancy. Because the pills alter your hormone levels, it is possible to temporarily stop or prevent your period with continuous use of any birth control pill.
DVT and Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that has traveled deep into the veins of the arm, pelvis, or lower extremities. Oral contraceptives or birth control pills can slightly increase a woman's risk for developing blood clots, including DVT. DVT symptoms and signs in the leg include leg or calf pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or leg cramps, and skin discoloration. If a blood clot in the leg is not treated, it can travel to the lungs, which can cause a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) or post-thrombotic syndrome, both of which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Increased risk factors for DVT and birth control pills include over 40 years of age, family history, smoking, and obesity. Other medical problems that increase the risks of blood clots, for example, lung or heart disease, or inflammatory bowel disease or IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Other options for preventing pregnancy include IUDs, birth control shots, condoms, diaphragms, and progestin-only oral contraceptives.garcinia
Garcinia is an herbal supplement used for weight loss, to treat joint pain, bloody diarrhea, worm and parasite infections, to increase bowel movements, and to enhance athletic performance. Garcinia may be toxic to the liver; avoid use if you have impaired liver function. Common side effects of garcinia include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, liver injury, liver failure, and exacerbation of mania in bipolar disorder. There isn’t enough information on the safety of garcinia use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid use.guarana
Guarana seeds, dried and powdered, are used as a dietary supplement for weight loss, to enhance athletic performance, as a stimulant similar to coffee, and for many other purposes. Guarana is available over the counter (OTC) as a powder, tablet, or capsule. Common side effects of guarana include headache, agitation, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, delirium, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), muscle spasms, convulsions, increased respiration, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), rapid heart rate (tachycardia), high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), and others. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding.
How Likely Is It To Get Pregnant with an IUD?
Getting pregnant while you have an IUD is extremely rare. There is one out of a hundred chances that this could happen. However, it has happened before.
How Likely Is Pregnancy After Vasectomy?
Despite having a very high success rate, there are still times when vasectomies fail. This is a rare situation. Less than 1% of vasectomies fail and result in pregnancies.
Is It OK To Skip the 7-Day Break on the Pill?
There seems to be no additional risks associated with using the pill to suppress the seven-day break (beyond the health risks already linked to hormonal pills or devices).mifepristone
Mifepristone (Mifeprex) is a synthetic steroid used to terminate early pregnancy. The Korlym brand of mifepristone is a cortisol receptor blocker, used to manage and treat high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) in people with Cushing’s syndrome. Serious and sometimes fatal infections and bleeding occur very rarely. A failed pregnancy termination could cause birth defects. Common side effects include abdominal pain and cramping, uterine cramping, nausea, fatigue, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, endometrial hypertrophy, low blood potassium (hypokalemia), joint pain (arthralgia), swelling of extremities (peripheral edema), and others.nonoxynol-9 vaginal
Nonoxynol-9 vaginal is a spermicide used vaginally as a gel, foam, insert, film, or sponge to prevent pregnancy, usually in combination with other modes of contraception. The rate of unintended pregnancies with the use of nonxynol-9 products is generally higher than with other methods of contraception. Common side effects of nonoxynol-9 vaginal include local reactions in the penis or vagina (burning, irritation, rash, itching) and allergic contact dermatitis. Do not use while on menstrual period or if breastfeeding.norethindrone (Nor QD, Nora-BE, Ortho Micronor)
Norethindrone oral contraceptive is a prescription drug used to prevent pregnancy. Side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, breast tenderness, irregular vaginal bleeding, acne, fatigue, and weight gain. Oral contraceptives are generally avoided during pregnancy. The use of birth control pills during lactation has been associated with decreased milk production.Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives)
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) are prescription medications that prevent pregnancy. Three combinations of birth control pills that contain progestin and estrogen are 1) monophasic, 2) biphasic, and 3) triphasic. Birth control pills may also be prescribed to reduce menstrual cramps or prevent anemia. Certain prescription medications may cause drug interactions. Some women experience various levels of side effects of birth control pills.
What Does Birth Control Do to Your Body?
Different birth control methods work in different manners. No birth control method is perfect and every procedure or method has a side effect.
Which Birth Control Has Least Side Effects?
No form of birth control is free of side effects, but there are some that have the least noticeable ones.