Contraceptive Effectiveness
and Side Effects
There are lots of different types of contraceptives. From “the pill” to an IUD, it’s important to know how effective each type of birth control is and what side effects may occur.This information is not meant to take the place of advice from your doctor or licensed medical provider. Always ask a licensed medical professional when considering any form of birth control.
Many forms of birth control use the hormones progesterone and estrogen to prevent ovulation. These types of birth control include:
- It requires taking a daily medication
- Failure Rate: 9% (1)
- Must be inserted in a medical provider’s office
- Can be used continuously for 3-5 years
- Failure Rate: <1% (2)
- Must be inserted in a medical provider’s office
- Can be used continuously for 3 years
- Failure Rate: <1% (3)
- Need to get injection every 3 months
- Failure Rate: 6% (4)
- Needs to be changed weekly
- Failure Rate: 9% (5)
- Each type follows a different schedule and needs to be changed on time
- Failure Rate: 9% (6)
Common side effects of hormonal contraception are:
Irregular periods
Acne
Breast pain
Increased or decreased libido
Irregular periods
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic pain
Migraines
Dysmenorrhea
Sore breasts
Potential severe complications include:
Blood clots (stroke, PVT/PE)
Liver, breast, and uterine tumors
IUD’s have complications that are unique to this form of birth control (2). Some complications include:
Ectopic pregnancy
It's important to call your doctor if you think you are pregnant with an IUD in place. Seek care in the emergency room immediately if you experience sharp abdominal or shoulder pain, feel light-headed, or have abnormal bleeding
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infection
Perforation (when the IUD goes into the wall of the uterus)
Expulsion (IUD falls out of the vagina)
The implant also has complications that are unique to this form of birth control (3). Some complications include:
Ectopic pregnancy (see information in the above section)
Injury to nerves and/or blood vessels
May require surgery to remove
Hormonal birth control isn’t for everyone. You should consult your physician before using any birth control. Take extra precautions if you have a history of smoking, migraines with aura, blood clots, heart disease, stroke, liver cancer, and/or breast cancer.
There are other types of contraception that don’t use hormones to prevent pregnancy. Some people use these options if they can’t tolerate the extra hormones or if they fall into a higher risk category (as evaluated by their medical professional).
Non-hormonal forms of contraception
Withdrawal method
Failure Rate: 22%
Fertility awareness
Failure Rate: 24%
Male or female condom
Failure Rate: 18-21%
Diaphragm
Failure Rate: 12%
Copper IUD
Failure Rate: <1%
Spermicide
Failure Rate: 28%
Reviewed by Katie B., BSN, RN
Resources
https://www.kyleena-us.com/safety-and-side-effects
https://www.nexplanon.com/side-effects/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4086-depo-provera%C2%AE-birth-control-shot
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control-patch/about/pac-20384553
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/infographics/effectiveness-of-birth-control-methods
