Everything You Need To Know About Birth Control

The FDA has approved several birth control products in the United States:

The Birth Control Pill: FDA has approved this Combination Oral Contraceptive (COC) for use by women to prevent pregnancy

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Birth Control Pill Lo Loestrin Fe

Mirena: FDA has approved this IUD (Intrauterine Device) for contraception + treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Birth-Control-Mirena-Infographic

Mirena IUD can cause: Uterine/vaginal bleeding alterations, Amenorrhea (absence of a menstrual period), Intermenstrual bleeding and spotting, Abdominal/pelvic pain, Ovarian cysts, Ectopic pregnancy, Loss of fertility, Pregnancy loss, Septic abortion (including septicemia, shock and death), Breast tenderness/pain, Vaginal discharge, IUD expulsion, Angioedema, Device breakage, Group A streptococcal infection, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Perforation may occur during insertion, Embedment in the myometrium and partial or complete expulsion, Persistent enlarged ovarian follicles, Spontaneous reports of breast cancer, May affect glucose tolerance, Decreased milk production, Small amounts of progestins pass into the breast milk of nursing mothers, resulting in detectable steroid levels in infant serum, Premature labor and delivery, Headache/migraine, Acne, Depressed/altered mood, Menorrhagia

Paragard: FDA has approved this IUD (Intrauterine Device) for prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential for up to 10 years.

Birth-Control-Paragard-Infographic

Paragard can cause: Heavier and longer bleeding, Anemia (low red blood cell count), Backache, Dysmenorrhea (painful periods or menstrual cramps), Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse), Menstrual spotting, Pain and cramping, Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina and vulva), Sepsis: Group A streptococcal infection, Amenorrhea (absence of a menstrual period), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Risks with Ectopic + Intrauterine Pregnancy: Increased risk of spontaneous abortion, septic abortion, premature delivery, sepsis, septic shock and death if pregnancy occurs, Embedment, Perforation, Expulsion, Abdominal distension, Nausea, Dizziness, Endometritis/uterine infection, Pyrexia (fever), Vaginal discharge, Vaginal irritation, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Actinomycosis (bacterial disease), Muscle spasms, Allergy to metals/hypersensitivity

Nexplanon: FDA has approved this implant for use by women to prevent pregnancy.

Birth-Control-Nexplanon-Infographic

Nexplanon can cause: Pain, Bleeding, Hematoma, Scarring, Infection, Migration to vasculature including pulmonary vessels: chest pain, dyspnea, cough, or hemoptysis, Surgical interventions may be necessary to remove implants, Changes in bleeding frequency, intensity, or duration, Ectopic pregnancies, Lower abdominal pain, Thrombotic and other vascular events, Liver disease, Jaundice, Somnolence (sleepiness), Anxiety, Insomnia, Libido decreased, Dysuria (difficult urination), Breast discharge, Breast enlargement, Ovarian cyst, Pruritus genital (vaginal itching), Vulvovaginal discomfort, Angioedema, Aggravation of angioedema and/or aggravation of hereditary angioedema, Alopecia (baldness), Chloasma, Hot flush, Pruritus (itchy skin), Rash, Seborrhea, Urticaria (hives), Rare cancerous or noncancerous liver tumors, Elevated blood pressure, Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects, Headache, Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina and vulva), Weight increase, Acne, Breast pain, Pharyngitis (inflammation of the back of the throat), Paresthesias (pins and needles feeling), Insertion difficulty, Constipation/Diarrhea/Flatulence/Vomiting, Edema, fatigue, pyrexia (fever), Anaphylactic reactions, Rhinitis, Urinary tract infection, Increased appetite, Arthralgia/myalgia, Musculoskeletal pain, Convulsions, Migraine, Hypertrichosis (abnormal amount of hair growth), Fibrosis at implant site, Scarring, Abscess, Migration to the chest wall, Chest pain, Dyspnea (shortness of breath), Cough, Hemoptysis (coughing up of blood), May be less effective in overweight women (over 130% ideal body weight), Mood swings, Depressed mood, Viral infections such as sore throats or flu-like symptoms, Dizziness, Nervousness, Increased chance of serious blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, total or partial blindness)

Phexxi: FDA has approved this gel as prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential for use as an on-demand method of contraception.

Birth-Control-Phexxi-Infographic

Phexxi can cause: Vulvovaginal burning sensation, Vulvovaginal pruritus (itchy skin), Vulvovaginal mycotic (fungal) infection, Urinary tract infection, Vulvovaginal discomfort, Bacterial vaginosis, Vaginal discharge, Genital discomfort, Vulvovaginal pain, Dysuria (pain while passing urine), Cystitis (bladder infection), Pyelonephritis (acute kidney infection), Vaginal yeast infection. Adverse Reactions in Male Partners: local discomfort: burning, itching, and pain

Nuvaring: FDA has approved this vaginal ring for use by women to prevent pregnancy.

Birth-Control-Nuvaring-Infographic

NuvaRing can cause: Vaginitis, Headache (including migraine), Mood changes: depression, mood swings, mood altered, depressed mood, affect lability, Decreased libido, Device-related events: expulsion/discomfort/foreign body sensation, Nausea/vomiting, Vaginal discharge, Increased weight, Breast pain/discomfort/tenderness, Dysmenorrhea (painful periods), Abdominal pain, Acne, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), Vaginal/cervical erosion/ulceration, Vascular/arterial events: arterial thromboembolism and myocardial infarction, aggravation of varicose veins, Serious cardiovascular events and stroke, Liver disease, Irregular uterine bleeding, Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), Anxiety, Cholelithiasis (gallstones), Hypersensitivity reactions: anaphylaxis/angioedema, Urticaria (hives), Galactorrhea (breast discharge), Vaginal injury (including associated pain, discomfort, and bleeding) associated with ring breakage, Chloasma (blotchy darkening of your skin), High blood sugar, especially in women who already have diabetes, Adverse reactions in male partners: penile disorders, including local reactions on penis (irritation, rash, itching)

Looking for Birth Control alternatives? Here are some to research.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. May contain affiliate links. Product photos/descriptions provided by company websites. This is not medical advice.