8 Birth Control FAQs Answered by Flo

    8 Birth Control FAQs Answered by Flo
    Published 05 April 2019
    Fact Checked
    Dr. Anna Klepchukova
    Reviewed by Dr. Anna Klepchukova, Intensive care medicine specialist, chief medical officer, Flo Health Inc., UK
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    Are you contemplating engaging in sexual intercourse but aren’t ready to get pregnant yet? Try birth control. There are a lot of birth control methods out there; all working in different ways. Here, Anna Klepchukova, Chief Science Officer at Flo, answers some of the common questions people have regarding the various methods of birth control.

    Can birth control pills cause depression?

    One of the side effects of birth control pills is depression. You should always be aware of major signs of depression like bad mood, low weight, and loss of appetite. Depression can also bring about a loss of interest in sex, early morning risings, feelings of worthlessness, and regular crying. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor for help and treatment.

    Is Yaz an effective method of birth control?

    Yaz is a combined oral contraceptive pill that contains both estrogen and progesterone synthetic analogues. There are 28 tablets in one pack: 24 active pills that contain hormones and 4 placebo or ‘empty’ pills, active and placebo tablets have different color. Start the first tablet on the first day of your period and take one pill every day. Once you have taken the last tablet from the pack you should start the next pack. 

    It is recommended to take pills at the same time each day. Yaz can be 99.9 percent effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy when you take it regularly according to the instructions.

    Can copper IUD cause discomfort?

    A copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a very effective birth control method. Women who have issues with hormonal contraception as well as using condoms find the copper IUD a handy form of birth control. 

    Despite the numerous advantages of IUDs, using them can also bring some discomfort. First of all, you may feel cramps after the insertion of the IUD. This happens because the IUD is a foreign body and the uterus tries to reject it. 

    Also, when you use a copper IUD, your periods will most probably become longer, heavier and more painful than usual which may bring discomfort.

    How soon can I get pregnant after the last Depo-Provera shot?

    Depo-Provera is an injectable hormonal birth control method which releases progesterone into your bloodstream. It is an effective birth control method and convenient in a way that you get an injection once in 8 or 13 weeks depending on the brand. 

    It’s especially good for women who have a contraindication to estrogen. However, if you are planning a pregnancy in a year or less, this birth control method is not for you. This is because it may take you about a year to become fertile again.

    Can tubal ligation affect my period?

    Tubal ligation is a surgical method of birth control that prevents pregnancy permanently. This method works by preventing the egg from reaching the sperm. It doesn't affect your hormone levels and, therefore, doesn't affect your period or menstrual cycle regularity.

    Is condom still necessary if I take pills?

    Birth control pills and condoms are totally different methods of contraception. The contraceptive pill works by inhibiting your ovulation. On the other hand, condoms are a type of barrier contraception which prevents the semen from being released into the woman's reproductive tract. 

    Though contraceptive pills are considered a more effective method of birth control, they do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, if you need protection from STIs you should use a condom even if you are already on the pill.

    Can morning after pill make my cycle longer?

    A morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception that contains levonorgestrel — synthetic progesterone. A morning-after pill may cause unexpected uterine bleeding that is supposed to end before your normal period start. 

    Emergency contraception pills can also cause your next period to come late or early or be heavier and more painful. The morning-after pill should not be used as a routine method of birth control.

    Can Plan B affect my period?

    A morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception containing a synthetic form of progesterone known as levonorgestrel. This pill may cause unexpected uterine bleeding which usually ends before the start of your normal period. 

    Plan B can also cause your next period to come late or early or be heavier and more painful. The morning-after pill should not be used as a routine method of birth control.

    In a nutshell, there are quite a number of birth control methods that you can choose. They all have their various pros and cons and you should, therefore, choose what you feel is comfortable and convenient for you.

    History of updates
    Current version (05 April 2019)
    Reviewed by Dr. Anna Klepchukova, Intensive care medicine specialist, chief medical officer, Flo Health Inc., UK
    Published (05 April 2019)
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