Tired of hormonal birth control messing with your moods and causing annoying side effects? Non-hormonal options are a great solution for many women. While they’re effective at preventing pregnancy, it’s important to remember that they may still have some side effects.
When considering the possibility of switching to non-hormonal contraception or already utilizing such a method, it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects. These may include heavier periods, cramps, and less common but significant issues. Being informed empowers you to make the best health decisions. So, let’s delve into the details.
What to Expect With Non-hormonal Birth Control
Heavy or Painful Periods
One of the most common side effects of non-hormonal birth control, especially the copper IUD, includes heavier and more painful periods. This can manifest as significant flooding, intense cramps, and an overall sense of your period seeking vengeance. The inflammation caused by the copper in the IUD can lead to increased flow and exacerbated cramps.
Users of the Paragard IUD, a widely used birth control device, have reported instances of the device breaking or fracturing during removal, leading to heavy bleeding and painful periods. Many women were unaware of these injuries and the subsequent damage, prompting them to file a Paragard lawsuit against the manufacturers, Teva and Cooper Surgical.
However, enduring these symptoms is not the only option. Consider using super-absorbent tampons and pads, period underwear, or menstrual cups for better management. If these side effects severely disrupt your life, consulting your doctor about alternative options is advisable.
Additionally, if the damage from the Paragard IUD has intensified your condition, you may be eligible to take legal action. According to TorHoerman Law, around 2,614 cases are currently active and have been consolidated into the Paragard MDL in the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
Pelvic Pain
Non-hormonal birth control, particularly after the insertion of an IUD, can sometimes lead to pelvic pain. This discomfort may manifest as cramps, akin to those experienced during menstruation but potentially more intense, a dull ache, or even sharp twinges. Such pain is especially common immediately after IUD insertion and during the initial months as your body adjusts.
Research indicates that nearly 60% of women who have not given birth experience moderate to severe pain within the first 24 hours post-insertion. About 30% report pain lasting up to three days, and around 20% continue to experience discomfort for a week following the procedure.
However, you don’t have to endure this pain without relief. Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, and Acetaminophen can effectively reduce swelling and alleviate pelvic pain. In most cases, the pain diminishes within a few days to months. Nonetheless, it is crucial to contact your doctor if the pain becomes unbearable or you experience fever, chills, or unusual discharge.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a severe infection that can spread to a woman’s uterus, fallopian tubes, and other reproductive organs. While PID can occur as a complication of IUD insertion, it’s essential to note that the risk is actually quite low.
During IUD insertion, there is a possibility that bacteria may be introduced into the uterus. If a person has an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI), this increases the risk of these bacteria leading to PID. Hence, it is crucial to undergo STI testing before opting for an IUD. If symptoms such as fever, chills, lower abdominal pain, unusual discharge, or painful urination arise, it’s imperative to contact your doctor promptly.
Uterine Perforation
Uterine perforation occurs when the IUD punctures a hole through the wall of the uterus during insertion. Fortunately, this is extremely rare, happening in less than 0.5% of women over a period of 5 years post-insertion. The risk may slightly increase if the IUD is inserted immediately after giving birth or while breastfeeding.
In most cases, if perforation occurs, it is detected during insertion. However, if you experience persistent pain, are unable to feel your IUD strings, or notice a sudden change in your menstrual cycle, it is crucial to contact your doctor promptly.
Ectopic Pregnancy
It’s essential to recognize that copper IUDs boast a 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. However, in the rare event of pregnancy with an IUD in place, there’s a heightened risk of it being ectopic. This occurrence involves the pregnancy implanting outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube.
While IUDs excel at preventing pregnancies in general, their efficacy is even greater at preventing pregnancies within the uterus. Therefore, if a pregnancy manages to bypass these defenses, there’s a slightly elevated likelihood of it implanting in the wrong location.
Endometritis
Endometritis, an inflammation of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), is a rare side effect that can occasionally occur after IUD insertion, particularly in the initial weeks. This inflammation typically arises due to the introduction of bacteria during the insertion process.
Prior to IUD insertion, it’s crucial to undergo STI testing. This is essential because over 85% of acute endometritis cases are attributed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If an untreated STI is present at the time of IUD insertion, the risk of developing endometritis increases.
FAQs
What Are Some Side Effects That a Female Might Experience Using Oral Contraceptives?
Some of the most common side effects of oral contraceptives include breakthrough bleeding (spotting between periods), nausea, headaches, abdominal cramps, and breast tenderness. You may also experience increased vaginal discharge or a decrease in libido.
Is Non-hormonal Birth Control Good?
Non-hormonal birth control can be a good choice for people looking to avoid the side effects associated with hormonal options. It provides methods that work on-demand, have immediate effectiveness, and don’t impact your fertility cycle long-term.
Is Papaya Used for Birth Control?
There’s some evidence suggesting papaya, particularly unripe papaya, may have contraceptive effects. The theory is that enzymes within unripe papaya can interfere with progesterone, a hormone crucial for preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining it. However, it’s important to emphasize that the use of papaya as a reliable form of birth control lacks sufficient scientific backing.
Concluding this article, we’ve covered a lot of potential side effects, and it might feel a little overwhelming. But the most important thing is to be informed and have open conversations with your doctor. They can help you weigh the pros and cons and choose the method that’s the best fit for your individual needs.
Don’t be afraid to switch things up if your first choice doesn’t feel right. Ultimately, the best birth control is the one that you feel comfortable with and actually use consistently.
