Birth Control Risks Every Woman Should Be Aware Of

Birth control gives women the freedom of choice, whether it is about planning a family or managing their career in the long run.

In a country like the US, where a majority of women join the workforce and want to be independent, it becomes ubiquitous. Statistics show that around 65% of American women reported using at least one contraceptive method in the past 12 months in 2022.

While most birth control methods for women are highly effective, they also have potential risks and side effects. Before settling for one that sounds ideal for your needs and preferences, you should be aware of these risks, no matter how insignificant they sound. Remember that individual reactions can vary, but it is critical to be aware and get personalized advice from a healthcare professional.

In this article, we will highlight the birth control risks you should know about.

Thrombosis

Research establishes the link between venous thrombosis and hormonal therapy. Women using hormonal birth control methods, such as combination pills, vaginal rings, and patches have a slightly increased risk of blood clots (thrombosis). However, the risk level depends on the length of therapy, mechanism of delivery, estrogen dose, and type of progestin.

At the same time, women over 35, smokers, and those with a history of blood clotting disorders are more susceptible. While popping a pill may be the easiest solution to avoid unwanted pregnancy, this potential side effect is worth considering. You must discuss the potential impact with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a suitable contraceptive option for you.

Cardiovascular Risk

According to studies, hormonal birth control can affect heart health in many ways. For example, they may elevate your blood pressure; lower the HDL “good” cholesterol levels, and increase the LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Together, these factors can lead to a risk of blood clots, strokes, heart disease, and heart attacks in the long run.

You may be at a higher risk if you have a history of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In these cases, you should consider other options for birth control and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Also, regular blood pressure checks, abstinence from smoking, and a healthy lifestyle are essential to reduce the chances of cardiovascular issues.

IUD Breakage

Besides hormonal pills, millions of women rely on intrauterine devices (IUDs) for contraception. While several brands have been approved by the FDA as safe and effective, things are not that great with the Paragard IUD. Many Paragard lawsuit cases have been filed against the manufacturer, holding it liable for selling a defective product in the market.

Thousands of women have brought up concerns over the breakage of the device during removal, leaving them facing dire consequences like perforation and organ damage. Apart from the complications, an expensive surgery becomes necessary to remove the IUD down the road. Some health advocates are even calling for the FDA to intervene and ensure strict action against the brand.

TorHoerman Law notes that the first bellwether trial in this claim is set for October 2024. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA is facing lawsuits for failing to warn users regarding the IUD’s potential to break or fracture during removal. Victims can claim compensation for damages, pain, and suffering.

Bone Health Issues

Another health risk that women should be aware of is bone health issues. Prolonged use of certain hormonal contraceptives, specifically those with a combination of estrogen and progestin, may slightly impact bone density. These side effects are more likely to surface in adolescents and young women when their bones are still in developmental stages.

You can address the concern by taking some preventive measures along with this birth control option. These include doing regular weight-bearing exercise and maintaining calcium and vitamin D intake levels. Also, discuss alternatives to keep your bone health intact in the long run.

Mental Health Problems

The side effects of birth control extend beyond physical implications as they can affect your mental health as well. According to a recent study conducted on over 1 million women, the risk for an initial diagnosis of depression increases 1.8-fold during the first few months of using combined oral contraceptives (COC).

Besides depression, some women may experience anxiety and mood swings as side effects of hormonal contraceptives. Before opting for this contraceptive method, you must be aware of the potential impact on mental health and discuss the risk with your healthcare provider. Women using IUDs are also at risk because they may face anxiety and depression if the device breaks and causes complications.

Effectiveness and Consistency

Side effects and risks are not the only reasons to worry about when it comes to using birth control. You may also stress about their effectiveness because it depends on consistent and correct use. For example, missing doses or taking pills at irregular intervals may put you at risk of unintended pregnancy.

According to the CDC, the following failure rates are applicable to different contraceptive methods:

Intrauterine methods: 0.1-0.4%
Combined oral contraceptives: 7%
Progestin-only pills: 7%
Hormonal implants: 0.1%
Patch: 7%
Injections: 4%
Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring: 7%
Diaphragm or cervical cap: 17%
Male condom: 13%
Female condom: 21%
Spermicides: 21%
Fertility awareness-based methods: 2-23%
Permanent contraception: 0.5%

These numbers show that there is no foolproof birth control method. Moreover, you may face an unwanted pregnancy if you fail to use even the most reliable method effectively. You must follow the prescribed instructions for your chosen method and seek guidance regarding any concerns or difficulties with your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, you must choose your birth control measure wisely, understanding its risks, side effects, and failure rates. An informed decision prepares you for the best outcomes and enables you to maximize the benefits of the chosen method while minimizing the related risks.

Most importantly, it enables you to determine the most suitable contraceptive method. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional rather than pick a random, over-the-counter contraceptive. You need to opt for one that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and medical history to stay in control safely.