Advantages and disadvantages of hormonal birth controlThe following table lists the advantages and disadvantages of using
hormonal
birth control methods. Deciding about hormonal birth control
methods| Consideration | Combination pills, skin
patch, or vaginal ring (estrogen plus progestin) | Progestin-only pills |
|---|
| Advantages | - No interruption of foreplay or
intercourse
- Reduced bleeding and cramping with periods, which
lowers the risk of
anemia
- Fewer or no periods (with certain
types of pill)
- Reduced pain during ovulation
- Reduced
fibrocystic breast changes
- Reduced risk of
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Reduced
risk of
ectopic pregnancy
- May reduce
acne
- May reduce
ovarian cysts
- May reduce symptoms of
endometriosis
- May reduce bone density
loss
- May protect against ovarian and endometrial
cancer
- Can be used after an abortion
| - Do not contain
estrogen, so do not cause any of the health risks
related to estrogen use
- Reduced bleeding and cramping with
periods
| | Disadvantages | - Pills must be taken every
day.
- Patches may not fully protect you from pregnancy if they are
exposed to direct sun or high heat. This can release a high dose of hormone
from the patch, which leaves less for the patch to release later in the week.
- May not be as effective when taken with certain
medications
- May delay return of normal
cycles
- May cost more than other methods if used for many
years
- Does not protect against
sexually transmitted diseases or
HIV
- Patches deliver more estrogen than
low-dose birth control pills do. Some research has found that women using the
patch are more likely to get dangerous blood clots in the legs and lungs. The
risk may be higher if you smoke or have certain health problems. The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that you talk to your doctor about your
risks before using the patch.
| - Must be taken at the same
time each day
- Are less effective than combination
pills
- Make
diabetes more likely if you have had
gestational diabetes during pregnancy.1, 2 (Combination estrogen-progestin
birth control does not appear to increase this diabetes risk.)3
- Cause more irregular periods or spotting between
periods
- May delay return of normal cycles
- Do not reduce
risk of
ovarian cysts or
ectopic pregnancy
- May not be as effective
when taken with certain
medications
- May cost more than other
methods if used for many years
- Do not protect against
sexually transmitted diseases or
HIV
|
| |
