Clear, evidence-based answers to common questions about birth control—helping you understand your options, safety considerations and how to choose the method that’s right for you.
Table Of Contents
General Understanding
These questions explain the different types of contraception available, how effective they are, how to choose a method that fits your health and preferences, and how contraception can also help with symptoms like acne, PMS or heavy periods.
What are my birth control options?
There are different methods of contraception available, and these include:
Method
Effectiveness
Contraceptive implant Implanon
99.9%
Hormonal IUD Mirena/Kyleena
99.9%
Copper IUD
99.5%
Contraceptive injection Depo Provera
96%
Combined oral contraceptive pill
93% (with typical use but can be 99% with perfect use)
Progesterone only pill
93%( with typical use but can be 99% with perfect use)
What’s the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal methods or birth control?
Hormonal methods use the hormones oestrogen and/or progestogen, and these may stop the ovaries releasing an egg (combined oral contraceptive pill and some progestogen only methods), thicken cervical mucus (progestogen only pills) or thinning the lining of the womb (hormonal IUDs). Copper IUD’s affect sperm movement and condoms/diaphragm create a barrier during sex.
How do I choose the right birth control method for me?
This will be dependent on a range of factors, including medical contra-indications, family history, age, how important it is to avoid unplanned pregnancy, other medical conditions and personal preference. Our doctors at Elara can help you choose the best type for you.
Can birth control help with acne, PMS or heavy periods?
Yes, there are hormonal options that can help with all these health issues.
Is birth control safe if I have high blood pressure or migraines?
The combined oral contraceptive pill is sometimes contra-indicated in these situations and requires a careful assessment for suitability. There are excellent progestogen only methods which may be better alternatives.
How safe is the combined oral contraceptive pill?
There is a very low absolute risk of blood clots, 5-12 per 10,000 users per year of use, and this is increased with older age, prolonged periods of immobility, obesity, smoking, family history of blood clots, and a condition called thrombophilia. There is also a very low absolute risk of stroke, and the pill is contraindicated if you have certain types of migraine and in some smokers. At Elara, our doctors will take a careful history to rule out any medical contraindications before prescribing any medication to ensure patient safety.
What happens if I miss a pill?
If you take a pill from the hormone (active) section of the pack more than 24 hours late, it will not work as well at preventing pregnancy. If you miss a pill, then take it as soon as you remember and take hormone active pills continuously for at least 7 days (this may mean skipping the inactive pills), visit a doctor or chemist for emergency contraception, use condoms or abstain from sex for 7 days.
What is emergency contraception and how soon must I take it?
Emergency contraception is taken after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent a pregnancy and is best taken as soon as possible after the event. It can, however, be taken up to 5 days post-sexual intercourse, but is likely to be less effective. It can take the form of a pill containing levornorgestrel or ulipristal acetate (the latter is more effective) or a copper IUCD.
Can I use birth control if I’m breast feeding?
The combined oral contraceptive pill is entirely safe to use 6 weeks post-partum and progestogen only methods can be used before this time.
Is it safe to use birth control long term?
It is recommended to stop the combined oral contraceptive pill at the age of 50 yrs and to use alternative contraception if still required.
If my periods have stopped for six months, do I still need contraception?
Yes. If you are under 50 years, you need to wait for 2 years with no periods before you can safely cease contraception, and if you are over 50 years, then 1 year with no periods.
Can contraception make me gain weight?
There is no evidence that the contraceptive pill causes weight gain. There may be some minor weight gain with the contraceptive implant (Implanon) and contraceptive injection (Depo Provera).
Does birth control affect fertility or future pregnancy?
This is not affected by most contraceptive methods, but there can be a delay of approximately 9 months after ceasing the contraceptive injection (Depo Provera).
What are the side effects of contraception?
These vary depending on the type of contraception. Hormonal side effects can include nausea, breast tenderness, breakthrough or irregular PV bleeding, mood changes, and these generally are mild and settle with time. More serious side effects, including blood clots with oestrogen-containing contraceptives, are rare. Our Elara doctors will discuss the side-effect profiles of each contraceptive method in detail and provide information sheets.
Does the pill stop my period?
It is not uncommon for periods to stop when taking oral contraceptives, and this is nothing to be concerned about, but it may be prudent to do a pregnancy test to exclude an unplanned pregnancy.
Is it safe to skip periods on contraception?
It is perfectly safe to skip periods on contraception by staying on active pills for 3 consecutive months, and this will likely result in fewer bleeding days. Extended regimens appear to be more effective for pregnancy prevention than traditional monthly regimens.
