If you’re not currently attempting to get pregnant, birth control can literally save your life. However, it can also affect your period, typically in a positive way. Because of this, some ob-gyns will recommend specific birth control methods for period problems.
However, you might not even consider how it can affect your period if your main motivation for choosing a birth control is the freedom to choose when you want to have children—but it’s crucial to take that into account. Here are some common birth control methods and how they may impact your menstruation.
How it affects your period?
The effects of the progestin and estrogen-containing “Pill” vary from person to person, but Jessica Shepherd, M.D., assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of minimally invasive gynecology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, says that it can shorten the duration of your period and reduce bleeding. A three to four-day cycle on The Pill can be a five to seven-day period, according to her.
What else you need to know
If you have trouble with irregular periods, this is a good alternative. According to board-certified ob-gyn Christine Greves, M.D., of the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Patients and Babies, “I use it to treat women with atypical bleeding.”
How it changes your period
Greves says the mini-pill, a progestin-only alternative, is “not my go-to” for bleeding problems even though it can help with your period. Even yet, she continues, women who use the mini-pill may report lighter periods and less uncomfortable cramps.
What else you need to know
The mini-pill can be quite picky. “You have to take it at the same time every day, and the efficacy can decrease if you take it outside of a short window,” explains Greves.
How it changes your period
Depending on the IUD type you use. According to Greves, the copper IUD may increase your bleeding for the first few months before causing spotting in between periods. However, Shepherd notes that since it doesn’t contain any hormones, it can have no effect at all on your menstruation. According to Shepherd, if you have a hormonal IUD (which uses progestin), your monthly bleeding will typically be much reduced or even stop altogether. Because they don’t need them, most women with this IUD forget to keep tampons in their handbag, according to Greves.
What else you need to know
According to Shepherd, everyone is unique, so while the hormonal IUD can affect your cycle, it might also have no effect at all. However, IUDs are a choice that many doctors advise because they are a lot more reliable and last a lot longer than other types of birth control.
How it changes your period
According to Shepherd, this can have a similar effect on your menstruation as a hormonal IUD—either gradually reducing it or altogether eliminating it.
What else you need to know
Although the implant lasts for three years, it can result in spots. According to Greves, “ladies are disturbed by the spots, so half of them are eliminated.”
How it changes your period
Simply put, the ring functions in a similar manner to The Pill; you just don’t need to remember to take it every day. It will control and lessen bleeding, according to Shepherd.
What else you need to know
Every month, you must remember to replace it on the appropriate day. However, it can be a nice alternative for you if you’re strong at keeping track of those kinds of things.
How it changes your period
According to Shepherd, it resembles a hormonal IUD quite a bit. At first, you might experience irregular bleeding for up to four months, but eventually, the bleeding will lessen or stop altogether.
What else you need to know
Because every person is unique, the shot may cause your periods to stop altogether, but it may also result in spotting or shorter cycles.
Consult your doctor if you’re still unsure of which birth control option is best for you and your period. They ought to be able to direct you in the appropriate path.