Understanding Birth Control Side Effects: What to Know

Written by Giuliana Castellucci, medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH.

TL;DR: Understanding Birth Control Side Effects
Hormonal birth control methods—such as pills, patches, rings, shots, implants, and hormonal IUDs can cause side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and spotting, especially during the first few months. These effects often subside over time. Non-hormonal options, like copper IUDs and condoms, avoid hormone-related side effects but may have their own considerations, such as heavier periods with copper IUDs. Choosing the right method depends on individual health needs and preferences.

Birth control has helped millions of women take control of their reproductive health, but choosing the right method can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to side effects. From hormonal to non-hormonal options, each method can affect your body differently. While some people experience noticeable changes, others may have little to no side effects at all. In this post, we’ll break down what to expect, dispel common myths, and help you feel more informed when making decisions about your birth control.

Types of Birth Control: Hormonal vs Non-Hormonal

When it comes to birth control, there are two main categories: hormonal and non-hormonal. Understanding the differences between them is key to choosing the best option for your body and lifestyle.

Hormonal Birth Control Methods

• Birth control pills (combined or progestin-only)
• Birth control patch
• Birth Control Vaginal ring (e.g., NuvaRing, Annovera)
• Birth control shot (Depo-Provera)
• Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, Skyla)
• Birth control implant (e.g., Nexplanon)

These methods use synthetic hormones—estrogen, progestin, or both—to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or thinning the uterine lining.

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Methods

• Copper IUD (e.g., Paragard)
• Condoms (internal and external)
• Diaphragms
• Cervical caps
• Fertility awareness methods (FAM)
• Withdrawal method
• Permanent sterilization

These rely on physical barriers, copper ions, or behavioral tracking rather than hormones.

Hormonal Birth Control: Risks and Side Effects

Hormonal birth control is safe for most people, but side effects can vary based on your health, the type of birth control, and how your body responds to hormones.

Common Side Effects (most go away or get better over 3 months)

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches or migraines
• Weight changes (often water retention, not fat)
• Mood changes or depression
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• Lowered libido
• Skin changes (improvement or worsening of acne)

Less Common but Serious Risks

• Blood clots, especially in smokers 35 years old or older or those with clotting disorders
• Increased blood pressure
• Stroke or heart attack (very rare, mostly in high-risk individuals)
• Liver issues (rare)

It’s important to share your full medical history with your doctor to assess risks before starting hormonal birth control.

Hormonal Birth Control: Benefits

Despite some risks, hormonal birth control has many proven health benefits that go far beyond preventing pregnancy.

Key Benefits:

• Reliable contraception: Up to 99% effective with perfect use.
• Lighter, more regular periods: Most users see reduced bleeding and cramping.
• Acne improvement: Especially with pills containing certain progesterones.
• Reduced PMS and PMDD symptoms.
• May prevent ovarian cysts (the estrogen containing methods are most reliable for this).
• Lowers risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer (the methods that contain estrogen are most reliable for this).
• Ability to skip periods: With continuous use of the patch (only for 12 weeks in a row, then MUST take a break for 1 week), ring, or pills you can control how often and when you bleed e.g. every month, every 3 months, never. Estrogen containing methods are most reliable for this.

For most women, these benefits outweigh potential side effects—especially when the method is well-matched to your unique health profile.

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Risks and Side Effects

Non-hormonal options are a great choice for those who can’t or don’t want to use hormones, but they’re not side-effect free.

Copper IUD (Paragard)

• Can cause heavier, longer, or more painful periods—especially in the first 3–6 months
• Cramping and spotting post-insertion
• Rare chance of expulsion or uterine perforation

Condoms and other Barrier methods

• Latex allergies (can use non-latex versions)
• Less effective than hormonal options
• May interrupt spontaneity

Fertility Awareness & Withdrawal

• Require daily tracking and discipline
• Lower effectiveness (especially for teens and people with irregular cycles)
• One of the highest failure rates

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Benefits

Key Benefits:

• No hormones = no hormone-related side effects
• Instant fertility returns after stopping (no hormone washout period). Though most hormonal methods are out of your body within 3 and at maximum 7 days.
• No impact on mood, weight, or libido (though some argue that libido is affected by fear of getting pregnant and using a non-hormonal method is generally less effective than hormonal method except for the copper IUD).
• Copper IUD is long-lasting—up to 10 years of protection
• Condoms also protect against STIs, making them a must-have for many

These methods are ideal for people with hormone sensitivity, clotting disorders, or simply those wanting a more “natural” approach.

Takeaway: Choosing What’s Right for You

The right birth control method depends on your health, lifestyle, and preferences.

If you’re considering hormonal birth control, Pandia Health can help you make the best choice of birth control pill (there are 40 different formulations, 8 different progestins) for your body, health, and lifestyle preferences. Our expert doctors offer online consultations for just $35 once a year, and we have an algorithm that is customized based on your age, race as a proxy for genetics, bleeding preference, health history that results in 93% of our patients staying with the 1st pill prescribed.

Once you’re prescribed, your refills arrive to you with FREE delivery—so you can skip the hassle of running/worrying about running to the pharmacy and stay on track.

👉 Start your consultation with Pandia Health today

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer hormonal methods because of the superior cycle control and non-contraceptive benefits such as lighter periods, improving acne, preventing cysts or non-hormonal options for their minimal systemic impact, birth control isn’t one-size-fits-all.

What matters most is making a choice with the right information and support. Talk to a doctor, weigh the pros and cons, and listen to your body. When you’re ready, Pandia Health is here to make access to the birth control pill, patch, or ring simple, affordable, and judgment-free.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.