Current birth control pills have much lower amounts of hormones. Weight gain is not likely to be a problem. It’s often a temporary side effect due to fluid retention, not extra fat. Talk to your doctor if you are one of the few who put on pounds. They may suggest a different type of birth control pill.   

The pill, the shot, hormonal IUDs, and the implant can cause method related amenorrhea (absent menstruation.) For example, after 1 year of receiving depo shots, 50 – 75% of women report having no period. Speak with your provider about birth control for period management if this is something of interest to you. 

Condoms and spermicides are two common birth control options for males, while a vasectomy provides a permanent option. And while there is a male birth control pill in development, it’s only in the beginning stages of trials.  

If you are younger than 18, in the state of Florida, you do not need parental consent to go on any type of contraception, but it is always a good idea to talk about healthcare decisions with a trusted adult. We also offer low- to no-cost care for teens beyond birth control, including wellness exams, emergency contraception, and more. 

Learn More: Teen Medical Services

Other useful information: How do I talk to my parents about birth control?

They're considered safe unless you have liver disease, breast cancer, or a high risk for that type of cancer. 

Copper IUDs are not an option if you have an allergy to copper or if you have Wilson's disease, a condition that causes your body to hold too much of that element. 

Hormonal IUD side effects and copper IUD side effects are different. Cramps and spotting with the IUD are common at first. But many IUD side effects go away or get less noticeable within a few months. And some IUD side effects are positive. You can learn more about the side effects of IUDs in this blog post here. 

Hormonal IUDs can cut down on cramps and PMS, and they usually make your periods much lighter. Some people stop getting their periods at all while they have their IUD (don't worry, this is totally normal and safe). 

People usually feel some cramping or pain when they're getting their IUD placed. The pain can be worse for some, but luckily it only lasts for a minute or two. Some doctors tell you to take pain medicine before you get the IUD to help prevent cramps. 

IUD removal takes only a few minutes. You might have some mild cramps as your doctor removes the IUD. Your doctor can insert a new one right after removing the one that has expired. 

Yes. When you’re on the pill, it’s okay to have sex anytime, even during your period week — the week when you don’t take the pill or take placebo pills instead. As long as you’ve been taking your pill every day and starting your pill packs on time, you’re protected from pregnancy even during that off week. 

The pill works by preventing your ovaries from releasing eggs — a process called ovulation. If ovulation doesn’t happen, then no egg is present for sperm to join with - a process called fertilization. If fertilization doesn’t happen, then you can’t get pregnant. So even during the week that you’re not taking the pill, you’re protected from pregnancy. 

It depends on when you start taking them and what type of pills you’re using. You can start taking the birth control pill any day of the month. But depending on when you start and the kind of pill you’re using, you may need to use a backup birth control method — like condoms — for up to 7 days. 

• Combination Pills (COCs): If you start combination pills within 5 days after the first day of your period, you’ll be protected from pregnancy right away. If you start combination pills any other time, you need to take the pill for 7 days before you’ll be protected from pregnancy. So, use another method of birth control — like a condom — if you have penis-in-vagina sex during your first week on the pill. 

• Progestin-Only Pills (POPs or Mini Pills): You can start progestin-only pills any day of the month. You’ll be protected from pregnancy after 48 hours (2 days). So, use another method of birth control (like condoms) if you have penis-in-vagina sex during the first 48 hours (about 2 days). Slynd (a different type of progestin-only pill) is the exception. If you start taking Slynd within the first 5 days of your period, you’ll be protected from pregnancy right away. If you start taking Slynd more than 5 days after your period starts, use another method of birth control (like condoms) for the next 7 days if you have vaginal sex. 

The pill works best if you take it every day on schedule, but almost everyone on the pill forgets to take it sometimes. Knowing what to do when you miss a birth control pill is important. You can visit this blog postfor more information and instructions. 

In many cases, the pill will make your cycle more predictable. You’re more likely to get your period at the same time each month. Cramps and bleeding could be lighter, too. You might even miss a period now and then. Effects vary in part because the amount and type of hormones can differ depending on the prescription. Talk to your doctor about the type that’s best for you. 

It might, especially if you tend to break out during your period. Some birth control pills seem to slow overactive oil glands in your skin. Tell your doctor if you’re interested in this benefit.  

Lots of people adjust to the shot with no problems, and any negative side effects usually go away after 2-3 months, once your body gets used to the shot. Some potential effects include some change in their periods, including bleeding more days than usual, spotting between periods, or no periods. This is most common during the first year. Other possible side effects include nausea, weight gain, headaches, sore breasts, or depression. You may also get slight bruising where you got the shot, or rarely, a small, permanent dent. 

After starting the ring, some people may have headaches, nausea, sore breasts, changes in your periods (early, late, or stopping altogether while on the ring), spotting (light bleeding or brown discharge), and more vaginal wetness. The good news is that these side effects usually go away in 2-3 months. So if you just started using the ring and you have side effects that bother you, try to stick it out and give your body a chance to adjust to the hormones. 

The hormones in the birth control patch may cause side effects in some people. But this doesn’t happen to everyone — many people use the patch with no problems. After starting the patch, some people may have headaches, nausea, sore breasts, changes in your periods (early, late, or stopping altogether while on the patch,) spotting (light bleeding or brown discharge,) and skin reactions where the patch goes (like itching, dryness, pain, swelling, or a rash.)  

The good news is that these side effects usually go away in 2-3 months. So, if you just started using the patch and you have side effects that bother you, try to stick it out and give your body a chance to adjust to the hormones.