Hormonal methods of birth control are considered safe for most \npeople. But is there a limit to how long you can safely use birth \ncontrol?
\nSome people take the birth control pill for much of their adult lives \nwithout a break. Others use long-term hormonal contraception devices, \nsuch as intrauterine devices (IUDs), that can stay in place for several \nyears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The safety of using long-term hormonal birth control may depend on a person\u2019s risk factors, age, and medical history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read on to find out the short-term and long-term effects of birth control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short-term side effects
\nwoman holding birth control and wondering about the long term effects of birth control
\nShort-term side effects of birth control may include headaches, nausea, weight gain, and mood swings.
\nHormonal methods of birth control contain artificial progesterone or \nestrogen and progesterone. They affect the hormone levels in a person\u2019s \nbody, so many people experience side effects shortly after taking them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all people will experience side effects. Some side effects will \ngo away within several months as the body adjusts to the hormones. Other\n side effects may develop after taking hormones for some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Possible short-term side effects of birth control include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
bleeding between periods, or spotting
\nheadaches
\nnausea
\nbreast tenderness
\nweight gain
\nmood swings<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long-term side effects
\nFor most people, using contraceptives for a long time does not cause significant problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people use hormonal birth control for contraception. But, others\n take hormonal birth control to manage long-term medical conditions. \nConditions include heavy or painful periods, endometriosis, and \nmenopause symptoms. Doctors approve the use of the pills for these \nconditions, so they should be okay to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A doctor can advise individuals about the safety and risks of using long-term birth control according to their medical history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several factors and possible side effects to consider when taking long-term birth control:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Birth control and cancer
\nAccording to the National Cancer Institute, there is mixed evidence that\n hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of breast and cervical \ncancer but reduce the risk of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal \ncancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hormones in birth control, including progesterone and estrogen, \nmay stimulate the growth of some types of cancer cells and reduce the \nrisk of others developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that people who have taken \nbirth control pills are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer \nthan those who have never used them. However, this risk goes away when \npeople have been off the pill for 10 or more years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ACS also report that taking birth control for more than 5 years \nmay increase the risk of cervical cancer. The longer people take the \npill, the higher their risk. However, the risk should go back down \ngradually when someone stops taking the pill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A large-scale study published in 2018 looked at the cancer prevalence\n in over 100,000 women aged 50 to 71 who were currently taking birth \ncontrol pills. The study indicated that long-term use of birth control \ndecreased the risk of both ovarian and endometrial cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Researchers are not sure why birth control pills may lower the risk \nof certain cancers. It may be because the pill decreases the number of \novulations a person has in their lifetime, which exposes them to less \nnaturally occurring hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10 most common birth control pill side effects
\n10 most common birth control pill side effects
\nIn this article, we take a close look at hormonal birth control pills, including the side effects, risks, and alternatives.
\nREAD NOW
\nBirth control and blood clots
\nA 2013 meta-analysis of 26 studies indicated that the use of oral \ncontraceptives containing both progesterone and estrogen increased \npeople\u2019s risk of developing a blood clot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blood clots increase a person\u2019s risk of a stroke and heart attack. \nPeople who smoke may be especially at risk for developing blood clots \nwhen using birth control pills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it safe to use birth control indefinitely?
\nMost people can safely use hormonal contraceptives for many years, provided their doctor has recommended it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, many long-term birth control methods contain hormones. This \ncan cause problems depending on a person\u2019s medical history, age, and \noverall health. Doctors may advise some people to avoid using certain \ntypes of birth control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a birth control pill causes side effects, people can speak to \ntheir doctor and change pills until they find one that works for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People with a history of blood clots may prefer progesterone-only birth control pills or the hormone-free IUD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long-term contraception options
\ncontraceptive pills iud and vaginal ring
\nLong-term contraception methods include birth control pills, intrauterine devices, and the vaginal ring.
\nThere are several long-term birth control options. All hormonal methods \nof birth control, including the pill, patch or implant, may cause \nsimilar side effects and long-term risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no one \u201cbest\u201d method of birth control. The best option depends on a person\u2019s lifestyle and medical history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most long-term birth control options involve the use of hormones. The\n hormones work in two main ways: stopping ovulation and thickening the \ncervical mucus, which makes it difficult for the egg and sperm to meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long-term non-hormonal options are also available, including the non-hormonal IUD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long-term contraception methods include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Birth control pills: Contraceptive pills often contain both \nartificial progesterone and estrogen. People can also use \nprogesterone-only pills.
\nContraceptive shots: Contraceptive shots contain progesterone and \nprevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation. A doctor can give a \ncontraceptive shot every 3 months.
\nContraceptive implants: An implant is a small, thin rod that a doctor \ninserts under the skin in the arm. It releases hormones that prevent \novulation. The implant protects from pregnancy for up to 4 years.
\nVaginal ring: A person inserts a vaginal ring inside their vagina. The \nperson leaves the ring in for 3 weeks and then takes it out for 1 week. \nThe ring releases hormones, which prevent ovulation.
\nContraceptive patch: The patch contains hormones that prevent pregnancy.\n A person sticks the patch on their back, bottom, or arm. The person \nchanges the patch weekly for 3 weeks then takes the fourth week off. \nThey must repeat this every month.
\nIntrauterine device (IUD): An IUD is a small device that a doctor \ninserts in the cervix. Currently, IUDs last anywhere from 3 to 12 years.\n People can get hormonal or non-hormonal versions of the IUD.
\nSurgical Sterilization: Options are available for both sexes. However, \nthese are permanent methods. They are completely hormone-free.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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