
<Title title={'How Fast Does Birth Control Start Working?'} />
<Author />

With an array of modern birth control options available today, you might wonder,
“How fast does birth control start working?” Is there a difference between types
of pills? What should you know?

In most cases, birth control works anywhere from immediately to within seven
days. However, how quickly it works depends on various factors, so let’s take a
closer look!

## How Long Does It Take for Birth Control to Work?

This all comes down to the type of birth control you’re using. For IUDs, the
answer is relatively straightforward. The copper IUD actually works right away,
and can even be used as emergency contraception if it is inserted within five
days of unprotected sex. Meanwhile, hormonal IUDs take seven days to work unless
insertion is performed during your period.

Generally, the birth control pill works after seven days of use. It does this by
preventing ovulation (aka an egg being released by the ovaries), thinning the
uterus lining, and/or thickening the mucus near the opening of the cervix.
However, to stay on the safe side, most doctors recommend waiting at least one
month before solely relying on the birth control pill. In the meantime, it’s
usually recommended that you use another form of birth control, such as a
condom.

At the same time, this advice may vary depending on the type of pill you’re
taking. All in all, birth control pills can effectively prevent pregnancy
immediately or can take up to seven days to do so, depending on the type of
pill. So, let’s take a closer look at the different types of birth control pills
to give you a better idea of what to expect.

## How Long Does it Take for Combination Pills to Work?

Combination Oral Contraceptives (COCs) are the most commonly used birth control
pills. As per their name, they contain a combination of two hormones, estrogen,
and progestin. This pill works by stopping ovulation, as well as changing the
cervical mucus, and thinning the lining of the uterus.

Your doctor might instruct you to take the combination pill on the first day of
your menstrual cycle, which means you would become immediately protected. More
recently, many doctors have begun recommending the quick start method, and
encourage you to start taking the pill immediately, once you’ve made sure you
are not pregnant. If you do start taking the combination pill outside of your
period, it typically takes seven days to be effective. This means that you will
need to use an alternative form of birth control in the meantime, such as
condoms.

## How Long Does it Take a Progestin-Only Pill to Work?

Progestin-only pills (POPs), as you might imagine, contain only progestin.
Similar to combination pills, progestin-only pills prevent pregnancy by stopping
ovulation, thinning the uterine lining, and thickening the cervical mucus. They
typically come in packages of 28 pills. These types of pills are just as
effective as combination pills when taken at the same time each day. If you take
this pill outside of your usual three-hour window, it’s recommended that you use
backup methods, such as condoms, in the meantime.

When you begin to take this type of pill, your doctor will instruct you to begin
your pill package within the first five days of your cycle. This means that the
pill is usually effective immediately—unless you have a cycle shorter than 23
days. For women with shorter cycles, it can take two days for the pill to become
effective.

## What About Other Forms of Birth Control?

The pill and IUD aren’t the only options for birth control. Contraceptive rings
and patches also offer a viable option for many women. The contraceptive ring is
inserted into the vagina for three weeks, then removed during the week of your
period. When inserted, it releases hormones into your vaginal lining, which
helps stop ovulation from occurring.

Patches, on the other hand, must be replaced weekly for three weeks, with,
again, one week off. These patches release hormones into your bloodstream and
work to prevent pregnancy, similar to most birth control pills.

For both of these options, it’s best to use a backup birth control method, such
as condoms, for the initial seven days of use.

Meanwhile, barrier forms of birth control, such as the male and female condom,
work right away. The cervical cap can also be kept in place for up to six hours,
with no need to remove it if you choose to have sex multiple times in this
timeframe.

At the end of the day, selecting your method of birth control comes down to what
works for you, your body, and your lifestyle, with minimal side effects. If
you’re confused about which option is right for you, discuss it with your
doctor. They know you and your health situation best and can help you make the
appropriate choice.


Starting a new birth control method can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to the question of how quickly it starts working. In this blog post, we explore the different types of birth control, from pills to patches to IUDs, and how long it takes for each to become effective. Learn what to expect and when you can feel confident that you are protected from unintended pregnancy.

How Fast Does Birth Control Start Working???


<Title title={'The Most Common Side Effects of Birth Control'} />
<Author />

With so many birth control options to choose from, finding the right one for you
can feel like a daunting choice. When choosing your birth control, it is
important to consider your lifestyle, medical history, and personal situation.
One of the key factors that should guide your choice of birth control is the
side effects you may experience - some good and some bad. Keep in mind that all
side effects change from person to person, and many people experience no side
effects at all.

Finding the right birth control often takes some trial and error, so don't feel
discouraged if the first type you try doesn't work for you. At Gemma, you'll
always be encouraged to keep trying new alternatives that may work better for
you.

## Why Birth Control Can Cause Side Effects

Many forms of birth control work by delivering small doses of hormones that
alter the way your body so it no longer ovulates, thus reducing the risk of
pregnancy. The most commonly found hormones in birth control pills are estrogen
and progestin. All hormonal birth control options come with the risk of
potential side effects, but it is common for side effects to be strongest when
you first start and subside once your body adjusts to your new hormone levels.

While all hormonal birth control alternatives can cause similar side effects,
this does not mean that they will all produce the same side effects for you.
Different hormone levels and methods of delivering hormones to your body may
change the way your body reacts.

Common side effects from hormonal birth control include:

- Reduced menstrual flow
- Reduced menstrual & pre-menstrual pain
- Nausea
- Headaches, worsening migraine pain
- Breast tenderness
- Spotting and irregular bleeding between periods

## Combination Oral Pills

Combination Oral Contraceptives (COCs) are the most commonly used birth control
pills. As per their name, they contain a combination of two hormones, estrogen,
and progestin.

In addition to the common side effects of all hormonal birth control, potential
side effects of combination pills include:

- Decreased acne
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Period changes such as breakthrough bleeding, stopped or heavier periods
- Decreased sex drive

## Progestin Only Pills

Progestin-only pills (POPs), as you might imagine, contain only progestin. The
downside of POPs is that they must be taken at the same time every day to be as
effective as combination pills. A benefit to progestin-only pills is that it is
safe for those who cannot take estrogen supplementation.

In addition to the common side effects of all hormonal birth control, potential
side effects of Progestin-only pills include:

- Increased acne
- Mood issues
- Unwanted hair growth

## Hormonal Patches

The hormonal birth control patch is placed on the skin and is to be changed
every week, for three weeks. Every fourth week, no patch is worn for seven days,
which is when the period can be expected. The patch contains both estrogen and
progestin so the side effects are similar to those of combination oral birth
control pills.

In addition to the common side effects of all hormonal birth control, potential
side effects of hormonal patches include:

Rash, redness or irritation to the skin where the patch is placed

## Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring contains both progestin and estrogen and is inserted into the
vagina for three weeks and then removed on the fourth week in which a period can
be expected. Side effects to be expected are similar to those of the other
combination medications discussed above.

In addition to the common side effects of all hormonal birth control, potential
side effects of the vaginal ring include:

- Vaginal irritation or discomfort
- Increased vaginal discharge

## Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

An intrauterine device or IUD is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the
cervix. The two available types of IUDs include a hormonal IUD and a
non-hormonal (or copper) IUD. IUDs are ideal for those who do not respond well
to traditional hormonal birth control options or those who want to prevent
pregnancy for an extended period of time.

### Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs can be used for 3-10 years depending on the type of device.
Because hormonal IUDs release a small dose of hormones there is a risk of
hormonal birth control side effects. Most women do not experience any side
effects and if they do it is common for them to decrease within the first few
months of use. Some slight cramping can be expected after insertion as well as a
decrease in your menstrual flow over time.

### Non-hormonal (Copper) IUDs

Non-hormonal (Copper) IUDs can be used for up to 12 years. Because there are no
hormones in this option, some may experience an increase in menstrual bleeding
and cramping, although this can decrease over time. As with hormonal IUDs, some
initial cramping can also be expected when the IUD is first inserted.

## Injections

Contraceptive injections are given intramuscularly at your doctor's office every
three months. It works by inhibiting ovulation, thus reducing the risk of
pregnancy.

Common side effects include:

- Period changes including irregular, increased, or decreased bleeding or
  breakthrough bleeding
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Pain, bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Decrease in bone mineral density

## Contraceptive Implants

The contraceptive implant is a new form of hormonal birth control, having been
approved by Health Canada in May 2020. A small rod is placed in the upper arm by
a healthcare professional. Contraceptive protection begins within 24 hours of
placement of the implant, with an effectiveness of 3 years.

Since the implant releases a continuous dose of progestin into your bloodstream,
you can expect side effects common to progestin-only birth control, such as the
implant. In addition to these, potential side effects of the contraceptive
implant include pain, bruising, swelling, or redness at the insertion site that
should resolve quickly.

## Condoms

Barrier methods such as male or female condoms, if used correctly, are effective
in reducing the risk of pregnancy as well as reducing the risk of sexually
transmitted diseases. There are no side effects to using condoms. However, if
you are allergic to latex you will want to make sure to use a latex-free condom
to prevent allergic reactions.

## Serious and Rare Side Effects of all Hormonal Birth Control

While most side effects are not dangerous, and serious side effects are rare,
they should be discussed. All combination birth controls can increase the risk
of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. If, after starting hormonal birth
control, you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, a racing heart,
weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, or pain or swelling in your lower
legs, it is super important that you seek emergency care or call 911.


Birth control is a popular choice for many women to prevent unintended pregnancy, but it's important to understand the potential side effects that may come with it. We'll dive into the common side effects of birth control, including mood changes, weight gain, and headaches. Learn what to expect and how to manage these side effects if they happen to you.

The Most Common Side Effects of Birth Control


<Title title={'Which Birth Control is Right For Me?'} />
<Author />

There are so many birth control options out there, it’s easy to feel
overwhelmed. The good news is that with so many options available, there’s bound
to be a good option for you.

Here’s a short list of common birth control options:

- The Pill
- The Patch
- The Ring
- IUDs
- Injectable Contraception
- Contraceptive Implant
- Barrier Methods (Condoms, Diaphragm, Sponge)
- Pull-out and Cycle based methods
- Emergency Contraception (Plan B)
- Abstinence

Now let’s get started! The biggest factors when choosing birth control come down
to the following:

- Why are you taking it?
- How good are you at remembering to take it?
- Do you have any risk factors?
- Does it give you side effects?
- Let’s break it down a little:

## Why are you taking birth control?

Are you interested in birth control to help prevent pregnancy?

- The most effective form of birth control is the one that works for you. If you
  follow instructions perfectly, the pill, the ring and the patch all work just
  as well at pregnancy prevention, while IUDs are the most effective form of
  birth control
- When you want your birth control to start working may also impact your choice.
  Hormonal birth control can take up to 7 days to start preventing pregnancy,
  while condoms are a good choice if you need immediate protection against
  pregnancy. If you're looking for post sex pregnancy prevention, your best bet
  will be emergency contraception, but hurry as these methods decrease in
  effectiveness the longer post-sex you take them

Are you looking to prevent sexually transmitted infections (aka STIs or STDs)?

- In this case, you’ll want to use condoms. You can use either male or female
  condoms, although male condoms are usually much easier to find
- Condoms aren’t perfect at preventing pregnancy, so you may also want to
  combine condoms with other forms of birth control to lower your chances of
  getting pregnant

Are you looking for help with PMS pain, period pain or heavy flow, or perhaps to
skip periods altogether?

- Hormonal treatments are your best bet for this. Some examples of this would be
  combination pills (COC), the Patch, the Vaginal Ring or a hormonal IUD

Are you looking to help clear up your skin?

- If you have hormonal acne, combined pills might be able to help
- Check out Livewell’s prescription acne quiz. Our medical team might be able to
  prescribe you with treatment to help fight your acne

## How good are you at remembering to take it?

While birth control pills are a great option for most people, their
effectiveness depends on your ability to remember to take them every day, and
ideally at the same time each day. This is especially important for progestin
only pills.

If you’re a little forgetful (and that’s OK!), IUDs may be a good alternative
for you, as they are a set it and forget it type of contraceptive. A single IUD
can be good for anywhere from 3-10 years, depending on the model. The main
downside is that you need a healthcare professional to insert it (and remove
it).

Other alternatives if you don’t want to be thinking about taking your pill each
day are the patch and the vaginal ring. The patch needs to be changed every
week, while the ring needs to be changed once a month. For both the patch and
the ring, you will go for one week per month without using them, before applying
or inserting a new one at the end of the week. The biggest downside of the ring
is that it can cause an increase in UTIs and yeast infections. The main drawback
of the patch is that it doesn’t work as well for people above a certain weight.

## Do you have any risk factors?

Some risk factors that may impact which birth control you should take include:

- History of blood clots
- High blood pressure
- You’ve had migraine(s) with aura
- You smoke and are over 35

If you have any of these risk factors, you should probably lean towards taking
progestin-only options. Since most other forms of hormonal birth control contain
both estrogen and progestin, your best bet will be a progestin-only pill or an
IUD. If you're looking to take the birth control long-term (aka over 5 years),
then an IUD might be your best option.

## Does it give you side effects?

While all types of hormonal birth control use similar hormones, the levels of
estrogen and progestin vary from one type of birth control to another. This
means that while one type might give you certain side effects, it doesn’t mean
they all will. In addition, the different ways the hormones enter your body from
the various methods (ie. pills vs. IUDs) can also impact side effects you
experience.

While some side effects aren’t a big deal, and some can even be beneficial (eg.
decrease in acne, reduced PMS pain, etc.), some side effects can be a real
nuisance, or even quite serious. If you’re experiencing side effects, don’t
hesitate to reach out to a medical practitioner at Livewell, or seek immediate
emergency care if it’s an emergency.

## The bottom line

Finding the right birth control often takes some trial and error, so don't feel
discouraged if the first type you try isn’t a fit for you. At Livewell, you'll
always be encouraged to keep trying new alternatives that may work better for
you.


Are you confused by all the birth control options available in Canada? Check out our guide to finding the right birth control method for you. Pills, patches, rings, IUDs, we have it covered.

Which Birth Control is Right For Me?


<Title title={'Which birth control should I take to not gain weight?'} />
<Author />

One of the most common questions about birth control we hear at Livewell is
whether or not it can cause weight gain. The short answer to this question is
no. While everyone's body is different, birth control generally does not cause
weight gain.

## Does birth control really make you gain weight?

The idea that birth control can cause you to gain weight makes many people
hesitant to start hormonal birth control. Let’s make one thing clear up-front,
THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH GAINING WEIGHT. That being said, we can understand
that you’d like to avoid gaining weight. So to be clear, in most cases BIRTH
CONTROL DOES NOT MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT.

The idea that birth control causes weight gain stems from outdated beliefs about
the effects of modern contraception on the body. Decades ago, most hormonal
contraceptives used significantly higher levels of hormones than those found in
today's birth control.

Since progestins can cause an increased appetite, and estrogen tends to increase
fluid retention, higher doses of these hormones could cause users past to gain
varying amounts of weight. Luckily, the formulas used in today's contraceptives
require a much smaller amount of hormones, and no longer have the level of
hormones necessary to cause significant weight gain. In fact, plenty of studies
have examined the effects of today's hormonal contraceptives (from the pill to
the patch) and found little evidence linking their use to weight gain.

## The Weight Gain Exception: The Birth Control Shot

While most forms of birth control won't make you gain weight, there is one
exception. The birth control shot is the only contraceptive that has
consistently been shown to cause weight gain (on average, 11 pounds!). Luckily,
this contraceptive method is not very common, as it also comes with other
potential drawbacks, such as a decrease in bone mineral density.

## The Likelihood of Gaining Weight Due to Birth Control

Unless you are taking the birth control shot, it's highly unlikely that your
birth control is causing you to gain weight, regardless of your age or starting
weight.

If you've noticed any weight gain after starting birth control, it's more than
likely caused by outside factors that don't have anything to do with your
contraceptive, or otherwise caused by water retention and isn't actually made up
of fat.

Overall, the odds that your birth control will make you gain weight are
extremely low, even with hormonal varieties such as the pill.

## How to Minimize Your Odds of Weight Gain

While it's very unlikely that you'll gain weight due to taking birth control,
there are some things you can do to further minimize your risk of experiencing
this side effect.

Most of these steps are general lifestyle changes that will serve to make you a
healthier person overall, but they can also be helpful for mitigating effects
such as increased water retention.

## Let Your Body Adjust

People who see an increase in water weight gain after starting birth control may
be discouraged by the number they see on their scale, but there is no need to
be. The higher number is more than likely due to water retention, not fat gain,
and won't last forever.

Increased water retention due to birth control is generally minimal and will go
away as your body adjusts to the hormones, usually within 2 to 3 months.

## Make Time to Move

Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to minimize the effects of any
weight gain, and will likely improve your health in a number of other ways. No
worries if you can't make it to the gym, there are plenty of other ways to get
moving, including hiking, swimming, or simply taking a walk around your
neighborhood.

## Fuel Your Body the Right Way

A balanced diet goes hand-in-hand with proper exercise. Make sure to load your
plate with plenty of colorful vegetables, and try to add a source of protein to
every meal.

Staying hydrated is also essential, and will even help to decrease the water
retention that's likely contributing to any “increase” in your weight.

## Switch Birth Control Methods

If you really feel like your birth control is having adverse effects on your
health, the best thing you can do is look for a different method. Whether it's a
new brand of birth control pill or a different type of contraceptive entirely,
never hesitate to try something that may work better for you.

## Common Symptoms of Birth Control

While weight gain is not a common side effect of birth control, there are some
other side effects that you should look out for, including:

- Nausea
- Spotting between periods
- Lighter or heavier periods
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches or migraines
- Skin changes (including a reduction in acne)
- Mood fluctuations
- While these symptoms are fairly common, no two people are alike. It's possible
  you may experience many of these side effects or none at all. Plus, the
  lifestyle changes above can also minimize your chance of experiencing any
  unwanted symptoms.

If you're unhappy with your birth control, consider switching to another form,
as each variety may affect you differently. Finding the right birth control
often takes some trial and error, so don't feel discouraged if the first type
you try doesn't work for you. At Livewell, you'll always be encouraged to keep
trying new alternatives that may work better for you.


Choosing a birth control method can be overwhelming, especially when weight gain is a concern. We'll explore different birth control options to help you minimize any weight gain, so you can learn which birth control method may be the best fit for you and your weight goals.

The Livewell Blog