Contraceptives can cause weight gain

Contraceptives are a medium for women to avoid pregnancy. It aims to prevent pregnancy by keeping the egg and sperm apart or stop production of eggs or stop the fertilized egg from attaching to the womb. But, question is, how safe is it use these contraceptive methods. 3MEDS, the best healthcare service provider in India, tries to clarifies on the doubts regarding contraceptive’s usage.

Types of contraceptives

1.      Condom- protects against most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevent pregnancy

2.      Oral contraceptive pills- is taken once in a day, which is highly effective, permits sexual spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex

3.      Intrauterine Device (IUD)- is fitted inn women’s uterus, which is a long- acting and reversible method of contraception

4.      Contraceptive implant- is a small, flexible rod, placed under the skin of women’s upper arm, releasing a form of progesterone hormone. This hormone stops the ovary from releasing eggs and thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb

5.      Contraceptive injection- lasts for up to three months. It is very effective, permits sexual spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex

6.      Emergency Contraceptive Pill- also referred to as the ‘Morning After’ pill, is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex

7.      Contraceptive ring- is a flexible plastic ring placed in the vagina, that constantly releases hormones. It can be placed in the vagina for three weeks

8.      Diaphragm- is a small, soft silicon dome placed inside the vagina to stop sperm from entering the uterus

9.      Sterilization- is an open or minimal invasion surgery that completely takes away the body’s ability to reproduce. Applicable for both male and female

Least effective contraceptive method

·         Without using any birth control method, there is 85% chances of getting pregnant, in a year

·         When spermicide is used, 29% chances of conceiving

·         With provision of fertility awareness, there is 26% of getting pregnant

·         Usage of female condom will pose 21% of conceiving

·         Natural method of withdrawal, can provide 18% of getting pregnant

Most effective contraceptive method

·         Implant, IUD, vasectomy and tubal methods are 99% effective

·         Birth control shot is 97% trustworthy

·         Birth control pill and vaginal ring function 92- 95% effective

·         Condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge are 84- 89% functional

Adverse health effects of contraceptives

Some of the ill effects of using contraceptive include-

·         Cardiovascular diseases

·         Metabolic effects

·         Neoplastic diseases

·         Breast tenderness

·         Nausea

·         Headache

·         Irregular menses

·         Weight gain

Weight gain, matter of concern

Increased levels of estrogen can build- up appetite and promote fluid or water retention. Changes in hormonal birth control and advances in combination forms of the pill have addressed this issue. Many research studies have examined the relationship between weight gain and recent, popular forms of hormonal contraception, including the pill and the patch. The immense majority of these studies have found no reasonable evidence to support the claim. Any weight gain that may occur in the first weeks or months after beginning birth control is typically due to water retention. It isn’t actual fat gain.

The reason why

1.      Routine change- Recently changed jobs and feel sedentary for most of the day, one may notice a gradual weight gain. Sitting for large segments of your day can lead to weight gain, among other side effects.

2.      Diet change- Increase in the calorie intake can lead to weight gain.

3.      Metabolism change- Depending on one’s age, the metabolism could be contributing to changes in your weight and energy levels. As you age, your metabolism can take a nosedive. Without your body’s natural calorie-burning ability, you may notice weight gain.

4.      Changes at the gym- Increased muscle mass might explain the increase you see on the scale.

Ending note

Safe sex is a must to avoid pregnancy or any kind of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). But, it isn’t the best solution as it comes with some side effects or risk. It’s your choice to use or not to use a contraceptive. Or to make a choice over which contraceptive to use. Contraceptives are available at 3MEDS, the best medicine app in India, where you can make a purchase easily and conveniently.