ways to stay healthy while on hormonal birth control
Take your
contraceptive correctly
Choose the best
contraceptive for you
Some types of hormonal contraception are more effective than others. Some require you to take them daily, while others provide longer-term protection.
The potential risks also vary from one type to another, especially if you have a history of certain health conditions. Your doctor can help you learn which contraceptive might be best for you.
Ask your doctor when and how to take your prescribed contraceptive. Follow their recommended schedule for taking birth control pills, getting birth control shots, or replacing your patch, ring, implant, or IUD.
Some birth control pills work better when you take
them at the same time every day.
Take your
contraceptive correctly
Hormonal contraceptives don’t prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Using condoms during sex lowers your risk of STIs. Using condoms in addition to hormonal contraceptives also helps add protection against pregnancy.
Use condoms to prevent STIs
Contraceptives that contain estrogen raise your
risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Avoiding smoking or vaping helps protect your cardiovascular health. If you smoke or vape, your doctor can help you develop a plan to quit and
may recommend estrogen-free contraceptives.
Avoid smoking
Taking hormonal contraceptives may change how your body absorbs or processes certain nutrients, such as B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium.
Eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and dairy products can help you get the nutrients you need. If you develop a nutrient deficiency, your doctor may prescribe a nutrient supplement.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
Hormonal contraceptives can interact with certain
drugs and supplements, which can make your
contraceptive less effective.
Before you begin taking a medication or
supplement, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it could interact with anything else that you take.
Ask about drug interactions
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achy soreness in your leg
Watch out for side effects
Regular checkups with your doctor are important
for monitoring your overall health.
Depending on your age and health history, your doctor may recommend screening tests to check your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Some hormonal contraceptives may raise your blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Attend regular checkups
2
Choose the best contraceptive for you
1
Avoid smoking
4
Use condoms
to prevent STIs
3
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
5
Ask about drug interactions
6
Watch out for side effects
7
Attend regular checkups
8
changes to sex drive
Let your doctor know if you develop changes in your health or think you might be experiencing side effects from your hormonal contraceptive.
Common side effects include:
headache
breast tenderness
nausea or abdominal cramping
breakthrough bleeding,
or bleeding outside your normal menstrual cycle
Some hormonal contraceptives may raise your risk of serious health conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, and DVT. Contact a doctor right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms:
trouble breathing
severe stomach pain
sudden, severe headache
sudden chest, back,
or jaw pain
