How to Find the Best Birth Control for Your Body Type?

When it comes to choosing a birth control option for women remember that one size does not fit all, and the wide range of options can be overwhelming. Birth control pills are one of the most common and accessible forms of contraception. When choosing the best birth control option you may consider factors like cost, effectiveness, and convenience. While these factors are important, one overlooks the other crucial factor: body type.

Knowing the options available and how they relate to your body type can help you make a better selection, regardless of whether you're just beginning your birth control journey or want to switch. If you are keen on preventing pregnancy

This blog tells you how body type and other factors might impact the different birth control options and provides a guide on picking a method that is suited for your health and lifestyle.

Understanding Body Type and Hormonal Needs

● Birth Control and Body Type

Your unique body type can influence how different birth control options work for you, including how they affect your hormones, metabolism, weight, and overall comfort. Now see, if you are overweight, some hormonal birth control options may not be effective because of how your body breaks them down.

Having an open conversation with your healthcare professional can help you choose the best birth control option that compliments your body type.

● Hormonal Balance

Your body may or may not be sensitive to certain hormones, it varies by body type and can impact weight, mood, and comfort. If you have a history of severe acne and mood swings, you may favor a treatment that is solely progestin-based or uses lower doses of estrogen. Understanding your hormonal needs and how your body responds to different hormones is essential in making the right choice.

Best Birth Control Options For Your Body Type

If you look, you may find various birth control options to choose from, however, the best one can give you the desired outcome. So, do your research, visit your healthcare provider, and make the right choice. Below we have given a general idea of which birth control option is suitable for a certain body type.

1. Hormonal Birth Control

These birth control methods use hormones to regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy. A birth control pill, implant, IUD, patch, and injectable birth control are common hormonal contraceptives.

➢ Birth control pills: The pill includes progestin-only pills or combined hormonal pills, these are good for people who maintain a daily routine and want control over their cycle. If overweight, the pills can be less effective.

➢ Birth control patch: It is placed on the skin and releases hormones in your body. If you are looking for a low-maintenance solution, this can be it for you. You need to change the patch every week. The body weight can impact the effectiveness of the birth control patch.

➢ IUD and Implant: These are long-term, highly effective, and need less maintenance. An IUD (Intrauterine device) is placed inside the uterus and the implant is placed under your skin. They are ideal for those who like the "set it and forget it" attitude. Hormonal IUDs are beneficial to people with a track record of heavy or painful periods.

➢ Injectable birth control: The shot is taken every 3 months. If you do not want to deal with the daily intake of pills and removal of patches every week, you can opt for this method. Speak with your doctor if you have a family history of osteoporosis (weak bones), as it can affect the bone density.

2. Non-Hormonal Birth Control

If you do not prefer hormonal birth control options, you can choose from the non-hormonal birth control options, especially if you have hormone sensitivity.

➢ Male and female condoms: These are the barrier methods that prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. If you want to prevent pregnancy and also protect yourself against STIs (sexually transmitted infections) then this is the best birth control option. They come in many materials to suit different sensitivities.

➢ Copper IUD: These are non-hormonal and suitable for women who are sensitive to hormones and want a method that’s effective, low-maintenance, and long-acting. It works by releasing copper ions and stopping the sperm from fertilizing the egg.

➢ Cervical Cap/Diaphragm: These are two different methods inserted into the vagina to block sperm from entering the cervix during intercourse. They are effective when you use them with spermicide. Also, you need to use them correctly to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

Other methods include:

● Sterilization: If you do not wish to get pregnant ever, and your partner wants the same things, then this permanent contraception option is for you. Women can go through tubal ligation, where their fallopian tubes are tied to prevent fertilization. Whereas, men can have a vasectomy surgery to prevent the sperm from reaching the semen which is ejaculated from the penis. So the semen exists but without sperm.

● Emergency contraception: Also known as the morning-after pill or Plan B is taken after intercourse to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It is available over-the-counter and should be taken within 72 hours of intercourse.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Birth Control Options

While your body type has a major impact on birth control, there are other factors to consider while making this important choice.

● Cost and accessibility: Consider the cost. Some birth control methods like pills and condoms are relatively inexpensive compared to expensive, though cost-effective over time, implants and IUDs.

● Effectiveness: Birth control options like implants and IUDs are 99% effective and low-maintenance, while the effectiveness of birth control pills, patches, and injection shots are 91-94% effective and should be taken with appropriate measures. Other barrier methods for one-time use are 100% effective.

● Side effects of birth control: Every birth control has some side effects. Hormonal contraceptives can cause weight gain, acne, or mood changes. IUDs can lead to cramps and heavier periods. So, it’s important to know the birth control side effects and choose what works best for you.

● Medical history and health conditions: If you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of blood clots, you may not be able to use certain birth control options. Individuals with high blood pressure should avoid an estrogen pill and patch as it can increase the risk of stroke or heart disease.

● Lifestyle and convenience: Do you prefer a method that requires daily attention like a birth control pill, or one that needs less attention like an IUD? If you have a busy lifestyle you may forget to take the pill, hence the long-term birth control option can be the best for you.

Discuss With Your Doctor

Talking openly with your doctor will help you select the best birth control option that best fits your body type and lifestyle. They can help you determine your body type, medical history, and preferences. They can also help you track your experience with the method of choice to make adjustments if needed.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best birth control pill is a personal choice. It is crucial to pick a method that suits your body, lifestyle, and preferences by considering factors like body type, hormonal balance, long-term goals, and effectiveness of birth control options. Remember that your needs may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to revisit your options periodically to ensure that you’re still using the best method for your body.