Starting birth control can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand common side effects and know what's normal.
We'll cover hormonal methods, IUDs, barrier methods, and tips to help you make informed choices.
Hormonal Methods
Pills, Patches & Rings
These methods contain estrogen and progestin. They can cause mood swings in the first 2-3 months as your body adjusts to hormone levels.
Monitor Side Effects
Track your moods, bleeding patterns, and any headaches in a journal or app. Call your doctor if you experience severe depression or anxiety.
Shots & Implants
Depo-Provera shots (every 3 months) and Nexplanon implants (lasts 3 years) are progestin-only options that often cause irregular spotting.
Adjustment Period
Most side effects improve by 3 months. If spotting or mood changes persist beyond 6 months, discuss switching methods with your healthcare provider.
IUDs: What to Expect
Cramps
Almost 80% of teens experience period-like cramps during the first 24-48 hours after insertion. For most, these diminish significantly within 3-7 days.
Take 600-800mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before your appointment and every 6 hours as needed afterward. Apply a heating pad for 15-20 minutes at a time. Call your doctor immediately if cramps are severe or last longer than 2 weeks.
Period Changes
Copper IUDs (Paragard) typically increase menstrual flow by 20-50% during the first 3-6 months, with some spotting between periods. This usually improves by 6-12 months.
Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla) reduce menstrual flow by 90% after 3-6 months. Approximately 20% of teens stop having periods altogether after 1 year, which is completely safe and normal.
Barrier Methods
How They Work
Barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps physically block sperm from reaching eggs.
Unlike hormonal options, they have no systemic effects and can be used only when needed.
Skin Sensitivity
About 1-3% of teens experience redness, burning, or swelling from latex or nonoxynol-9 spermicide.
Try polyurethane condoms or silicone diaphragms if sensitivity occurs, and switch to non-spermicidal lubricants.
Proper Use
Male condoms are 98% effective with perfect use but drop to 85% with typical use due to application errors.
Check expiration dates, store properly away from heat, and practice proper application techniques before you need them.
Managing Side Effects
Give It Time
Most side effects settle within 3-6 months as your body adjusts to your birth control method.
Track Your Symptoms
Use an app or notebook to log side effects and identify patterns that might help manage them.
Talk to Your Provider
If symptoms interfere with daily life, don't hesitate to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Stay Protected
Consider using condoms alongside other birth control methods for STI protection and added pregnancy prevention.
Getting Support
Ask Specific Questions
Write down your concerns before appointments with your healthcare provider or school nurse. Questions like "Will this affect my sports performance?" or "How do I handle missed pills?" are common.
Teen health centers and Planned Parenthood offer confidential advice at little or no cost—many have teen-only hours or text lines.
Schedule Follow-ups
Book a follow-up 3 months after starting any method to discuss side effects. For IUDs, have a string check at 4-6 weeks.
Most providers recommend yearly visits for prescription renewals, even if everything seems fine.
Advocate for Yourself
Keep a symptom diary to track changes in mood, bleeding, or discomfort. Share specific examples: "My cramps increased from a 3 to an 8 after starting this method."
Remember: 60% of teens try 2-3 methods before finding their best fit. Switching methods doesn't mean failure.