Before choosing a new method of birth control, it’s important to learn about some of the potential side effects, and this is especially true if you’re thinking about using the birth control shot. While the birth control shot is very effective, there some disadvantages to this contraceptive method.
The Shot Can Impact Your Period
As a form of hormonal birth control, the birth control shot can have a big impact on your menstrual cycle. Although some of these side effects are beneficial, others are not, and they may prove an inconvenience to your lifestyle.
For example, while using the birth control shot may make your periods less frequent and lighter, your menstrual cycle may become unpredictable, especially during your first year. Additionally, when your period happens, you may have more bleeding days, and spotting between periods is also common.
Physical Side Effects of the Shot
Image via Flickr by Dr. Partha Sarathi Sahana
When you take the birth control shot, you should be aware that it’s possible to suffer some physical side effects that have the potential to impact your quality of life. For example, women who use the birth control shot may experience regular headaches or bouts of nausea, particularly just after the injection has taken place.
Weight gain is another potential physical side effect of the birth control shot, and you may also experience breast tenderness. After you’ve been given the injection, it’s likely that there will be slight bruising around the site and, in some cases, there may be a permanent dent in your arm where your doctor gave you the shot.
Mental Effects of the Birth Control Shot
In addition to the physical side effects listed above, a number of mental side effects are also possible with the birth control shot. These side effects can be very serious, and if you experience them, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Mood changes are the most common mental side effect of receiving the shot. In general, these mood changes involve new depression in women who have no history of depression or worsening depression in women who already deal with this condition. In the worst cases, new or worsening depression may also cause suicidal ideation, which is why it’s vital to talk with your doctor if you develop this side effect.
Lack of Convenience
Convenience is a side effect of the birth control shot that many people fail to consider. In particular, you can only get the shot at your doctor’s office, and you will need to return every three months to have the shot re-administered.
As you can see, the birth control shot has a number of side effects, some of which are extremely serious. Consider these side effects very carefully before using this form of birth control.
If you want to get the prescription that’s right for you quickly and easily, using a telemedicine company like Nurx is a great idea. With telemedicine, there are no time-consuming visits to doctor’s offices or pharmacies to get the birth control that you need. You just choose the medicine you want, a doctor in your area provides you a prescription, and then your medicine is delivered right to your door.