Your guide to birth control

Fact: Researchers have found no evidence that birth control pills cause weight gain. While this is true today, this wasn’t always the case. When birth control pills first came out in the 1960s, they had higher levels of estrogen, which can, in fact, cause weight gain. But today’s birth control pills have much fewer hormones, so weight gain is not likely.

Taking the pill, or any hormonal birth control, may cause fluid retention before your period. This can cause you to gain a few pounds, but it should go away once your period is over. 

Though it’s rare, some people can gain weight on the pill. If that happens to you, talk to your provider about it. They can help you find a different birth control method that works better for you.

Fact: Birth control doesn’t affect your fertility and has no long-term effects on your ability to have a baby after you stop taking it.

Once you stop using birth control — whether it’s an IUD, implant, pill, patch, or ring — you can get pregnant right away. The only method that takes a little longer to stop preventing pregnancy is the shot. It can take up to 10 months for the shot to leave your body.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) actually have more of a chance of affecting fertility. STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs and lead to infertility, if untreated. That’s why it’s so important to use a condom and why you should regularly get tested for STIs.

Fact: The IUD is appropriate and safe for people with and without kids. Not having kids has no bearing on whether or not you can use the IUD. 

This myth is so common because it used to be true. Years ago, you could only get an IUD if you already had children. Doctors recommended it because after you give birth, your cervix and uterus are slightly larger. This makes inserting the IUD easier and using it more comfortable.

Today, there are newer and smaller IUDs, which are easier to insert and more comfortable for every user.

Fact: You don’t need to “cleanse” or detox your body from birth control. There are no medical benefits to taking a break from birth control. You can safely stay on your chosen method of birth control for as long as you want. Taking breaks from birth control may increase your risk of an unwanted pregnancy.