How does birth control affect periods?

If you’re someone who has a uterus, then you understand the joys and pains of having your period. Sure, it’s great to know that your body is functioning properly, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could press pause on our menstrual cycles from time to time? This is where birth control comes in! If you’re using birth control, whether that’s hormonal or non-hormonal, there are several ways that this can affect your periods. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Birth Control?

Before we dive into the effects of birth control on periods, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what exactly “birth control” means. At its most basic definition, birth control refers to any method used to prevent pregnancy. While condoms and diaphragms may come to mind first for some folks as they offer an additional perk – prevention against STIs; other options like IUDs (intrauterine devices) and implants work by releasing hormones directly into the body.

Hormonal vs Non-Hormonal Birth Control

When people think about ‘the pill,’ they usually mean hormone-based pills containing either estrogen alone or progesterone alone or both!! There are also other types of hormonal methods such as Seasonique (contains four sets of hormones) and vaginal rings like NuvaRing (a flexible ring inserted once-a-month).

Non-hormonal options include barrier methods such as condoms & diaphragms , copper IUD which contains no hormones,

Now with background info out of way – Happy Ending!

How Can Hormonal Birth Control Affect Periods?

Hormones determine when our bodies ovulate (release eggs), which ultimately signals when menstruation should begin – 28 days cycle anyone?. The Pill-Combined oral contraceptives [COCs]works by preventing ovulation, hence being an effective method for birth control as well. Here are a few things to know about how hormonal birth control can affect your periods:

Lighter Periods

One of the most commonly reported side effects of hormonal birth control is lighter and shorter periods. With no egg release happening – endometrial lining build-up in uterus that would have been shed during cycle is much reduced which leads to short or light flow.

No Real “Period”

Some women may not get a real period while using certain types of hormone-based birth control such as progesterone-only contraceptive pill [POP] or hormonal IUD, due to absence of ovulation so there’s nothing really going on down there!!

TMI Alert: You just pee it out like urine!

Irregular Spotting

Hormonal changes caused by some forms of birth control may cause irregular spotting – guys you too can relate with this when we sometimes miss shaving our hair and the next day – hello beard!!!!! This unexpected bleeding can be super annoying, although usually light enough where panty wash & reuse strategy could help #SaveThePlanet; Some people even report having continuous spotting throughout their use of hormone-based contraception.

How Can Non-Hormonal Birth Control Affect Periods?

While non-hormonal methods don’t involve any added hormones into body-system they still do play tricks behind the scenes!

Changes in Flow

Copper-containing Intrauterine Devices known also known as IUDs have shown increased menstrual blood flow volume since copper has its own set complex interactions with enzymes involved in coagulation cascade affecting overall menstrual course itself (look at me sounding all technical!)

No more bullet list!
Welcome TABLE!

              Type                 Effect On Menstruation   
Hormonal Birth Control Shorter & Lighter periods, no ovulation   
Non-Hormonal Birth Control Increased menstrual blood flow with Copper IUD

Menstrual Cramps & Pain

Copper IUD (JAYDESS or PARAGARD) sometimes worsens pre-existing menstrual cramps which is disappointing since kicking back in bed demands best cozy pajamas and Netflix subscription.

In conclusion,

It’s essential to remember that everyone will experience hormonal shifts differently, meaning responses to birth control will vary from person-to-person; but It’s safe to say the menstrual cycle tends not to stay the same when using contraceptives! Whether you’re considering non-hormonal contraception options because of concern regarding side effects or overlying reasons… make sure your mini-pamphlet of information features any possible changes in menstrual status for each contraceptive method so you are prepared!

Disclaimer: The article does not claim accurate scientific data as well as biased details on libido and hair growth factors due shift hormone levels if caused by birth control usage

All-in-all – a world without periods sound great guys – whether it be through continuous use oral contraceptives – Seasonique; popping those yellow sugar pillls ; Getting an implant Nexplanon ; A ParaGard jewel-insertion in your uterus … let’s all just give three cheers for science!!!hip hip horrayyyy !!!

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