Procedures

IUDs, or intrauterine devices, are a widespread type of birth control that sit inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. However, some people have questions about potential IUD side effects such as lowered sex drive or pain during sex.

This article explores the research on IUDs and sexual health so you can weigh the pros and cons before getting one.

How IUDs Influence Libido

An IUD may or may not alter sexual desire—it depends on the individual. Influences vary based on IUD type and personal factors such as hormones and stress.

Hormonal IUDs release progestin, a synthetic hormone, directly inside the uterus. For some women, progestin reduces testosterone circulating throughout the body. Since testosterone is essential in regulating libido, this dip can dampen desire.

However, studies on the subject remain mixed. Over half of hormonal IUD users generally notice no significant change in their sex drive. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 report an increased libido after insertion, while 1 in 10 share decreased desire. Those using lower-dose IUDs seem more prone to drops in desire than those using higher-dose versions.

Copper IUDs have no direct hormonal impact themselves. However, they can provoke heavier menstrual bleeding and more severe cramping, which indirectly lowers the sex drive for some users. Discussing heavy menstrual flow and debilitating cramps with your doctor can uncover ways to manage difficult side effects and restore your libido.

Influence on Arousal, Orgasm, and Pleasure

In addition to libido effects, IUDs may also alter genital arousal, orgasm quality, and overall sexual pleasure. Research links hormonal IUDs for some women to increased vaginal dryness and pain during sex.

However, other users report increased genital sensitivity, quicker arousal, and more pleasurable orgasms after insertion. This benefit may stem from decreased anxiety about the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Again, responses depend greatly on the individual. Positively, those reporting pain during intercourse might benefit from adding lubricant or switching to non-hormonal birth control.

For those with lackluster orgasms, it becomes a matter of exploring new stimulation techniques rather than assuming low sexual response as something you must passively accept.

Copper IUDs infrequently directly influence physical arousal or orgasm intensity. However, heavier periods or worse menstrual cramps can inhibit pleasure during intercourse if they make sex uncomfortable. Consulting your gynecologist about pain relief options can help resolve these issues and restore your satisfaction between the sheets.

Impact on Sexual and Emotional Intimacy

When your libido or arousal changes unexpectedly, emotional intimacy with your partner often suffers, too. But don’t panic—you have options.

Try to keep communicating openly if your IUD triggers symptoms that put intercourse on pause. Explore alternatives such as sensual massage, mutual masturbation using hands or sex toys, or oral stimulation. Prioritize emotional bonding through affectionate conversations and activities.

Create opportunities for physical closeness through cuddling, kissing, and stroking one another. Depending on the severity, there are ways to manage troublesome physical symptoms directly.

For mild concerns such as erratic bleeding, apply heating pads, avoid intercourse on heavy-flow days, or use extra lubricant to make sex more comfortable. More bothersome issues may require clinical care—your gynecologist can offer medication to control bleeding intensity or switch birth control methods if suitable.

When to Reach Out for Help

If an IUD provokes sexual symptoms causing emotional distress or physical pain, promptly consult your healthcare provider. Describe all your symptoms thoroughly so they can determine whether the issues likely stem from the IUD itself.

Depending on your symptoms, they may suggest techniques to find relief or offer alternative contraception better aligned with your needs.

Carefully Weighing Pros and Cons

In the end, IUDs affect sexuality to varying degrees based on the individual. You may experience few effects, find the side effects manageable, or consider them unacceptable.

Evaluate your IUD’s impact after six months once your body adapts to the device. Maybe you appreciate reliable pregnancy prevention and perhaps lighter, less painful periods, so you consider negative tradeoffs worthwhile or addressable.

But troublesome symptoms dampening your sex life month after month understandably breed resentment. Openly communicating with your doctor gives you the best chance to enjoy this method while minimizing difficulties through creative coping strategies or alternatives.

Additionally, loop your sexual partner into these conversations if applicable. Getting input about your experiences from multiple sources helps identify the best path forward.

Transitioning to New Birth Control

If attempting to manage IUD side effects proves too challenging, switching methods is entirely valid. First, pinpoint what exactly you hope will change through different contraception.

Do you want reliably higher libido, greater genital sensitivity restored, or less painful periods, for example? Outline your goals beforehand so you can select replacement birth control strategically.

Discuss all available options thoroughly with your clinician. Ask how they may specifically improve the symptoms most disruptive to your sex life and relationship happiness.

Review factors such as effectiveness rates, ease of use, and potential side effects, including sexual effects, before deciding.

Get Personalized Guidance on Your IUD and Libido from Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Ultimately, IUDs affect intimacy and libido differently for each person. If you’re considering an IUD, weigh the potential benefits, such as reliable pregnancy prevention against possible side effects such as pain or low arousal.

Track your symptoms over several months since adjustment takes time. If problems persist, explore solutions with your gynecologist, such as trying lubricants, medications, or switching methods. Prioritize open conversations with your doctor and partner about optimizing your birth control, sex life, and relationship happiness.

Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness offers personalized guidance to help you make informed, empowered choices regarding IUDs that align with your needs. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or book an appointment online.

You’ve probably heard that birth control pills lead to weight gain. With approximately 65% of sexually active women in the United States using contraception and 71% of those having used the pill as their contraceptive method at some point in their lives, concerns about weight gain remain prevalent.

However, despite the common belief that birth control causes significant weight gain, scientific research shows this is essentially a myth. Studies reveal that combination birth control pills do not directly cause meaningful weight gain for most women.

Common Misconceptions About Combination Birth Control Pills and Gaining Weight

Many women attribute their weight gain to combination birth control pills. In fact, weight gain remains among the most cited reasons that women discontinue the pill.

Historically, some of the first oral contraceptives approved in the 1960s contained high doses of hormones. These early high-dose pills were linked to a minor weight gain of around 5 pounds due to water retention and increases in appetite in some users.

However, today’s birth control pills contain much lower hormone doses. Research shows these low-dose combination birth control pills do not cause the same effects on weight as the high-dose pills of the past.

While many women assert that the pill caused their weight gain, scientific studies have found no direct causal link between today’s pill formulas and significant weight changes.

What the Research Shows About Combination Birth Control Pills and Weight Gain

Numerous large-scale studies have examined the effects of combination birth control pills on weight. The majority of these studies show that birth control users generally do not gain any significant amount of weight due to the pills themselves.

In a 2016 review of 22 previous studies on progestin-only contraceptives, researchers found no evidence that birth control causes weight gain. The average weight gain for birth control users was around 4.4 pounds over a year.

Similarly, a 2014 study on 150 women found no proof that combination birth control pills cause meaningful weight gain for most women. Additional studies have compared weight changes in birth control pill users to non-hormonal contraceptive users or non-users.

While the study details vary, the overall conclusion from the body of research is that birth control pills do not cause significantly greater weight gain than what occurs naturally in control groups over time.

The average weight gain seen in women on the pill is very similar to the average fluctuations seen in those not using hormonal birth control.

Possible Causes of Minor Weight Changes on Birth Control

While most studies show no drastic differences in weight between birth control pill users and others, some do indicate minor weight changes in certain pill users. However, there are other explanations for these slight weight fluctuations besides the birth control pills themselves.

Some minor weight gain while on the pill may be attributed to normal weight fluctuations commonly occurring with aging. Muscle mass tends to decrease, and body fat increases as we age. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, sleep habits, and other behaviors influence weight over time.

Early on, when starting on the pill, some women temporarily retain water, which may cause their weight to go up by a few pounds. This fluid retention usually subsides within 2-3 months.

Also, coincidental weight gain that occurs while on the pill may be mistakenly blamed on the contraceptive. However, individual differences in metabolism and circumstances unrelated to birth control can impact weight.

Tips for Managing Your Weight When You Are on Birth Control

Monitoring your habits can help you keep your weight in check while using birth control:

• Keep an eye on what you eat and how much exercise you get. Consuming fewer calories and exercising more can prevent weight gain.
• Watch for fluid retention and bloating when you first start the pill, and report any major swelling to your doctor.
• Ask your doctor about a low-dose pill if you experience prolonged water weight issues on your current birth control.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you have significant unexplained weight gain at any point while using birth control. They can help figure out what is causing the problem and prescribe the best treatment options.

Combination Birth Control Pills Do Not Directly Cause Weight Gain

The preponderance of evidence from scientific research does not show that combination birth control pills directly cause significant weight gain. In fact, large studies consistently show no major effect on weight gain due to birth control pills alone.

Minor weight changes often attributed to the pill can be explained by other factors such as natural fluctuations, fluid retention, and unrelated circumstances. If you have concerns about weight gain on the pill, Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness is here to help.

Our compassionate and experienced healthcare providers can discuss your birth control options to find the best method that fits your needs. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online so we can help alleviate your concerns and take charge of your reproductive health.

A contraceptive implant is one of the most efficient types of birth control on the market. This long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) provides pregnancy prevention for 3-5 years after insertion into your arm. But you may be wondering – does getting an implant hurt?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the potential pain and discomfort associated with implant insertion and removal.

What is a Contraceptive Implant?

A contraceptive implant is a flexible rod similar in size to a matchstick or toothpick that is inserted under your skin in the top part of your arm. It steadily releases progestin into your blood to stop you from conceiving.

The progestin works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. Brand names for the implant include Nexplanon. This type of birth control implant provides 99% effectiveness at preventing pregnancy for 3-5 years after insertion.

Your healthcare provider must insert and remove the implant. You should never attempt to insert or take out an implant yourself. Removal and insertion both involve minor office-based procedures.

Does Insertion of the Implant Hurt?

The good news is that insertion of the contraceptive implant should not be a painful process for most people. Here’s an overview of what’s involved:

Numbing Medication

Before inserting the implant, your provider will clean and numb the area on your inner upper arm where the rod will go. They do this by injecting a local anesthetic medication. You may feel a tiny pinch or a bit of a sting from the numbing shot. But after a few minutes, your arm should become completely numb to any pain.

Making the Incision

Once your arm is fully numbed, your provider will make a small incision in your skin where the implant will be inserted. You should only feel slight pressure at this point, not sharp pain. No stitches are required for this tiny incision.

Inserting the Rod

Your provider will use a special applicator tool to slide the matchstick-sized implant rod into your arm through the incision. You may experience pressure or a pushing sensation during the insertion. With the numbing medication, there should be little to no pain.

Bandage and Recovery

After securely positioning the implant, your provider will place a bandage over the site on your arm. You may have some bruising, swelling, or tenderness over the next few days as your arm recovers. Icing the area can help reduce discomfort. Any form of soreness you feel should disappear within a week.

Overall, most people tolerate the implant insertion procedure quite well and state they experienced little to no pain while it was being done. The numbing medication is very effective at preventing you from feeling the incision and insertion.

Let your provider know if you have any concerns beforehand about pain tolerance so they can take extra care to make you comfortable.

Does Removal Hurt?

Just as with insertion, your provider will numb your arm before removing your implant. So, you shouldn’t feel any pain or, at most, a little discomfort during the removal itself. Here’s what to expect:

• Your arm will be cleaned and injected with local anesthetic, the same as during insertion.
• After your arm is numb, your provider will make a tiny incision over the implant to access it. The local anesthetic prevents you from feeling this.
• They will use forceps to gently pull the implant out through the incision. You may feel some pressure or tugging.
• Your provider may need to massage your arm to loosen scar tissue around the implant. But this should not hurt due to the numbing.
• Once the implant is removed, they will close the incision with medical tape or adhesive glue.
• A bandage will be applied over the cut to keep it clean as it heals over the next week.

Removing your implant is usually quick, taking only 5 minutes or less. While you may have some residual soreness or bruising after it’s out, the removal is not painful with the numbing medication on board.

When to Contact Your Provider About Implant Issues

In most cases, implant insertion and removal are quick, easy procedures that heal rapidly. But it’s important to connect with your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Unusual or acute pain at the insertion site that doesn’t go away after two or three days.
• Significant swelling, redness, warmth, or pus at the site, which might mean an infection has set in.
• Bleeding that soaks through your dressing and keeps going.
• Bruising that spreads down your arm.
• A numb or tingling sensation or loss of strength in the arm where the implant was placed.
• The implant seems to be coming out
• You believe the implant may have shifted or broken
• You want to have the implant removed or replaced
• Any concerns about the implant or questions about side effects

Your provider can assess potential complications and treat any issues related to the implant. Most importantly, never try to remove an implant yourself, and avoid bumping or pressing on the site until it’s fully healed.

Consult Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness for Expert Implant Care

The insertion and removal of a contraceptive implant should not be painful procedures thanks to numbing medication. You may feel pressure, pushing, or a mild ache during the implant’s insertion and removal. However, your provider will take steps to minimize any pain.

While everyone will have a different experience, most people tolerate implant insertion and removal well. Some temporary bruising, swelling, or soreness can occur during recovery.

But serious complications are rare with this quick, minimally invasive form of birth control. If you have any concerns about pain or discomfort, discuss them with your provider beforehand so they can make you as comfortable as possible.

The team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness has extensive experience guiding patients through the implant process with minimal discomfort. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online, and our expert healthcare providers will provide the personalized implant care and support you deserve.

Suppose you’re considering starting hormonal birth control. You may debate whether to use the birth control pill or the patch. Both methods work very well at stopping you from conceiving when used properly. But some key differences between these popular options are important to understand.

The birth control patch is a thin, light brown, plastic square that adheres to your skin and releases estrogen and progestin, which your body absorbs and transfers to your bloodstream. Typically patients affix a new patch weekly for three weeks, take a patch-free week, and start a new cycle.

On the other hand, birth control pills are tablets you take by mouth daily that contain estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Generally you take active pills for 21 or 24 days, depending on the brand, followed by 4 or 7 placebo pills before starting a new pack.

When considering the patch versus the pill, consider convenience, potential side effects, and your medical history.

Let’s look at how these two birth control methods compare.

How the Birth Control Patch and Pill Prevent Pregnancy

The patch and the pill work in similar ways to prevent pregnancy. The hormones they contain work to:

• Stop ovulation so there is no egg released for sperm to fertilize
• Thicken cervical mucus to stop sperm from getting to the egg if you do ovulate
• Thin the uterine lining so that an egg that has been fertilized is unable to attach and grow

By inhibiting ovulation and fertilization, these hormonal birth control methods effectively stop you from getting pregnant when used properly.

Effectiveness Rates

With perfect use, meaning you use the patch or pill exactly as directed, both methods are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, with typical use, which accounts for people missing doses or using the methods inconsistently, effectiveness rates tend to be around 91% for both methods.

So, in reality, about 9 out of 100 people will become pregnant in their first year of using either of these birth control methods. Using them perfectly is important to get the highest level of protection.

How to Use the Patch and Pill

Using the patch is simple since all you must do is affix a new patch to your skin once weekly for three weeks. The most common placement areas include the buttocks, stomach, upper arm, and back. Avoid placing patches on irritated or damaged skin.

During week 4, you don’t wear a patch to allow for a withdrawal bleed. You can start a new patch cycle right after this patch-free week.

With birth control pills, you take one pill daily at precisely the same time. It’s important to take your birth control pills at the same time daily and make sure you don’t miss any, which will reduce their efficacy.

Side Effects

The patch and pill can cause similar side effects, such as nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, headaches, and vaginal discharge. The patch contains higher levels of estrogen than the pill.

Some research suggests this can increase your risks for serious side effects such as blood clots and heart attacks compared to the pill. This is particularly true in women with obesity, so the patch may not be the best choice for women with a BMI greater than 30.

The patch is also more likely to cause skin irritation, redness, and itching where it’s applied. Rotating placement sites each week can help minimize this.

Health Considerations

People with certain health issues may be counseled against using the patch or pill. Combination methods with estrogen are riskier for people who:

• Are smokers over age 35
• Have a history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
• Have high blood pressure
• Have diabetes with complications
• Have liver disease
• Have breast cancer

Based on your medical history and risk factors, your doctor will help determine if the patch or pill are safe options for you. Ensure you disclose to your doctor any drugs you are taking since some can interact with these birth control methods.

Non-Contraceptive Benefits

Besides preventing pregnancy, the birth control patch and pill also may provide other potential benefits:

• Lighter, more reliable periods
• Less intense menstrual cramps
• Reduced acne
• Reduced chance of developing certain cancers, such as ovarian, colon, and uterine cancers

Even if you don’t need birth control, these contraceptive methods may help you manage heavy or painful periods, hormonal acne, or other conditions such as endometriosis.

Deciding Between the Two Methods

When weighing the birth control patch versus pills, consider which option is better for your lifestyle and health history. Ask yourself:

• Is remembering a daily pill or weekly patch easier for me?
• Am I comfortable wearing a visible patch?
• Do I have any conditions that make the patch potentially riskier?
• Does the convenience of the patch outweigh higher estrogen levels?

Using Your Chosen Method Correctly

Whichever method you choose, it’s essential to use the birth control patch or pill exactly as directed. With the patch, be sure to apply a new one each week and check daily that it’s still firmly adhered to your skin.

If your patch falls off for more than 24 hours, use a backup method, such as condoms during sex, and apply a new patch. You’ll also need backup contraception if you fail to change your patch when you should.

With the pill, take it at the exact same time daily, and don’t miss any of them. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember and use backup protection for seven days if on combination pills or two days if on progestin-only pills.

Using your birth control method consistently and as directed gives you the best protection against pregnancy. But know that no method is 100% foolproof. If you think youmay have conceived after missing doses, take a pregnancy test.

Let Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness Help You Decide Between the Pill and the Patch

For preventing pregnancy, the birth control pill and patch are excellent options with similar effectiveness. While they share some side effects, the patch may cause more irritation when applied.

Those with health risks may want to avoid the patch due to its higher estrogen levels. Consider your lifestyle, health history, and preferences when deciding between these two popular birth control methods.

The Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness team has years of experience helping patients choose the optimal birth control method. Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online discuss the pill, patch, and other contraceptives.

You’re considering starting a new birth control method and have narrowed it down to the contraceptive implant or the birth control pill. But you’re uncertain which option is better for you. These two highly effective, reversible contraceptives offer their own pros and cons.

Read on for everything you need to know to decide whether the implant or the pill is right for your body, lifestyle, and family planning goals.

How The Contraceptive Implant and Birth Control Pills Work

First, let’s look at how these two birth control methods prevent pregnancy to understand better how they may affect your body.

Contraceptive Implants

The contraceptive implant (such as Nexplanon) is a small, thin rod comparable in size to a matchstick. It contains the hormone progestin. The implant is inserted under your upper arm’s skin by a healthcare provider. Once inserted, you can feel it under your skin, but it is not usually visible.

The progestin hormone thickens the mucus found on the cervix, which helps to inhibit sperm from entering the uterus to fertilize the egg. It also thins the uterine lining to possibly prevent the implantation of an egg that has been fertilized. Progestin may also sometimes prevent ovulation, depending on the woman.

The implant provides continuous pregnancy protection for 3-5 years before needing to be replaced. A healthcare provider can remove the implant anytime if you want to have a child or opt for a different birth control method. Fertility returns quickly after the implant is extracted.

Birth Control Pills

The birth control pill contains synthetic progestin and estrogen. Combination pills with both hormones are the most common. But the “mini-pill,” which has only progestin, is a good solution for women who shouldn’t take estrogen.

Birth control pills function similarly to the implant, thickening your cervical mucus while making your uterine lining thinner. They also typically prevent ovulation. You take one hormone pill by mouth daily to maintain the effects.

For combination pills, you take pills for 21 or 24 days, followed by 4-7 placebo pill days when you get your period. Then, you start a new pack. Some pills are designed so you only get your period a few times yearly.

Or you can take the pills continuously with no break to stop periods altogether. Pills start working after about a week if taken properly. Fertility returns within a couple of months of stopping.

Effectiveness of the Implant and Pills

Both the implant and pills are very effective forms of birth control that can be relatively easily reversed. However, the implant edges out pills slightly when it comes to its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

With perfect use, meaning it’s used precisely as directed, less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant in a year using the implant. For combination birth control pills taken perfectly, that number is less than one pregnancy per 100 women yearly.

But with typical use, accounting for common human errors, implants remain just as effective at less than one pregnancy per 100 women. However, approximately 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant in a year, relying on combination pills with typical use.

The implant’s effectiveness stays sky-high since you don’t have to take any daily action after insertion. Whereas forgetting to take a pill, taking it late, or having medication interactions can reduce its real-world effectiveness.

Pros and Cons of the Implant and Pills

Now, let’s run through the main advantages and disadvantages of the implant compared to birth control pills.

Implant Pros:

• Lasts 3-5 years with low maintenance.
• Fertility quickly returns after removal.
• Most effective birth control method with typical use.
• Safe for women who can’t take estrogen.
• Often lightens periods or stops them completely.

Implant Cons:

• Insertion and removal procedures are required.
• Irregular or prolonged bleeding is common, particularly in the first 6 to 12 months.
• Uncommon side effects such as headaches, mood changes, and acne.

Pill Pros:

• Typically regulates periods and makes them lighter.
• Can control the timing of your period.
• May reduce menstrual migraines and acne.
• Fertility returns within a couple of months of stopping.
• Take pills at a time convenient for your schedule.

Pill Cons:

• Must be taken every day, at the same time.
• Estrogen risks such as blood clots for some women.
• Common side effects such as headaches, nausea, and sore breasts.
• Slightly less effective with typical use.

Health Considerations for the Implant and Pills

Before starting either method, your healthcare provider will review your medical history. Certain medical conditions may make the implant or pills riskier or not a good fit for your body.
The estrogen that birth control pills contain can increase the risk of health problems such as blood clots, heart attacks, or stroke in women older than 35 who smoke or suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure or migraines.

The progestin-only mini pill avoids estrogen. An implant with only progestin may be preferable for these women, too. Hormonal birth control may also not be advised for those with liver tumors, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or breast cancer.

Your provider can help determine what form of birth control is safest if you have these conditions. In addition to preventing pregnancy, the implant and pills offer some non-contraceptive benefits you may desire. Both can lead to lighter periods.

They may also reduce menstrual migraines, painful cramps, and premenstrual symptoms for some women. Certain pills may additionally help clear up acne and can help you achieve more regular periods.

Let Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness Guide You in Choosing Between the Birth Control Pill and the Implant

There are various options for safe, effective birth control today. While both the implant and pill are excellent choices, determining which is right for your body and lifestyle requires careful thought.

Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness healthcare experts take the time to understand your health background and birth control goals. We’ll help you choose between the implant vs. pill or explore the many other contraceptive options.

Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or online to schedule a visit to discuss starting the optimal birth control for your needs.