5 reasons the pill might not be the best contraception for you

It isn't a 'one size fits all' solution 

As one of the most popular forms of contraception, the pill can be an effective form of birth control. There are some instances, however, when it might not be your best option. Here's why.

Most people will take the contraceptive pill with no issues at all, but for some of us, this type of birth control simply isn’t a viable option. Just like any other medication, the pill has its specific uses, as well as potential risks and side effects – and the degree and severity of these vary from person to person.

In other words, everyone’s experience with the pill is unique.

So, if you’ve seen your GP and are still considering whether the contraceptive pill is suitable for you, here are five reasons why you may want to explore other options.

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You find it hard to take a tablet every day

In order for the pill to be effective, it’s important to take it at the same time every day. However, some people find it hard to adhere to the daily routine, whether that’s because they don’t like taking tablets or simply because they forget.

“When used perfectly, the pill is over 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy,” Dr Kirsty Wallace-Hor, a GP at Kin Fertility, tells Body+Soul. “However, this drops to 93 per cent with more typical use – meaning, we know people sometimes forget to take their pill or they take it late.”

Vomiting and excess diarrhoea can also make the pill less effective. If you’re not able to reliably take the pill on time, a non-oral form of contraception is probably a better fit for you.

You struggle with migraines

If you suffer from serious migraines with auras, you probably want to steer clear of the pill. The medication can exacerbate your symptoms – and some women experience worsened or more frequent migraines while on it.

Plus, some research suggests a potential link between the combined pill and a higher risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in people who are prone to migraines with auras.

If the pill isn’t a good fit for you, ask your GP about other options. Image: iStock

You get persistent side effects

We’ll start by saying that most side effects of the pill subside after your body adjusts — usually within a month. However, for some women, the discomfort may not go away as expected. In that case, it may be worth exploring other birth control options.

“Potential side effects of the pill include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, acne, breakthrough bleeding, reduced libido, and mood changes. If someone is getting persistent side effects, particularly if they’ve tried a few different pills, I usually recommend they try something else,” says Dr Wallace-Hor.

You’re on a medication that interacts with the pill

“There are many prescription and over-the-counter medications which can reduce the effectiveness of the pill, such as St John’s Wort and certain epilepsy medications,” says Dr Wallace-Hor.

“Conversely, the pill can also affect how your body metabolises certain medications, which could make them ineffective or cause toxicity. It’s therefore important that your pill prescriber knows all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter ones,” she adds.

You’ve got a health problem that the pill can worsen

“There are conditions that increase some risks of the pill, such as blood clots, stroke, or cardiovascular disease. These conditions include certain types of migraines, smoking if you’re 35 or older, a personal or family history of blood clots, high blood pressure, heart disease and gallbladder or liver disease.

“There are also temporary conditions that can make the pill unsafe, such as recent surgery that affects your mobility, or right after having a baby.”

But it’s not all bad news. 

“There are great alternatives to the pill which are long-acting, reversible, and don’t require you to take something every day,” Dr Wallace-Hor explains. “These include the intrauterine device, hormonal implant, and hormonal injection. If the pill isn’t a good fit for you, I recommend you ask your GP about other options.”

Originally published as 5 reasons the pill might not be the best contraception for you