Contraceptives, also known as birth control, are drugs or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Contraceptives work by preventing the man's sperm from fertilizing a woman's egg. Barrier methods of contraceptives include condoms, diaphragms, intrauterine devices and spermicides. Hormonal methods of contraceptives include birth control pills, injectable contraceptives, implants and intrauterine devices containing hormones. Some patients may experience weight loss while using certain contraceptives.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are taken by mouth every day to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone, female hormones which prevent ovulation. Oral birth control pills may cause weight loss in some women. However, most women experience weight gain while taking oral birth control pills, according to WomensHealth.gov. Other side effects of birth control pills include increased blood pressure, acne, depression, breast tenderness and bloating.
Injectable Contraceptives
Injectable contraceptives are injected in the arm to prevent pregnancy. The most common injectable contraceptive is medroxyprogesterone, whose brand name is Depo-provera. Medroxyprogesterone may cause weight gain or weight loss, according to Drugs.com. Most women receiving medroxyprogesterone experience increased appetite and weight gain. Other side effects of medroxyprogesterone include headache, acne, sore breasts, irregular menstrual periods, hair growth on the face and nausea.
Other Methods of Contraception
Other methods of hormonal birth control include vaginal rings, patches, implants and intrauterine devices. These birth control devices also contain estrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen in birth control devices may cause water retention and weight gain, according to PlannedParenthood.org.
Barrier Methods
Barriers methods of birth control prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from entering the uterus. Examples of barrier methods of birth control include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and contraceptive sponges. Barrier methods of birth control do not cause weight loss or weight gain. Women who gain or lose weight are advised to get fitted for new diaphragms or cervical caps.
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