Up until a few years ago, it was not publicly recognized that not all birth control methods will work the same on all bodies. It’s something that not every physician might take into consideration. Amidst weight-related biases, it’s important to know and advocate for yourself.
In addition to some methods being less effective for people living in larger bodies, studies show that women with higher body fat levels have an increased risk of many birth control side effects. Women that use combined hormonal contraceptives, which is often recommended for overweight or obese women suffer greater risks of serious blood clots and the issues that stem from them.
However, most of the consensus in the medical community is that effectiveness lacks in the area of the patch and emergency contraceptives, like morning after pills. If the emergency contraceptive you are taking has levonorgestrel, it will be less effective if you are over 185 lbs. However, studies say it will still be effective up to 85%. FDA approved Julie is a morning after pill that caters to all weights if you can access it.
Why does this matter? Not every doctor is well versed on the risks associated with birth control and higher body fat levels. On top of that, women that have bariatric surgery should be avoiding pregnancy at all costs for one to two years. Weight loss may increase fertility and the deficiencies pose a significant risk to mothers and fetal health.
It is recommended that if you are living in a larger body to use the following methods. Progestin-only birth control pills, which may have less side effects overall because it only contains one female hormone. The Birth control shot, which is studied to be very effective in women that are overweight. Lastly, long-acting reversible contraception such as IUDs and implants. These are studied to be highly effective for everyone, regardless of weight.
