What to Know About Birth Control and Depression

Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives are a common type of birth control that contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin. These hormones work by preventing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.

Oral contraceptives have been linked to an increased risk of depression in some women, but the risk is small. In a large study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that women who took oral contraceptives were 1.3 times more likely to experience depression than women who did not take oral contraceptives. However, the absolute risk of depression was still low, with only about 2% of women who took oral contraceptives experiencing depression.

The risk of depression with oral contraceptives appears to be highest in women who have a history of depression or who are taking high doses of estrogen. It is also important to note that oral contraceptives can interact with some antidepressants, so it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of depression before starting oral contraceptives.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

IUDs are small devices that are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs work by preventing fertilization or by preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

IUDs have not been linked to an increased risk of depression. In fact, some studies have suggested that IUDs may actually reduce the risk of depression. In a study published in the journal The Lancet, researchers found that women who used IUDs were less likely to experience depression than women who used other methods of birth control.

The potential benefits of IUDs for mental health are thought to be due to the fact that IUDs do not contain estrogen, which has been linked to an increased risk of depression. IUDs also provide a steady, low-dose of progestin, which has been shown to have some antidepressant effects.

Implant contraceptives

Implant contraceptives are small, thin rods that are inserted under the skin of the upper arm. Implants work by releasing progestin, which prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Implant contraceptives have not been linked to an increased risk of depression. In fact, some studies have suggested that implants may actually reduce the risk of depression. In a study published in the journal Contraception, researchers found that women who used implants were less likely to experience depression than women who used other methods of birth control.

The potential benefits of implants for mental health are thought to be due to the fact that implants do not contain estrogen, which has been linked to an increased risk of depression. Implants also provide a steady, low-dose of progestin, which has been shown to have some antidepressant effects.

Emergency contraception (EC)

EC is a type of birth control that is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. EC works by delaying or preventing ovulation, or by preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

EC has not been linked to an increased risk of depression. However, some women may experience temporary mood changes, such as anxiety or depression, after taking EC. These mood changes are usually mild and go away within a few days.