The popularity of cannabis is growing in the US, with many people using it for various reasons. While some consume it for medical purposes, others use it for relaxation and anxiety management.
According to a Gallup survey, around 50% of Americans have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime. The report also shows that three in four participants were concerned about its effect on the youth. However, despite the concern, 17% of the participants are current users.
As cannabis use becomes more common, many individuals are left wondering if it can affect their birth control methods. With different types of contraception available and the varying ways cannabis can influence the body, it’s essential to understand the potential interactions.
Understanding Birth Control and Its Effectiveness
There are many birth control methods that you can rely on available in the market. From pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) to patches and implants, you can choose from a wide variety of options. All these contraceptive methods work differently to prevent pregnancy.
Some of them regulate hormones to stop ovulation, while others create barriers to prevent the sperm from reaching an egg. While all these methods can be helpful, their effectiveness varies based on various factors, such as:
- Medication
- Lifestyle habits
- Certain health conditions
The type of method you choose can also influence the effectiveness of birth control, as stated by the National Health Service (NHS). For instance, implants and IUDs are more than 99% effective when used correctly. Similarly, combined pills, progestogen-only pills, patches, and vaginal rings are all 91% effective.
Importance of Choosing the Right Contraceptive Method
As mentioned earlier, the type of contraception you choose can influence the effectiveness of birth control. However, this does not mean that you should always go for highly effective methods. Besides the effectiveness, it is also important to consider their side effects and your health.
Copper IUDs like Paragard, for example, can have severe consequences if not used appropriately. According to TorHoerman Law, Paragard IUDs are subject to breakage and fracture, especially when removing the device. If the device breaks, there are high chances that the broken parts enter your body through the vagina. This can lead to severe consequences, such as:
- Internal bleeding
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Organ damage
- Infection
- Severe pain, etc.
Therefore, many victims have even taken the legal course and filed a Paragard lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of copper IUDs. The victims want to claim rightful compensation for the suffering the device has caused them. They want the manufacturer to take responsibility and improve the product to ensure that no one else is impacted by its faulty design.
The Potential Impact of Cannabis on Birth Control
With cannabis use on the rise, people are beginning to question whether it could be one of the influencing factors in birth control. Research into the direct impact of cannabis on birth control’s effectiveness is limited.
A ScienceDirect study monitored the use of cannabis among women across different phases of their lives: fertility, contraception, menopause, and pelvic pain. It was found that the use of cannabis among women is increasing for both medical and recreational use.
The study concluded that there was no evidence found linking the use of cannabis with altered birth control effectiveness. Moreover, the evidence about its usefulness for managing perimenopausal symptoms was also not conclusive.
However, this does not mean that it does not impact the effectiveness of birth control. One primary concern that many consumers have is the influence of cannabis on hormone levels.
One primary concern is how cannabis can influence hormone levels in the body. Some studies suggest that cannabis can affect the production of certain hormones, like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are key in regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility.
Since many birth control methods rely on these hormones to work effectively, it’s possible that cannabis use could alter their balance. However, more studies are needed to confirm this, as the currently available data is insufficient to draw conclusions.
The Role of THC and CBD
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD are the two primary compounds found in the cannabis plant. Both these compounds can have different effects on the body: THC is associated with the high, but CBD is known for its therapeutic benefits. The effects on your body may also vary depending on how much THC or CBD you eat.
THC is more likely to influence hormone levels and interact with liver enzymes, while CBD appears to have less impact on these processes. Additional study is necessary to completely understand how these substances interact with birth control because they can have complicated effects on the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabis affect the effectiveness of non-hormonal birth control methods?
Cannabis can affect the production of estrogen and progesterone, which can impact the menstrual cycle. However, when using non-hormonal birth control methods, these hormones are out of the play. Therefore, there are very few chances that cannabis use can affect the effectiveness of non-hormonal birth control methods.
Does smoking cannabis have a stronger impact on birth control than consuming edibles?
The information available on this subject of the link between cannabis and birth control is very limited. So whether you are smoking cannabis or consuming edibles, the impact on birth control effectiveness might not change. The only primary difference between these two cannabis consumption methods is the onset of its effect. Smoking causes immediate effects, while edibles take longer, but their hormonal impact remains the same.
How much cannabis use is needed to potentially impact birth control?
Although there is no evidence, heavy and regular cannabis use is more likely to impact birth control effectiveness. This is because heavy use can have a larger impact on the endocannabinoid system and hormones. However, the exact threshold for cannabis consumption to avoid impact on birth control effectiveness is unclear.
There is no data showing a direct link between cannabis use and its effect on birth control effectiveness. While there are some concerns about how cannabis can impact hormone levels and liver enzyme activity, the research remains limited.
Knowing how cannabis affects your body is crucial whether you use it for medical or recreational reasons. You can speak with your doctor to make an informed choice about whether to continue or cease taking cannabis while utilizing contraception.
