Your Guide to Choosing Birth Control That Fits Your Life

At Second Spring Women’s Clinic in Portland, Oregon, we see hundreds of women every year seeking birth control options that align with their health, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong, a board-certified OB-GYN, emphasizes that birth control should feel empowering—not overwhelming.

“Every woman deserves a solution that supports her health goals without compromising her comfort,” says Dr. Jeong. “We work closely with patients to tailor choices based on their bodies, not just the brochure.”

Birth Control Methods: More Than Just Pills

While hormonal pills remain popular, today's birth control options are more diverse than ever. At our clinic, we often discuss the pros and cons of the following:

• Oral Contraceptives: Convenient and effective, but may cause side effects like nausea or mood shifts.

• Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Liletta): Long-term, low-maintenance, and often used by women who prefer not to take daily medication.

• Copper IUDs: Hormone-free, ideal for those sensitive to synthetic hormones.

• Patch & Injection (Depo-Provera): Preferred by women who want fewer daily responsibilities.

• Barrier Methods (Condoms, Diaphragms): Non-hormonal and easily accessible.

• Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing): Offers steady hormone levels and ease of monthly insertion.

• Implants (Nexplanon): A small rod inserted under the skin that provides up to three years of contraception.

Many women try more than one method before finding what works. The key? Patience and expert guidance.

What Side Effects Are Normal?

Some symptoms are common, especially when beginning hormonal methods:

• Temporary nausea or headaches

• Light spotting or irregular bleeding

• Mood changes or heightened anxiety

Dr. Jeong advises patients to track symptoms over the first three months. “Most mild side effects fade as your body adjusts,” she notes.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not all reactions are routine. If you experience any of the following, call your provider promptly:

• Severe or persistent migraines

• Heavy, prolonged bleeding

• Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath

• Extreme mood swings or depressive episodes

These could indicate rare but serious issues such as blood clots or hormonal imbalance.

Emotional Health and Hormones

Hormonal birth control can impact mental well-being. Some patients report improved mood stability, while others experience irritability or sadness.

One patient, Emma, a 30-year-old teacher, shared: "Within weeks of starting the patch, I noticed I felt foggy and anxious. Dr. Jeong listened without judgment and helped me transition to a copper IUD, which made a huge difference."

Dr. Jeong emphasizes: “Mental health is as important as physical health. If a method is affecting your mood, it’s time to talk.”

Does Birth Control Cause Weight Gain?

This is one of the most asked questions at our clinic. The reality is nuanced:

• Some methods, like the shot, may increase appetite or water retention.

• Others, like the IUD, show little to no impact.

As Lina, 26, recalls, "I gained five pounds on the pill, but switching to the ring helped stabilize my weight."

If weight changes are significant or distressing, your provider can help adjust your method or suggest lifestyle support.

Fertility After Birth Control

The good news? Fertility typically returns quickly after stopping most birth control methods. While cycles may take a few months to normalize, there’s no evidence that birth control causes long-term infertility.

When It’s Time to Switch

Birth control is not one-size-fits-all. If side effects persist or interfere with your life, it's perfectly okay to reassess.

• Try a new method: Options abound, from hormonal rings to non-hormonal diaphragms.

• Consult your provider: Never stop or switch methods without medical guidance.

At Second Spring, our clinicians use your health history, lifestyle needs, and preferences to guide adjustments.

At-Home Side Effect Relief

For minor discomforts, these self-care steps can help:

• Eat smaller meals to ease nausea

• Use OTC pain relievers for mild cramps or headaches

• Try gentle exercise and hydration

• Practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga or deep breathing

• Keep a symptom diary to spot patterns

These practices won't replace medical advice but can make transitions smoother.

Regular Check-Ins Are a Must

Ongoing care is vital, especially for hormonal methods. We recommend:

• Annual check-ups to monitor blood pressure, weight, and mood

• More frequent visits if you're starting a new method or noticing side effects

Regular appointments ensure your method stays safe and effective.

Why Women Trust Second Spring

With Dr. Jeong’s background in both integrative and conventional gynecology, we approach birth control with care and customization.

• Personalized counseling: No rushed visits or one-size-fits-all plans

• In-depth side effect management: We treat the whole person, not just the prescription

• Community understanding: We know our Portland patients’ needs and respect their values

Real Patient Journeys

Case 1: Marisol, 29 After battling hormonal acne and low energy on the pill, Marisol worked with our team to try the NuvaRing. Within three months, her skin cleared and her energy returned.

Case 2: Ava, 35 As a smoker over 35, Ava faced risks with estrogen-based options. Dr. Jeong guided her to a progestin-only pill, minimizing risks while maintaining contraceptive coverage.

Case 3: Clara, 22 Clara came to Second Spring concerned about mood swings on her third brand of birth control pills. After a detailed consultation, she opted for a hormonal IUD and reported a significant improvement in both mood and energy.

Case 4: Sara, 40 Sara sought to transition off birth control as she approached menopause. Dr. Jeong guided her through hormone level monitoring and introduced non-hormonal methods to suit her changing physiology.

Demystifying the Link Between Hormones and Libido

Some patients report a drop in sexual desire when starting hormonal birth control. This is often due to lower androgen levels, but it's not universal.

• What helps: Adjusting hormone levels, switching methods, or adding lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, regular exercise, or pelvic floor therapy.

“We address libido concerns with sensitivity and science,” says Dr. Jeong. “No question is too small.”

Birth Control and Skin Health

Certain hormonal contraceptives can clear acne, especially those containing estrogen and low androgenic progestins. However, others may worsen breakouts.

• Best for acne-prone skin: Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and some combination pills.

• Watch out: The mini-pill or implant may cause acne flare-ups in some women.

Dr. Jeong often coordinates with dermatologists when tailoring plans for acne-prone patients.

Addressing Misinformation Online

With so much content on TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube, misinformation about birth control is rampant. Myths like "birth control builds up in your body" or "the pill causes infertility" are common.

Dr. Jeong explains: “Most methods are reversible, and no method 'accumulates' in the body. Our role is to correct myths and offer peace of mind.”

Community Awareness: Trends Among Portland Patients

In Portland, we’ve noticed unique preferences based on lifestyle and community values:

• High demand for hormone-free methods among patients favoring holistic wellness

• Increased interest in cycle tracking and natural family planning apps

• Concerns about climate and sustainability influencing the choice of reusable barrier methods

Our clinic reflects and respects these evolving priorities.

Your Birth Control, Your Decision

There is no perfect method—only what’s perfect for you. With expert care, patience, and open communication, you can find a birth control plan that fits your body, your lifestyle, and your future.

We invite you to book a consultation at Second Spring Women’s Clinic to explore your options with compassion, science, and personalized care.