There is a lot to consider when it comes to birth control. From finding the right method that works for you to ensuring you stay healthy while using it.

One often overlooked aspect of birth control is the role nutrition can play in its effectiveness. Here are some key things you need to know.

1. Certain foods can affect hormonal birth control

If you’re taking hormonal birth control like the pill or the patch, certain foods can interact with your body and affect your effectiveness. For example, St.

John’s Wort can make birth control pills less effective, where grapefruit juice can make hormonal birth control more potent, which can increase your risk of side effects. It’s important to speak with your doctor about any foods or medications you’re taking that could affect your birth control.

2. Weight can affect the effectiveness of hormonal birth control

Speaking of hormonal birth control, your weight can also affect its effectiveness. Higher body weight can lead to a decreased effectiveness of hormonal birth control, including the pill.

It’s important to speak with your doctor about your weight and how it could impact your birth control method.

3. Eating a healthy and balanced diet can help regulate your menstrual cycle

Eating a diet that’s rich in nutrients can help regulate your menstrual cycle, making it easier to track and predict.

Some studies have shown that diets high in fiber and low in processed foods can help regulate menstrual cycles in women, which might help with family planning or the use of certain types of birth control like the fertility awareness method.

4. Nutrient deficiencies can affect fertility and conception

If you’re trying to conceive or thinking about starting a family in the future, certain nutrient deficiencies can affect your ability to do so.

For example, a lack of folic acid can lead to birth defects and infertility, while low levels of zinc can decrease sperm count and motility in men. Ensuring you’re getting a well-balanced diet that includes all essential vitamins and minerals can help support your fertility and reproductive health.

5. Vitamin C can boost the effectiveness of barrier contraception

Barrier contraceptives like condoms are an effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs, but did you know that vitamin C can help boost their effectiveness? Vitamin C can help increase the production of spermicide in barrier contraceptives, such as spermicidal lubricants found in some condoms, making them more effective at preventing pregnancy. As with any supplement, it’s important to speak with your doctor before taking it.

6. Certain supplements can interact with birth control

If you’re taking birth control, it’s important to be mindful of any supplements you’re taking that could interact with it.

For example, some supplements like ginseng or saw palmetto can interact with hormonal birth control and decrease its effectiveness. It’s important to discuss any supplements you’re taking with your doctor to ensure they won’t interfere with your birth control.

7. Iron is important for women on birth control

Many women experience heavy periods while on hormonal birth control, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Ensuring you’re getting enough iron in your diet can help prevent this, and taking an iron supplement may also be recommended by your doctor. Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and dark leafy greens.

8. Calcium and Vitamin D support bone health on hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control can lead to a decrease in bone density over time, which can increase your risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Ensuring you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet can help support bone health and prevent osteoporosis. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are good sources of calcium, while sunlight and fortified foods are good sources of vitamin D.

9. Birth control can affect your appetite and weight

Some women find that certain types of birth control can affect their appetite, leading to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

While the relationship between birth control and weight gain isn’t entirely clear, it’s important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you have regarding changes in your weight while on birth control.

10. A balanced diet is key for overall health while on birth control

Ultimately, the key to maintaining good health while on birth control is to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

This can help ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to support your overall health and wellbeing, while also maintaining the effectiveness of your chosen birth control method.