Does using contraception make you put on weight?

posted by: Frances Mutter

Many women often stop their contraception as they blame their contraception for putting on weight. Hopefully these few points will reassure you to start or continue with your method without fear of this happening.

1. Contraception causes weight gain, right?

Wrong!

Some women will not use any contraception or stop their contraception for fear of weight gain which means you are more likely to get pregnant.

It is a myth that most methods of contraception cause weight gain.

2. Some women using contraception do gain weight

But, it is normal for women of reproductive age to put on weight regardless of use of any contraceptive method.

Did you know that “there is no evidence that using intrauterine contraception (the coil), the implant, or either the Progestogen only pill or Combined pill causes significant weight gain”? Source FRSH.

3. The progestogen only injection (Depo) may or may not cause weight gain.

Depo is the most strongly linked method to weight gain. Some studies show there is no weight gain with using Depo. However, there is evidence which shows there may be weight gain in women who start Depo before they turn 18 and who have a Body Mass Index of 30 or over.

4. If it is important for you not to get pregnant….

Then use a reliable method of contraception with the reassurance that this won’t affect your weight.
Check out our contraception pages for all the different methods that are available.  All contraception methods are FREE to you through the NHS.

5. Don’t forget to always use condoms too.

These do not affect your weight either and can help reduce STI’s. If you’re aged 13-24, you can also access free condoms via the the C-Card scheme. There’s a lot of variety of condoms now and then can even increase your pleasure whilst having sex. See our condoms page to find out more.
If you are having sex, think about getting tested. You can get tested whilst you are accessing your contraception.

You can find out more about the different types of contraception here