Whatever your reasons for using contraceptives, it is important to ensure you pick the right one for you.

That includes knowing which type of contraceptive you are going to use as well as understanding the possible side effects of that particular contraceptive.

The mother of Bahati’s first child recently opened up about her struggles due to using the wrong contraceptive. She gained up to 15 kgs in six months because of it.

So, you get the need to use the right contraceptive for your body.

Assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Keck Medicine of USC Sara Twogood spoke to online publisher Byrdie.com and shed some light on the different types of contraceptives and their respective side effects.

Condoms

Condoms are the most commonly used contraceptives and are proven to be 98 percent effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

Side effects include allergies, skin irritation and improper application or breakage of the product are most common.

Injection

Women can get an injection containing the hormone progestin in the arm or the buttocks every three months as another alternative form of contraceptive.

The injection’s side effects include irregular spotting and minor weight gain.

Less common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, acne, appetite changes, hair loss and loss of bone mineral density if used for more than two years.

It is not recommended for women that may be going through depression.

Birth control pill

The birth control pill is a daily pill that contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Side effects mainly depend on the person’s sensitivity to either estrogen or progesterone and they may include irregular bleeding, minor nausea, breast pain, bloating, headaches and a decreased libido. Your period is also most likely to stop completely.

ALSO READ: The new male contraceptive that is safe and won’t destroy sex drive

Patch/vaginal ring

The patch is a thin band-aid that has estrogen and progestin which women stick on the skin and change it every month.

The vaginal ring is similar to the patch as it is also changed once a month and contains the same hormones as the patch. It is inserted in the vagina.

For the patch the side effects include stickiness which makes it uncomfortable and it could also slip off when swimming.

Some side effects of the ring are similar to the pill depending on the sensitivity of the woman’s hormones.

ALSO READ: 5 weirdest methods of contraception way before the condom.

Implant

It is a small rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and can stay there for up to four years. T also contains the hormone progestin.

Side effects include irregular spotting, lighter periods or no occurrence of periods at all.

IUD

This is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus and it can stay there for up to 10 years. There are two kinds: hormonal and copper.

Side effects include pain or discomfort during insertion. For the hormonal IUD; irregular bleeding, cramping and bloating.

For the copper IUD; heavier and more painful periods.

Note: The best way to know which type of birth control to use is to obviously seek medical advice so make sure you consult your doctor before making any rush decision.