3 Birth Control Options That Are Safe For Smokers

You've probably heard that the birth control pill is not a safe birth control option for smokers. The pill contains estrogen, which can increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack when combined with nicotine. You probably also know already that smoking is bad for you no matter what kind of birth control you use, but that doesn't mean that smokers shouldn't have access to reliable birth control options. Luckily, there are convenient birth control options that are safe for smokers. Take a look at some of your options.

The Shot

If it's hormonal birth control that you're looking for, the Depo-Provera shot may be your best bet. The shot is a long-lasting form of birth control – you only need one once every 12 weeks, or about four times a year. It works to prevent pregnancy in several different ways: by preventing ovulation, by making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, and by thinning the uterine lining, which can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. With average use, the failure rate is about 3 in 100.

Unlike the pill, the shot doesn't use estrogen to prevent pregnancy, and it's believed that the ingredients in the shot don't cause the same problems when they interact with nicotine that estrogen does. That makes the shot a safer birth control choice for women who smoke.

The IUD

The IUD (Intrauterine device) is a small device that's inserted into the uterus. It prevents sperm from fertilizing eggs. There are two different kinds of IUDs that are on the market in the US – one uses copper as a spermicide, and the other contains a synthetic version of the hormone progestin, which helps prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Both types of IUD are safe for smokers. The copper variety doesn't interact with nicotine, and the hormonal variety of the IUD doesn't contain estrogen, so it doesn't carry the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Plus, IUDs are long-lasting, effective, and easily reversible – if you decide you want to get pregnant, your fertility should return to normal shortly after having the IUD removed.

The Diaphragm

The shot lasts for weeks at a time, and the IUD has to be inserted and removed by a medical professional. If you prefer a form of birth control that gives you more control, a diaphragm may be the right choice for you.

A diaphragm is a simple cup made of silicone that's inserted into the vagina. Its purpose is to block the opening to the uterus, preventing sperm from entering. It's usually used in combination with spermicide. You can't buy a diaphragm over the counter – you have to see your OBGYN and have an examination first. Then your doctor will determine what size is right for you, and write you a prescription for a diaphragm that will work for you. Once that's done, you have total control – just insert the diaphragm before sex and remove it afterward. Because there's no medication involved, there's no risk of interaction with the nicotine in your system.

Be honest with your doctor about your smoking habit. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting a type of birth control that's not appropriate for you.