I'm thinking of switching from my birth control pill to the non-hormonal IUD. I've been on the pill for almost 6 years, but lately I wonder whether the hormones are negatively affecting me. Some of the side effects of hormonal birth control are mood changes, depression, and decreased libido. There is also research that suggests the pill may alter some brain structures. Check it out: https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/oral-contraceptive-pill-associated-changes-brain-structure/ I know that switching won't make all my anxiety disappear--I had anxiety before starting the pill. But it's possible the pill might be adding to these mental health issues I already have. For my fellow birth control users, how do you feel about the effects hormonal contraceptives could have on your OCD & mental health?

I just recently got an IUD. I wanted non hormonal but with the copper IUD your cervix has to measure a certain way and mine was too small for it (so that is something to consider...your doctor will explain). I suffer from bad anxiety and depression and was not on birth control for about two years because I was scared of it’s effects. So far, I believe the IUD has made my depression worse, however, I can’t tell if it’s my mind playing tricks on me or it’s really making it worse. I wish you the best of luck as I know that hormones can mess with your mental health and it’s always scary changing it up :(

I haven't had an IUD, but I did notice a spike with my OCD every period while on birth control. I've been on it since I was 13, I am 21 now. My OCD started at 18. I stopped the pill for a while, because my OCD was so bad during the bleeding week, just to see if it would calm down my hormones and all. It didn't make a difference to me except that my skin was worse off of the pill. My emotions and OCD were just as unstable during the stop week as usual so I don't know. It depends per person too I'd say?

I have the non hormonal IUD. I had about every side effect known to man kind from other birth controls. I like it for simplicity and reliability. That said, it comes with some nasty side effects of extreme cramping, ovarian cysts if you are at all prone, and extremely heavy and long periods. I have been debating getting it taken out because of this but also realize if I did I wouldn’t be on any birth control and I’m not sure that’s an option for my boyfriend and I right now. If you have any thoughts or questions feel free to ask!! I’ve also had the mirena IUD before and tried almost every other kind of birth control

Thanks for the responses everyone! If my doctor agrees it's an option for me, then I'm going to try it. It's reassuring to know that I can always get it taken out and return to the pill if I end up hating it.

I had poor mental health side effects with the implant, but have been okay with the pill (both combined and progesterone only) and the mirena coil. Its really a trial and error thing in my experience. Some people try everything and cant find something that works, its not a perfect science unfortunatly.