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Does the Birth Control Pill Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STIs/STDs)?

The birth control pill is a very effective method of contraception. But one question often comes up when people talk about the pill: Does it also protect you from sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs/STDs)?

This blog will explain the basics of STIs/STDs and the birth control pill, and then explore the relationship between the two.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs/STDs) are infections passed through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. These can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. STIs may show symptoms like unusual discharge, pain while urinating, or sores, though some people may have no symptoms at all.

  • The birth control pill is a hormonal medication taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It contains synthetic versions of the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone.

  • The birth control pill does not protect against any STIs/STDs. It prevents pregnancy and can be used to treat other health conditions, but has no effect on viruses or bacteria that spread STIs.

  • The most effective way to prevent STIs is by using condoms during sex. For both pregnancy and STI prevention, doctors recommend dual protection - using condoms along with a hormonal contraceptive method like the birth control pill.

Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STIs/STDs)

Does the Birth Control Pill Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)? Understanding Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) common symptoms of stds what are birth control pills
Image by Freepik

Sexually transmitted infections/diseases, or STIs/STDs, are infections that mainly spread through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. This can happen during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but some STIs/STDs can also spread through non-sexual ways like sharing contaminated needles, from a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth, or even through close skin-to-skin contact in the case of infections like herpes and HPV.

Some STIs are caused by bacteria. For example, chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, gonorrhoea by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and syphilis by Treponema pallidum. Others are caused by viruses, such as HIV caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus, and HPV caused by human papillomavirus. There are also infections caused by parasites, such as trichomoniasis, which is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Common Symptoms of STIs/STDs

Many STIs have no symptoms. But when signs do appear, these may include:

  • Unusual vaginal or penile discharge

  • Pain or burning while urinating

  • Itching or irritation in the genital area

  • Sores or warts on or around the genitals

  • Pain during sex

  • Bleeding between periods

  • Lower belly pain

  • Swollen groin glands

  • Fever or body aches

These symptoms do not always mean you have an STI/STD, but these are a reason to see a doctor. Many infections can be treated if caught early. Some STIs can still spread even without any symptoms, so regular testing is important.

What is the Birth Control Pill?

The birth control pill is a hormonal medication that is taken every day to prevent pregnancy. It contains synthetic versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These synthetic hormones mimic the functions of the natural ones and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Besides preventing pregnancy, the birth control pill is also used for other health reasons. It can help make periods more regular and less painful. It can reduce acne and symptoms of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Some women take it to manage heavy menstrual bleeding. It has additional benefits of reducing the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Can the Birth Control Pill Prevent STIs/STDs?

Can the Birth Control Pill Prevent STDs? Which contraceptive methods protect against stds? Can the Birth Control Pill Prevent STDs?
Image by Freepik

The birth control pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections/diseases. It is designed to stop pregnancy by controlling hormones. It does nothing to block or kill the viruses, bacteria or parasites that cause STIs. It also does not prevent contact between skin, fluids or mucous membranes, which is how STIs are usually spread.

The birth control pill works inside the body by managing the hormones and the menstrual cycle. But STIs spread through direct physical contact, even with someone who does not have visible symptoms. The pill cannot create any kind of barrier or shield against physical contact. So even if you take the pill regularly and correctly, you can still catch an STI/STD if you have unprotected sex.

In summary, being protected from pregnancy does not mean you are protected from STIs/STDs. A person can become pregnant only during specific days of their menstrual cycle, but they can get infected with an STI every time they have unprotected sex. That is why it is important to be clear about what the pill can and cannot do.

Which Contraceptive Methods Protect Against STIs/STDs?

The best option to prevent both pregnancy and STIs/STDs is to use condoms. Male condoms and female condoms are the only contraceptive methods that act as a barrier between partners during sex. These physically block the exchange of body fluids, which helps reduce the risk of STI/STD transmission.

Other contraceptive methods, such as the birth control pill, intrauterine device (IUD), contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection, etc, do not offer any protection against STIs/STDs. That is why many doctors suggest using both a condom and another birth control method together. This is known as dual protection and gives the best chance of avoiding both pregnancy and STis.

Dual protection is especially important if:

  • You are starting a new sexual relationship

  • You are unsure of your partner’s STI/STD status

  • You or your partner have multiple sexual partners

  • You are not in a long-term monogamous relationship

Using two methods might sound like extra effort, but it is a small step that can protect your health in the long run.

Besides using condoms during sex, you can also reduce the risk of getting an STI/STD by not sharing needles, making sure tattoo or piercing equipment is properly sterilised, and getting vaccinated against infections like HPV and hepatitis B.

Are There Any Pills to Prevent STIs/STDs?

Does the Birth Control Pill Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)? are there any pills to prevent STDs?
Image by My PrEP Locator

Some people wonder if there is a type of pill that works like the birth control pill but protects against STIs/STDs instead of pregnancy. At the moment, there is no daily pill that offers protection against all sexually transmitted infections/diseases.

However, there are a few special cases. One of them is a medicine called PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is used by people who are at high risk of HIV, such as those with an HIV-positive partner. PrEP is a daily pill that lowers the chance of getting HIV if exposed to the virus. But PrEP only works for HIV. It does not prevent any other STIs/STDs like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes etc.

In some rare cases, doctors might give a short course of antibiotics after a person has had unprotected sex or has been exposed to infected bodily fluids, especially if they are at risk of getting a bacterial STI/STD. This is not a regular method and is not advised for daily use. It also does not work against viral infections. In short, there is no general-purpose pill that protects against all STIs/STDs.

Conclusion

The birth control pill is a helpful and reliable way to prevent pregnancy, but it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Many women assume that if they are using the birth control pill, they are fully covered. This is not true. STIs/STDs are common and can have serious health effects if left untreated. The only way to reduce your risk is to use condoms during sex and to get tested regularly.

Knowing the facts allows you to make informed and safe choices. If you are sexually active, think beyond pregnancy and take steps to prevent STIs/STDs. Talk to a doctor about the best options for you and never hesitate to ask questions. Your health is in your hands, and good protection starts with good information.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is it safe to have unprotected sex while on the pill?

    Being on the pill can protect you from pregnancy, but unprotected sex still carries the risk of STIs/STDs. If you do not use a condom, you could still get or pass on an infection.

  • Can I get an STD if my partner has no symptoms?

    Many STIs/STDs can be passed on even when a person has no visible symptoms. That is why regular testing and using a condom during sex are important.

  • Is the morning-after pill useful for preventing STIs/STDs?

    No. The emergency contraceptive pill (also called the morning-after pill) only helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It does not protect against STIs/STDs.

  • Do I need to get tested for STDs even if I use condoms?

    While condoms greatly reduce the risk of STDs, these do not eliminate it fully. Regular testing is still recommended, especially with new or multiple partners.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

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