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This is a really good question and unfortunately, we don’t have a simple answer for you. It all depends on what type of birth control you’re using—and even then, results vary.
As far as the Pill is concerned, there has been a lot of contradicting data.
MSNBC examined several studies on contraception and body weight. One of the studies revealed women with a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight range (25+), who were using oral contraceptive pills, had a higher risk of pregnancy than those in the normal weight range. But two other studies looking at BMI and pregnancy risk found no such risk.
We do know The Patch is slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy for women who weigh more than 198 pounds. Although this method is slightly less effective, it is still considerably more effective than most other reversible methods, including the diaphragm, the condom, the sponge, fertility awareness methods, withdrawal, etc.
More studies need to be done on this subject to help us understand whether there is a consistent relationship between body weight and hormonal contraceptive failure. In the meantime, your individual needs should be considered whenever you’re choosing a birth control method, regardless of your weight. Talk to your health care provider today.
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.
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