One kind of birth control is the pill. In order to prevent conception, it stops the body from releasing eggs, which leaves nothing for sperm to fertilize. 10 most common birth control pill side effects are discuss today.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, acne, and irregular, painful, or heavy periods can all be treated with birth control pills.
Individuals experience different side effects in different amounts, and different medications have distinct adverse effects. Headaches, nausea, spotting, and breast soreness are a few typical adverse effects.
Two primary categories of birth control bills exist. The micro pill just includes progestin; combination pills contain estrogen plus progestin, a synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone.
What are The Side effects?
Oral contraceptives are safe for most women to use; however, if side effects are severe or last longer than three months, it is best to discuss your options with a healthcare provider. The sections that follow will address some common side effects of oral contraceptives. Hormone imbalances brought on by birth control pills can result in a variety of adverse effects, most of which go away in two to three months, but sometimes they don’t. In the United States, approximately 12.6%Trusted Source of females aged 15 to 49 take oral contraceptives.
10 Most Common Birth Control Pill Side Effects
1. Spotting Between Periods
Vaginal bleeding that transpires in between menstrual cycles is referred to as breakthrough bleeding, or spotting. It could appear as brown discharge or minor bleeding.
The most typical Birth Control adverse effect is spotting (Trusted Source). It occurs as a result of the uterus responding to a thinner lining and the body adjusting to shifting hormone levels.
Bleeding between periods can be avoided by taking the tablet as directed, usually every day and at the same time.
2. Nausea
When taking the pill for the first time, some people report minor nausea, but this normally passes. Taking the medication before bed or with food may be beneficial.
People shouldn’t have constant nausea after using birth control. It is best to consult a healthcare professional if the nausea is severe or persists for several months.
3. Breast Tenderness
One typical side effect of using birth control pills is breast discomfort, especially in the early going. Tenderness in the breasts can be lessened by wearing a supportive bra.
The hormones in the pill can cause the breasts to enlarge in addition to increasing breast sensitivity. Find out more by going here.
If someone has severe breast discomfort or notices any changes in their breasts, notably a new or changing breast lump, they should consult their healthcare professional.
4. Headaches and Migraine
Headaches and migraines can be brought on by birth control pills’ hormones or they can make them more frequent.
Migraine may be brought on by variations in the female sex hormones, progesterone and estrogen trusted Source. The kind and amount of the medication may affect the symptoms. Low dosage medications, for instance, are less likely to result in this symptom.
However, if a person’s migraine is accompanied by PMS, using the medication can actually lessen their symptoms.
5. Weight Gain
Although research has not yet verified it, weight gain is frequently listed as a potential side effect of birth control tablets.
Theoretically, birth control tablets may cause an increase in water weight or fluid retention. They could potentially lead to increases in fat or muscle mass. On the other hand, some users of the tablet can report losing weight instead.
Insufficient research has been done to determine whether the hormones in birth control tablets cause weight gain or decrease, according to a 2017 article Trusted Source.
6. Mood Changes
A person’s emotions and mood are greatly influenced by their hormones. The tablet may induce changes in hormone levels, which can have an impact on a person’s mood.
A 2016 study by Trusted Source including one million Danish women raises the possibility of a connection between depression and hormonal contraception.
A person can speak with their healthcare practitioner if they are worried about changes in their mood. Switching medications could be helpful if the symptoms are related to the pill’s usage.
7. Missed Periods
The usage of birth control pills may result in skipped or extremely mild periods. This is because of the hormones they contain.
People can safely skip a period with the pill, depending on the type of birth control. Find out more by going here.
It is best to get a pregnancy test if someone thinks they could be pregnant. Although the birth control pill is incredibly effective, mishandled use can lead to pregnancy.
A late or missed period can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as:
- Stress
- Illness
- Travel
- Hormonal problems
- Thyroid problems
8. Decreased Libido
Some people’s libido, or sex drive, may be impacted by the pill. This is due to changes in hormones.
Some people may have more libido if, for example, their PMS symptoms go away and they no longer worry about getting pregnant.
9. Vaginal Discharge
When using the pill, vaginal discharge may change. This could be a change in the kind of discharge or an increase or reduction in vaginal lubrication.
Using lubricant can help make sexual activity more comfortable if the pill causes vaginal dryness and the person wishes to partake.
While most of the time these changes are not dangerous, variations in color or smell may indicate an illness.
10. Eye Changes
A little investigation a thickening of the cornea in the eyes has been connected by Trusted Source to hormonal changes brought on by the pill. This could indicate that contact lenses are no longer comfortably fit, but it does not imply an increased risk of eye disease.
If contact lens wearers observe any changes in their vision or lens tolerance, they should consult with their ophthalmologist.
Risks
For the majority of women, using the pill is safe. Research has connected certain hazards associated with its use, though. Therefore, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare expert about your specific risk factors before taking birth control tablets.
The Office on Women’s Health trusted Source reports that there is data indicating using birth control tablets may increase a person’s risk of blood clots and hypertension, or elevated blood pressure. This could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
A blood clot can be fatal or cause significant harm if it gets within the lungs. While infrequent, these side effects are quite dangerous.
A little investigation according to a reliable source, using birth control raises your risk of developing some cancers while lowering your risk of developing others.
The following individuals might not be safe to use the pill:
Having untreated hypertension
Smoke and have reached the age of 35
Possess a history of cardiac illness
Possess an aura-accompanied migraine
Possess a history of endometrial or breast cancer
If any of the following symptoms appear, it’s important for them to consult a doctor because they could point to a major health issue:
Excruciating stomach ache
Breathlessness, chest discomfort, or both
Excruciating headaches
Issues with the eyes, like blurry or lost vision
Pain or swelling in the thighs and legs
Long-term Effects
For most females, using birth control pills for an extended period of time is safe.
On the other hand, prolonged use may raise the chance of developing specific health issues. These possible implications will be examined in more detail in the sections that follow.
Cardiovascular Problems
Combination medications may somewhat raise your risk of major cardiovascular issues, including blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Some medications come with an increased risk. A medical professional can offer recommendations for good choices.
Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension or a family or personal history of cardiovascular disease ought to consult their healthcare professional regarding alternative forms of birth control.
Cancer
Certain cancers are more likely to occur in women who naturally produce high levels of estrogen and progesterone. Similarly, the use of hormone-based birth control can either raise or lower the risk of some cancers.
The National Cancer Institute trusted Source states that using birth control pills can have the following effects on a person’s risk of developing specific cancers:
Breast cancer: Compared to those who have never used hormonal birth control pills, those who use them have a slightly increased chance of developing breast cancer.
Cancers of the ovaries and endometrium: Those who use the pill appear to have a lower risk of developing these diseases.
Cervical cancer: There is a greater risk of cervical cancer in those who have taken the pill for more than five years. Though the human papillomavirus is the primary cause of most forms of cervical cancer.
Colon cancer: There is a correlation between taking the pill and a decreased risk of colon cancer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even if birth control tablets work well to avoid conception, it’s important to be aware of and take appropriate care of any possible adverse effects. Understanding these possible consequences enables people to make educated decisions about their contraceptive choices, ranging from minor symptoms like headaches and nausea to more serious concerns like blood clots and mood swings. In order to help people choose the best birth control method for them depending on their lifestyle and medical history, healthcare experts are essential. Furthermore, effective side effect management and optimal contraceptive use depend on open communication between patients and healthcare providers. We can lessen the effects of birth control pill side effects and improve the general health of those using contraception by placing a high priority on education, dialogue, and individualized treatment.