The Birth Control pills which are also known as "The Pill" considered as the safest method to prevent unwanted pregnancy. When taken correctly and timely they are highly effective contraceptive. Mostly around 62% of women of reproductive age were using contraceptive according to NHSR (National Health Statistics Reports).
There are basically two types of Contraceptive pills which basically are synthetic forms of hormones produced naturally in the body. They either contain progestin alone or estrogen and progestin together. These hormones regulate women’s menstrual cycle, so their fluctuating levels affect the fertility.
But apart from preventing pregnancy, there are many pros of using control poll, which includes menstrual cramping, regularity of menstrual cycle, acne-skin free, and lower risk of ovarian cysts as well as ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Birth Control have many side effects which your doctor may not tell you. Before starting intake of the pill, carefully read this information.
Here are top 10 side effects of birth control pills.
1. Headaches and Migraine
A headache and migraine may be caused due to fluctuations of Hormones due to birth control pills.
There are certain control pills which can lead to a decrease in the estrogen level in the body. A low estrogen level may lead to aggravating migraines or a headache if you already suffer from them.
According to a 2005 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that most women suffer from a headache within a month starting the estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive pills. However due to continuous use, there is improve in a headache.
If you are suffering from a headache, consider taking another pill which contains fewer doses of hormone.
2. Nausea
For the starters nausea experience is natural. This mild side effects often resolves with a few days.
Nausea is basically a result of the additional estrogen, which can irritate the stomach. Pills that contain a high dose of estrogen are more likely to cause nausea than those has a lower dose.
Taking the pill timely, before the bedtime and with food may help. Also, if you take antacids about 30 minutes before taking pills may help keep the stomach calm. An important thing is the timely intake of pills.
If the problem persists you may go to see the doctor.
3. Breast Tenderness
The Birth control pills may also cause breast tenderness or enlargement. This is a mild side effect that tends to improve within a weeks after the starting of the pill. This again can happen due to hormonal changes due to pill.
For the women who use only progestin-only pills the problem arises more as compared to the women who take combined oral contraceptive pills that contain both progestin and estrogen.
According to a 2006 report published in the Journal of Family Practice, these four factors contribute to breakthrough bleeding:
- Physiologic effects of oral contraceptives on the endometrium
- Oral contraceptive-related parameters (dose, formulation, and regimen)
- Patient behavior (compliance, using concomitant medications and smoking)
- Benign or malignant pathology.
If the problem persists for more than five or more days consult a doctor.
5. Weight Gain
There is a common complaint about weight gain in the starting days of use of birth control pills. This weight gain is usually temporary and is often due to water retention rather than actual weight gain.
More often, the pill that has the high dose of estrogen causes this side effect. A high estrogen level can affect appetite and promote water retention. It may lead to fat deposits in the thigh, hips and breasts.
Again opt for less estrogen in the pill if you are concerned with the weight gain. And make a healthy and balanced diet your daily plan along with exercise and yoga.
More often, the pill that has the high dose of estrogen causes this side effect. A high estrogen level can affect appetite and promote water retention. It may lead to fat deposits in the thigh, hips and breasts.
Again opt for less estrogen in the pill if you are concerned with the weight gain. And make a healthy and balanced diet your daily plan along with exercise and yoga.
6. Yeast Infection
A vaginal infection is caused by the higher level of estrogen level which is due to the changes in the balance of the hormones in the body.
The vaginal infection may lead to itching, burning, soreness or irritation in sensitive areas like the vagina and vulva is another uncomfortable side of te birth control pills.
According to a University of Michigan School of Public Health study published in 2006, the risk for a yeast infection was doubled by use of oral contraceptives and tripled by spermicides.
For women having poorly controlled diabetes, a diet high in sugar or alcohol, or a weakened immune system the risk will get even higher.
When taking the pill some women experience vaginal discharge as pills lead to hormonal changes in the body.
7. Mood Swing
Mood swings, as well as symptoms of depression, are another side effect that some women may experience during pill use.
This occurs because the synthetic hormones can affect the balance of certain neurotransmitters, leading to mood swings and changes in emotional state.
A 2003 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reports that use of an oral contraceptive pill is most likely to deteriorate premenstrual mood in women with a history of depression and to improve in women with early-onset premenstrual mood disturbance or dysmenorrhea.
Another study published in Contraception in 2012 further confirms that young women with adverse psychological symptoms are at risk for perceived oral contraceptive side effects and discontinuation.
For the depression problem, talk about it with your doctor starting the pill. A non-hormonal birth control may be a better option for them.
8. Visual Changes
For women who wear contact lenses may experience changes in the vision. A visual change is not directly related to the birth control pills side effect.
Hormonal changes in the body result in the fluid retention which causes the cornea to swell. This will affect the shape of the cornea, leading to an ill-fittings lens.
Also, the long use of oral contraceptive may be linked to glaucoma, condition that causes damage to your eye's optic nerve and gets even worse over time.
A 2016 study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that oral contraceptive use for three or more years may be associated with increased risk of self-reported glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
9. Blood Clots
Blood Clots are less common but serious side effect of oral contraceptives.
Women who smoke, are overweight, are over 35 or have recently given birth are considered at higher risk. Use of combined oral contraceptives can increase your risk of blood clots even more.
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the risk of blood clots among women who are not pregnant and not using combination oral contraceptives is 1–5 per 10,000 women annually as compared with a risk of approximately 3–9 per 10,000 women annually among women using oral contraceptives.
A study published in the BMJ in 2015 reports that current exposure to any combined oral contraceptive was associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, with the exception of norgestimate.
So before trying to the newer version of birth control pills, consult your gynecologist about the possible side effects.
Also consults your doctor if you experience breathing problems, chest pain or welling in the legs, which could signal a clot in the heart or lungs.
10. Decreased Libido
Some people's sex life has a negative effect of birth control pills. The hormones in birth control pills can be a factor behind this.
Oral contraceptive halt the production of testosterone, which in turn can have an effect on your sexual life. it can lead to reduced interest in intercourse, decreased the ability to have an orgasm and increased pain during the sexual act.
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reports that oral contraceptives are associated with increased pain during intercourse, decreased libido and spontaneous arousability, and diminished frequency of intercourse and orgasm.
Additional Tips
- There are many different types of oral contraceptive pills available in the market. Consult your doctor to choose the right one.
- It is important to take the pills every day at the same time.
- These pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Oral contraceptives may interfere with other medications you are taking.
- These pills are not suitable for those who smoke or have a blood-clotting disorder.
- It’s best to stop taking birth control pills immediately if you suspect you’re pregnant.
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