Birth control pills are considered one of the safest methods to prevent unintended pregnancy. They are a highly effective contraceptive when taken correctly (at the same time daily). There are two types of contraceptive pills, both of which consist of synthetic forms of hormones produced naturally in the body. The pills either contain progestin alone or estrogen and progestin together. These hormones regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, and their fluctuating levels play an essential role in fertility.
Apart from preventing pregnancy, there are many pros of using birth control pills, including reduced menstrual cramping, regularity of menstrual cycle, acne-free skin, and lower risk of ovarian cysts as well as ovarian and endometrial cancer. However, birth control pills can have many side effects, which doctors may not tell you. Before starting on a pill, it is important to understand both the pros as well as the cons.
1. Weight Gain
Gaining a few pounds in the weeks and months after starting to take the pill is a common complaint. This is usually temporary and is often due to water retention rather than actual weight gain.
If you are worried about weight gain, opt for a pill that has less estrogen. Also, keep a close eye on your diet and do not forget to make exercise a part of your daily routine.
2. Decreased Libido
In some people, birth control pills can even have a negative effect on their sex life. The hormones in birth control pills can be a factor behind this. It can lead to reduced interest in intercourse, decreased ability to have orgasms and increased pain during the act.
If the changes persist beyond three or four months, consult your doctor.
3. Visual Changes
Though eye problems are not a common side effect of birth control pills, women who wear contact lenses and take the pill may experience visual changes. Fluid retention resulting from hormonal changes in the body may cause the cornea to swell. This may affect the shape of the cornea, leading to an ill-fitting lens. Contact your ophthalmologist if you experience this problem after starting oral birth control pills.
4. Breast Tenderness
Birth control pills may also cause breast tenderness or enlargement. This is a mild side effect that tends to improve a few weeks after starting the pill. This problem is more common in women who use progestin-only pills than those who use combined oral contraceptives that contain both progestin and estrogen.
5. Headaches and Migraines
Certain birth control pills can lead to a decrease in the estrogen level in the body. A low estrogen level may lead to headaches or aggravate migraines if you already suffer from them. A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that most women suffer from headaches within a month of starting the estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives. However, the headaches tend to improve or disappear with continued use.
If you suffer from headaches, switching to different pills that contain low doses of hormones can help. Consult your doctor to help determine the right pill for you.
6. Nausea
Some people experience nausea when first starting birth control pills. This mild side effect often resolves within a few days. Nausea is 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 that have a lower dose. Taking the pill with food or taking it before bedtime may help.
If nausea persists and affects your appetite and weight, make an appointment to see your doctor.
7. Mood Changes
This occurs because the synthetic hormones can affect the balance of certain neurotransmitters, leading to mood swings and changes in emotional state.
If you have a history of depression, talk about it with your doctor before starting the pill. A non-hormonal birth control method may be a better option.
8. Yeast Infections
A vaginal yeast infection that causes itching, burning, soreness or irritation in sensitive areas like the vagina and vulva is another uncomfortable side effect of birth control pills.
The pill changes the balance of hormones in the body, especially estrogen and progesterone. A higher estrogen level can cause yeast infections. Hormonal changes in the body can lead to an increase or decrease in vaginal lubrication.
Resources:
www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/10-side-effects-of-birth-control-pills.html/3
www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr060.pdf
www.wellesley.edu/sites/default/files/assets/pill.pdf
www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(15)01420-7/abstract
www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm299305
www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(15)33853-4/abstract
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