5 Common Side Effects of Birth Control Pill

The oral contraceptive pill that is also known as “the pill”, is normally a hormone-based way of avoiding pregnancy. These pills can also deal with irregular menstruation, heavy or painful periods, acne, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and endometriosis. Do you want to know how exactly do Birth Control pills work? Well, these types of pills just stop the production of eggs or in simpler words, prevent ovulation. Pregnancy does not occur if a person takes these pills as there is nothing for the sperms to fertilize. According to a study, nearly 16% of the women aged between 15 to 44 years use “these pills”.

You should also know that birth control pills have certain advantages as well as disadvantages. And, women with different risk factors are also advised to take a particular type of contraceptive pill. You can find many types of contraceptive pills in the market. But all of them consist of synthetic forms of the hormones, i.e. progesterone or estrone or both. While synthetic progesterone is known as progestin, the combination pills consist of progestin & estrogen and The “mini-pill,” has only progestin. Have you heard about everyday pills or 21-day pills? A packet of everyday pills can be used for 28 days, however, 7 pills in the pack remain inactive.

Talking about everyday pills, it is easier to use as the routine is the same every day but one should take it correctly without missing. If you use it accurately, the pill is highly effective. But most people make mistakes and the result is that 6-12 pregnancies out of 100 are reported every year while using it. Let me also add that birth control pills won’t help you to prevent/avoid certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A condom can only prevent/avoid these types of infections.

5 Common Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

Now, let us know about some of the common side effects of Birth Control Pills:

1. Nausea

Most women experience nausea after taking a pill for the very first time, however, this symptom usually subsides after some time. In order to avoid nausea, one can take the pill along with food or before bedtime. And if your nausea is severe or you experience it longer than three months, then you should consider taking medical guidance.

2. Intermenstrual Spotting

Breakthrough vaginal bleeding is considered normal between expected periods. But this resolves within three months of starting to use the pill. But if you experience it for 5 or more days, then you should consult a health care professional/ doctor for advice.

3. Headaches & Migraines

The hormones present in birth control pills may increase the risk of headaches as well as migraines. Different types of pills and different doses of hormones can trigger numerous symptoms. You can use a low-dose pill to reduce problems such as headaches. Normally, such symptoms improve over time, however, if you have severe headaches, it is always recommended to take medical advice.

4. Breast Tenderness

Birth control pills can also cause breast tenderness or enlargement. This normally improves with time after starting the pill but if you find a lump in your breast or you have tenderness or severe pain in your breast, then you should seek medical help. You should also reduce caffeine, salt intake and also wear a supportive bra to relieve breast tenderness.

Also Read: Birth Control Patch Best Form Of Contraception?

5. Mood Changes

Many studies clearly state that oral contraceptives affect the mood of a user, increase the possibility of depression and also various emotional changes. If you too experience mood changes while taking pills, then you should contact your medical provider.

Birth Control Pills

Apart from these, there are more side effects of birth control pills well. They are as follows:

Weight Gain
Missed Periods
Decreased Libido
Vaginal Discharge
Changes in Eyes

The choice to use a birth control pill is individual for every woman out there. But everyone should know as well as understand all of the above-mentioned disadvantages of birth control pills. So, consider all of your risks & discuss them with your health care provider at the earliest.