Birth control pills are reliable when it comes to controlling unwanted pregnancy. They are a highly effective contraceptive when taken appropriately. But to reap that benefit, you may also have to deal with depression, some extra pounds, and other not very pleasant birth control pill side effects. These come as just mild irritations for some women, while for others, they are annoying enough to make them switch or discontinue using the birth control pill.
Before starting a contraceptive pill, it is important to understand both the birth control pill risks as well as the benefits.
You should speak to your gynaecologist to learn more specifically about birth control pills and whether or not they are good for you, your medical history, as well as your lifestyle. In the meantime, here are the ten common birth control pill side effects:
- Headaches
Women go through a lot of hormonal fluctuations due to age, medical problems, stress, etc. This hormonal imbalance may contribute to headaches and migraines. Certain pills may cause a drop in estrogen levels in the body. Relatively low levels of estrogen give rise to headaches or aggravate migraines if you are already suffering from them. A research study suggests that a majority of women who suffer from headaches within a month of starting the estrogen-progestin birth control pill. However, the headaches tend to decrease in severity or completely disappear with continuous use. Another study revealed that the increased risk of a migraine is associated with a decrease in estrogen levels. In such a case, switching to oral contraceptives that contain a low level of the hormone can help. Take the help of your gynaecologist to determine the right birth control remedy.
- Breast tenderness
Birth control pills may also cause your breasts to become tender or enlarge. This side effect of birth control pills is mild and tends to improve in a few weeks after starting the pill. Breast tenderness or enlargement can happen again due to sudden hormonal imbalance from the pill. This hormonal birth control side effect is more commonly found in women who use progestin-only pills as compared to those who use combined contraceptive pills containing both progestin and estrogen. Wear a supportive bra to reduce discomfort, and limit your salt and coffee intake. Consult your gynaecologist if the tenderness persists.
- Breakthrough bleeding
This is one of the side effects of oral contraceptives that tends to annoy women more than any other side effect. Breakthrough bleeding is often experienced once you begin consuming the contraceptive pill. Gynaecologists say that taking the pill daily at the same time may make you less likely to have breakthrough bleeding. The birth control symptom is mostly found in women who opt for a low-dose birth control pill. Changes in the hormone cause thinning of the endometrial lining, making it more fragile and more susceptible to wear, tear, and falling off. In case you experience five or more days of bleeding while taking the pill, make a call to your gynaecologist and discuss it with them.
- Nausea
Some women experience nausea when they first start oral contraceptives like Saheli birth control. The side effect is mild and often resolves within a few days. An additional estrogen can irritate your stomach and cause nausea. It is believed that pills that contain a high dose of estrogen are more likely to cause nausea than those of the low-dose formulations. Taking the pill with food may help some women.
- Weight gain
Gaining a few pounds after starting the pill is a common complaint. The birth control side effect is temporary and is due to water retention. A high dose is the main cause, as it can affect the appetite and promote water retention. If you are concerned about your weight, then choose a pill that has less estrogen.
- Mood swings
A birth control pill may make you feel down emotionally. However, feeling up and down emotionally can happen to anyone, but is more likely to be caused by the oral contraceptive. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you manage this situation. Let your healthcare specialist know about whatever you experience in the form of birth control pill complications.
- Yeast infection
A vaginal yeast infection is another uncomfortable side effect of oral contraceptives. The infection causes irritation, itching, soreness, and burning in sensitive areas like the vagina and vulva. Higher estrogen levels are believed to be the culprit. Changes in the vaginal discharge may also be experienced by some women when taking the pill. The hormonal imbalance may lead to decreased vaginal lubrication.
- Missed periods
Your periods may sometimes be missed during regular consumption of a pill. Factors that can influence this include illness, stress, travelling, hormonal imbalance or thyroid abnormalities.
- Decreased libido
Some women seem to experience a lack of desire once they start the birth control pill. So for some women, there does seem to be an association between birth control hormone use and a change in libido.
- Eye changes
Hormonal changes caused by birth control pills have been linked to a thickening of the cornea in the eyes. However, the pill has not been associated with a higher risk of the eye disorder, but it may cause you to change your contact lenses (if you wear them) as the previous ones will no longer fit comfortably.
It is important to consult a doctor to know the best birth control pill for you to avoid its side effects. To buy birth control pills online, you can rely on ReliableRxPharmacy for authentic doorstep delivery of medicine at affordable prices. Check the women’s health category on ReliableRXPharmacy to find your prescribed birth control pill.
Conclusion
Birth control pills are generally safe and effective for most people, but like any other pharmaceutical agent, birth control side effects may also occur. Understanding these common side effects of birth control pills can help you make better decisions and make you aware when to seek medical help.
