Side Effects of Birth Control Pills: Assessing the Risk
Birth control pills are one of the reliable contraceptive methods known for effectiveness and reversibility.
According to the statistics shared by CDC, 14 percent of the women in the US aged 15-49 use pills as a contraceptive.
However, despite being an efficient method of family planning, it also has some side effects.
These need to be evaluated to eliminate risks and decide whether or not to go ahead with it.
This article presents detailed information about the side effects of birth control, including the long-term impacts and aftermath of using this contraceptive method, offering a mindful choice.
Birth control pills side effects
Birth control pills are 99 percent effective when used correctly, offering an affordable and convenient method of birth control.
However, it also has some side effects, which may not be observed in all women but are reported commonly.
Side effects are mainly observed when starting birth control pills. These may go away in 2-3 months after the body adapts to the hormonal changes.
Reproductive system
Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones- either Estrogen or Progesterone, or both together, which are also naturally released by the body during ovulation.
The rise of these hormones affects the natural hormonal balance, which stops ovulation.
Besides, the cervical mucus thickens and gets sticky.
Sometimes changes in vaginal discharge and vaginal dryness can also be observed.
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding may also occur, which can happen when the body is taking time to adapt to birth control or in case of inconsistency in taking pills.
Birth control can also result in irregularities in the menstrual cycle. As the uterus lining thins, missed periods are also a possibility for those on birth control pills.
Psychological impact
Birth control pills can also affect mood stability.
As per a study, most women discontinue birth control due to mood swings. In some cases, it worsens into depression.
It happens due to Progesterone and Estrogen present in the pills, which affects brain function.
Progestin-only pills are more likely to result in depression, but the risk remains in all hormonal contraceptives, including combined pills (contain both Progesterone and Estrogen).
Weight gain
It is believed that birth control can affect body shape or result in weight gain.
Although there is no direct impact of oral contraceptives on weight, for some women, birth control can bring additional side effects like increased appetite or fluid retention.
If such cases are not managed, weight gain can be noticed as an indirect consequence.
Acne
Acne can occur from hormonal changes as oil production increases.
One of the reasons for these fluctuations can be birth control pills, as they also affect the hormonal balance in females.
Progestin-only pills have more chances of worsening acne.
Pregnancy-like symptoms
Birth control pills can sometimes have side effects similar to the symptoms of pregnancy.
This may occur because the synthetic hormones of pills mimic the effect of pregnancy.
When the synthetic hormones of pills affect natural hormonal balance, the body considers it a sign of pregnancy and responds by stopping ovulation, which may be accompanied by other signs.
These may include bloating, nausea, sore breasts, headache, and fatigue.
Olfactory performance
The use of high-dose Ethinyl Estradiol pills for a long time can decrease olfactory performance.
This can happen as the natural hormone production and receptor regeneration cycles get disturbed.
Moreover, during the withdrawal period of oral contraceptives, the ability of women to differentiate body odors decreases.
Low libido
The effect of oral contraceptives on libido is different for all women.
Some may experience no change while others may observe a significant drop in libido.
If the libido drops from use of birth control pills, considering an alternative birth control method may help improve the sex drive.
Sleep
Hormonal birth control, including the pill, can affect sleeping patterns.
According to a study, most of the women on hormonal birth control experienced poor sleep quality.
However, the effect may depend on lifestyle factors like physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Eye changes
Some studies have shown a correlation between the thickening of the cornea and the use of oral contraceptives.
The hormonal changes that occur from birth control can be the reason for such changes.
Alongside, eye disorders like Retinal Vascular Lesions were also reported after use of birth control pills.
It is not necessary that birth control pills increase the risk of eye issues, but some discomfort can occur.
Long-term side effects of birth control pills
Most women either experience no symptoms or get rid of them in a short while, but in some cases, long-term impacts can be seen.
These may involve tumors, heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, which can result in death.
These risks are rare and mainly associated with combination pills.
Side effects of stopping birth control pills
Not only does consuming birth control pills have side effects, but also stopping its use.
Changes in your menstrual cycle like heavier periods with more painful cramping or pain during ovulation can occur upon getting off the pills.
Changes in mood, noticeable PMS symptoms, weight fluctuations, headaches, and affected libido may also occur.
Conclusion
Birth control pills can prevent pregnancy effectively but may also cause side effects.
Some mild side effects like changes in the menstrual cycle, headache, and nausea occur in the starting stage of using birth control.
These go away within 2-3 months. Still, in case of discomfort or symptoms, one must consult a doctor for safety.
Sometimes, severe complications like tumors, heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots may also occur, which can prove fatal.
For best results, one must keep track of any abnormalities so that the birth control contraceptive assures protection and intimacy, but complications are avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main side effect of birth control pills?
The side effects of birth control pills observed are nausea, fatigue, headache, and breakthrough bleeding. These symptoms usually appear upon starting birth control and go away within two to three months. Some women may not experience any symptoms at all.
Which are the best birth control pills with least side effects?
There is no pill with the least side effects as both combined pills and Progestin-only have their own risks. Some women prefer Progestin-only pills as combined pills contain Estrogen, which can cause many side effects. However, Progestin-only pills are more likely to worsen depression and acne.
What are the emotional side effects of birth control pills?
Birth control pills are associated with mood swings. These fluctuations also compel some women to quit birth control pills. In some cases, they can also result in depression. This happens due to Progesterone and Estrogen present in the pills, which affect brain function.
What are the long-term side effects of birth control pills?
Birth control pills cause some side effects like nausea, headache, fatigue, and changes in the menstrual cycle. These usually go away within three months without turning into major issues. However, in rare cases, pills can lead to tumors, strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots.
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