Side effects of birth control pills: An Inclusive guide

Birth control is a type of contraception that is 99% effective in stopping pregnancy when taken regularly.

This type of pill has some side effects, but how each person will get affected is influenced by their unique biology and medicine.

However, side effects of birth control pills are common and include headaches, spotting, and weight changes.

What do you mean by birth control pills?

Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that contain hormones. It prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs at the time of ovulation.

The pill also promotes thickening of cervical mucus to perform as a barrier between sperm and eggs that might be discharged. 

Some birth control pills are also helpful in treating irregular, painful, or heavy periods and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Nowadays, you can find two main types of birth control pills.

Combination pills comprise estrogen and progestin, which is considered a synthetic form of natural hormone progesterone. In contrast, mini birth control pills contain only progestin.

How effective are birth control pills?

The pill is almost 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, but only when it is taken every day.

Forgetting to take the pill at a scheduled time might increase your possibility of pregnancy when you are not sexually active.  

So, if you are planning to take a birth control pill and want to know about its side effects, then continue reading this blog.

Side effects of birth control pills

Birth control pills affect a person’s hormone levels and might cause various side effects. These effects mainly resolve within 2 to 3 months, but sometimes they can continue. 

If side effects continue for a long time or are uncomfortable, then it is best to consult a doctor about using a different brand or a different method of birth control pill.

Here are some common side effects of birth control pills:

• Spotting between periods

Spotting is a condition when vaginal bleeding occurs between your menstrual cycles.

It can appear like light bleeding or brown discharge. If we talk about most common side effects of birth control pills, then it is spotting.

It happens when your body adjusts to changing levels of hormones, and your uterus is adapting to have a thinner lining.

Taking the pill as directed, mainly every day and at same time, can help you prevent bleeding between periods.

• Mood changes

Hormones play a vital role in influencing a person’s emotions and mood. Intake of birth control pills can cause changes in hormone levels and affect a person’s mood.

If you are concerned about your mood changes, talking to a doctor is better. When symptoms are associated with taking pills, then changing pills can also help.

• Nausea

When taking the pill for first time, some people can experience mild nausea, but this usually decreases. Try taking birth control pills with food or bedtime, as this might help you.

The pill does not make people feel sick all the time. When severe nausea lasts for a few months, discuss it with your doctor.

• Vaginal dryness

Changes in vaginal discharge might happen when taking birth control pills. It can occur due to an increase or decrease in vaginal lubrication or a change in nature of your discharge.

When a birth control pill starts causing vaginal dryness, and you want to indulge in sexual activity, then using lubrication can help.  

However, such changes are not harmful; alterations in color or odor can be a sign of infection.

• Breast tenderness

Administration of birth control pills can cause breasts to feel tender right after starting it. You can reduce breast tenderness by wearing supportive innerwear.

Along with increased breast sensitivity, presence of hormones in pills can make your breasts grow bigger.

However, if you experience severe breast pain or other changes in your breast, like a new or changing breast lump, then talk to a healthcare provider.

• Weight gain

Weight gain is a possible side effect of birth control pills. It can lead to an increase in fluid retention or water weight.

Sometimes, the pill can also cause an increase in fat or muscle mass. However, some people also report weight loss while taking the pill.

• Decreased libido

Several people report decreased sexual drive or reduced libido while taking birth control pills. This happens because of hormonal changes.

• Eye changes

Hormonal changes due to pills can cause thickening of cornea in eyes. Though it does not increase risk of eye disease but your contact lenses might not fit comfortably.

Summary

Hence, birth control pills contain certain hormones which might affect your body in several ways. Don’t worry because side effects are common and easy to manage.

Generally, side effects differ among individuals and start to ease up within 2-3 months of starting the birth control pill. Talk with your doctor to choose the best & safest birth control pill.