Long Term Side Effects of Birth Control

Birth control alternatives help in preventing pregnancy. Is this information enough for you to take the pills or the other contraceptive methods on a regular basis? I don't think so. Our body is a machine that is designed in a perfect manner. If you will try to restrict your body to work and respond normally then you will face problems for sure. Birth control methods do the same thing. They restrict your body from getting pregnant by changing and restricting many natural processes. If you use them rarely they will work effectively and without causing any harm to your body but as we say excess of everything is dangerous, you will face many problems if you take them on a regular basis for a prolonged period of time. In this Buzzle article we will discuss various side effects caused by long term use of birth control. Read on if you really want to avoid the dangerous side effects.

There are lots of birth control alternatives available in the market today like birth control pills, condoms, birth control shot, vaginal contraceptive ring, male sterilization, female sterilization, etc. These methods are effective and help in preventing pregnancy. Basically they have three different ways of preventing pregnancy. By restricting the sperms to reach the eggs, second is by preventing the ovaries from releasing egg and the last one is to prevent the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the uterus. Different birth controls play different role depending upon their usage and function. But they are surrounded by many controversies which in some or the other way relates them to their side effects. Regular usage may take you to some serious long term side effects of birth control. Hence, such birth control alternatives should not be used for a prolonged period of time.

Long Term Risks of Birth Control

Side effect may vary according to the birth control options used. Where condoms are considered to be very safe and effective, side effects of birth control shot and birth pills can be very serious. Following are some of the long term effects of birth control shot, pills and other contraception.

Sexual Dysfunction
Birth control can result in sexual dysfunction. Women may experience low sexual desire and decrease in vaginal lubrication. This may result in pain and discomfort during intercourse. This is due to the decreased level of testosterone due to the oral contraceptive. More researches are going on to confirm the possible side effects.

Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common side effects of birth control pills. This is a result of hormonal imbalance caused by the pills. Women above the age of 45 are at the higher risk of getting breast cancer. Hence excess usage of birth control pills should be avoided. Oral contraceptives may also increase the risk of cervical, liver and ovarian cancer.

Other Long Term Side Effects
Apart from the two major side effects, following are some of the other side effects which are very harmful for the body.

• Cardiac Problems
• Weight gain
• Hypertension
• Migraine
• Depression
• Gallstones
• Ectopic pregnancies
• Jaundice
• Blood clots
• Nutritional deficiencies

Safe Birth Control Alternatives

The above given long term side effects may have left you wondering about the birth control alternatives which are safe to use. Don't worry, there are few alternatives which are very safe and will not harm you at all. They are quite effective if used properly and can give you a healthy and safe life. Male or female condoms are considered to be one of the most effective and safe alternatives to use. They are safe up to 95% and can be bought from any medical shop without any prescription. Cervical sponge is also very effective and can be used with the spermicidal agent. Diaphragms are about 94% effective but they need to be fitted by the doctor. You can also consult a doctor for more safe and secure options.

Though the effectiveness of a birth control pill is about 99%, its long term side effects may be very serious. You can use pills and shots for sometime, but it's better if you totally avoid them. Try to use the other alternatives which are safe and effective. You take the birth controls to get sexual satisfaction without any chance of getting pregnant but remember that its prolonged use may decrease your willingness and desire to do what you love to do. So have a healthy life and enjoy every second by using safe and secure alternatives.