Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
Approved by the US FDA in 1960, The Pill is the most popular form of reversible female contraception. Side effects have reduced drastically over the years due to the use of fewer hormones, but initial use will have side effects that are caused by a sudden hormonal change in the body.
What is The Pill?
The woman of today has got a vast choice when she has to choose the method of contraception. In the olden days she had to rely on calculations based on her menstrual cycle. Withdrawal was the other technique. Both these techniques were very cumbersome and totally unreliable.
Today a woman can choose from a range of contraceptives that do not interfere with her normal lifestyle. The options include fitting an IUD (intra-uterine device), diaphragm, spermicides, and hormonal aids which include the pill, injections, and vaginal rings containing synthetic hormones. Every method has got its own advantages and disadvantages.
Out of all these contraceptives, the pill is the most widely used worldwide. The reason for the widespread use of the pill is its ease of use and reliability. Side effects of the pill have reduced drastically since they were first introduced. This is due to the reduced levels of hormones in the pills.
Depending on the brand, birth control pills are available in packs of 21 or 28. The 21 pills (from a pack of 21 or 28) are a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormones. These hormones stop the ovulation process and prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also helps thicken the cervical mucus, making the entry of sperm into the uterus difficult. The remaining 7 pills in a 28-pill pack are blank pills, hence known as spacer pills. This helps maintain a one pill a day rhythm.
As with all methods of contraception, the pill too has got its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of the Birth Control Pill
The biggest advantage of the birth control pill is its ease of use. It can be used for emergency contraception. Regular use helps maintain a regular period that is lighter and less painful. It was previously believed that regular use of the pill caused cancer, but advanced studies have proved just the opposite. Regular use of the pill actually reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. The pill has also proved to help women who have symptoms of PMS. Acne is noticeably reduced with regular use of the pill. Another big advantage is that total fertility is restored when use of the pill is stopped.
Side Effects of the Pill
If you are a woman who enjoys good health and does not smoke it is safe to be on the pill regularly.
The pill available today is much better and safer for regular use than the pills available a couple of decades ago. Even though there are major improvements, side effects are present when you begin taking the pill because your body has to adjust to the hormonal changes that are brought on with the use of the pill.
Side effects may include one or more of the following:
-- nausea
-- vomiting
-- dizzy feeling
-- tiredness
-- headache
-- breast tenderness
-- abdominal pain
-- mood swings
-- early or late next period with irregular bleeding
-- weight gain
Usually the symptoms will gradually reduce with the regular use of the pill.
Who Should Not Use The Pill
Almost every woman can safely use the pill, but there are those that can't use the pill for birth control due to certain medical or other conditions. They can include women:
-- who have regular blood clots
-- who have cardiac problems
-- who have blood pressure
-- who have known liver ailments
-- who are on antibiotics and other strong medication
-- who are over the age of 35 and smoke
-- who have diabetes (can be taken only under medical supervision)
Women who are taking the pill and experience any of the following must consult their gynecologist immediately.
-- Sudden shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain
-- Blurring of vision
-- Unexplained severe headache
-- Numbness in the arms
-- Severe abdominal cramps or pain
It is always advisable to visit your gynecologist and get a thorough check-up done before you start taking the pill. If you notice any abnormal symptoms please consult your gynecologist immediately. Find out if you can continue taking the pill when you have been prescribed some other medication.
There is no need to despair if you can't take the pill; there are many more safe options that you can still choose from.
The woman of today has got a vast choice when she has to choose the method of contraception. In the olden days she had to rely on calculations based on her menstrual cycle. Withdrawal was the other technique. Both these techniques were very cumbersome and totally unreliable.
Today a woman can choose from a range of contraceptives that do not interfere with her normal lifestyle. The options include fitting an IUD (intra-uterine device), diaphragm, spermicides, and hormonal aids which include the pill, injections, and vaginal rings containing synthetic hormones. Every method has got its own advantages and disadvantages.
Out of all these contraceptives, the pill is the most widely used worldwide. The reason for the widespread use of the pill is its ease of use and reliability. Side effects of the pill have reduced drastically since they were first introduced. This is due to the reduced levels of hormones in the pills.
Depending on the brand, birth control pills are available in packs of 21 or 28. The 21 pills (from a pack of 21 or 28) are a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormones. These hormones stop the ovulation process and prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also helps thicken the cervical mucus, making the entry of sperm into the uterus difficult. The remaining 7 pills in a 28-pill pack are blank pills, hence known as spacer pills. This helps maintain a one pill a day rhythm.
As with all methods of contraception, the pill too has got its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of the Birth Control Pill
The biggest advantage of the birth control pill is its ease of use. It can be used for emergency contraception. Regular use helps maintain a regular period that is lighter and less painful. It was previously believed that regular use of the pill caused cancer, but advanced studies have proved just the opposite. Regular use of the pill actually reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. The pill has also proved to help women who have symptoms of PMS. Acne is noticeably reduced with regular use of the pill. Another big advantage is that total fertility is restored when use of the pill is stopped.
Side Effects of the Pill
If you are a woman who enjoys good health and does not smoke it is safe to be on the pill regularly.
The pill available today is much better and safer for regular use than the pills available a couple of decades ago. Even though there are major improvements, side effects are present when you begin taking the pill because your body has to adjust to the hormonal changes that are brought on with the use of the pill.
Side effects may include one or more of the following:
-- nausea
-- vomiting
-- dizzy feeling
-- tiredness
-- headache
-- breast tenderness
-- abdominal pain
-- mood swings
-- early or late next period with irregular bleeding
-- weight gain
Usually the symptoms will gradually reduce with the regular use of the pill.
Who Should Not Use The Pill
Almost every woman can safely use the pill, but there are those that can't use the pill for birth control due to certain medical or other conditions. They can include women:
-- who have regular blood clots
-- who have cardiac problems
-- who have blood pressure
-- who have known liver ailments
-- who are on antibiotics and other strong medication
-- who are over the age of 35 and smoke
-- who have diabetes (can be taken only under medical supervision)
Women who are taking the pill and experience any of the following must consult their gynecologist immediately.
-- Sudden shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain
-- Blurring of vision
-- Unexplained severe headache
-- Numbness in the arms
-- Severe abdominal cramps or pain
It is always advisable to visit your gynecologist and get a thorough check-up done before you start taking the pill. If you notice any abnormal symptoms please consult your gynecologist immediately. Find out if you can continue taking the pill when you have been prescribed some other medication.
There is no need to despair if you can't take the pill; there are many more safe options that you can still choose from.
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