Birth Control Pill Side Effects
From LoveToKnow Pregnancy
If you are taking the pill, you may be wondering about birth control pill side effects.
How Does the Birth Control Pill Work?
The pill contains a combination of estrogen and progesterone. By regulating the dosage of these hormones, ovulation does not occur. Ovulation is the movement of an egg out of the fallopian tubes in preparation for fertilization. Most forms of the pill also thicken cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the cervix and reach the fallopian tubes. In addition, some forms of the pill make implantation of the fetus into the uterus less likely.
The pill is up to 99.7 percent effective in protecting against pregnancy. However, it does not protect against STDs or HIV. In addition, antibiotics and drugs for epilepsy or tuberculosis can reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pill. There is also some research that suggests St. John’s Wort may reduce effectiveness of the pill as well.
Birth Control Pill Side Effects
About 40 percent of women experience some birth control pill side effects during the first three months of use. After the first three months, however, side effects generally seem to stabilize.
Mild Negative Side Effects of the Pill
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Missed periods
- Spotting between periods
- Nausea
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Increase in vaginal infections
For the most part, these symptoms are mild to moderate. However, these side effects can be bothersome. Contact your care provider if you have any questions or are truly bothered by these birth control pill side effects. You may simply need a different prescription.
Serious Negative Pill Side Effects
There are a few serious side effects to the pill. These side effects are extremely rare and include:
- Blood Clots
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Worsening of migraine headaches
- Gall bladder disease
- Increase in blood pressure
- A rare liver tumor
Women are most at risk for the above birth control pill side effects if they:
- Smoke
- Are older than 35 years old
- Have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or vascular disease or blood cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be having a serious negative side effect to your pills. Contact your care provider immediately.
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath/tightness in the chest
- Severe headache
- Vision problems such as flashing lights
- Severe leg pains
Positive Side Effects of the Pill
Not all of the side effects of the pill are bad though. In fact, many women are put on the pill to help with cycle problems rather than to prevent pregnancy. Positive side effects of the pill include:
- Lighter menstruation
- Reduction of cramps
- Improvement of acne
- Protection against non-cancerous breast growth
- Reduction in anemia and ovarian cysts
- Less risk of uterine cancer
- Less risk of infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease), which often leads to infertility
- Less risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Less rheumatoid arthritis
Learn More
Comments
Sharon, switching to a different pill might help. If you don't need the pill for birth control purposes, your doctor might be able to put on a cream or a different pill to control the acne since the pill may be causing more problems for you than it's worth.
-- Contributed by: HollySwansonCan anyone help with more info about the brown spots that develop on the face after starting the pill? How can they be faded, I'm desperate! I only take the pill because it helps control my 'adult acne'
-- Contributed by: SharonEnter, if you have stopped taking the pill, you should be able to conceive. If a year goes by without a pregnancy, contact your doctor to find out if you have a fertility problems.
-- Contributed by: HollySwansonThis page has been accessed 5,992 times. This page was last modified 14:40, 27 April 2006.
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