What are the side effects of birth control pills

Birth control pills have no significant long-term side effects. Side effects of birth control pills are not universal, and most of them usually disappear within two to three months. Before learning about the side effects of birth control pills, let's understand a little bit about them.

Birth control pills are small doses of hormones taken daily for 21 days to prevent pregnancy. The hormones are either a combination of synthetic progesterone and estrogen or just progesterone (called mini pill). Birth control pills have side effects just like other medications. It's necessary to take these pills every day to prevent pregnancy.

The following are a few of the most common side effects of birth control pills:

Nausea

Headache

Mood swings

Weight gain

Missed periods

Changes in vaginal discharge

Spotting in between periods

Sore or tender breasts

Decreased sex drive

Eye changes (thickening of the cornea)

Let’s now understand all the side effects in detail:

1. Nausea - When taking the pill for the first time, some people experience mild nausea, although this typically subsides. It might help to take the pill with food or before night. People shouldn't always feel ill due to birth control. It is best to consult a doctor if the nausea is severe or extends for several months.

2. Headache - Hormones present in birth control pills can trigger headaches and migraines or make them more frequent. Migraines are triggered by changes in the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Symptoms can vary depending on the dosage and type of pill used. For instance, low-dose pills are less likely to cause such symptoms. However, if a person's migraine is caused by PMS (premenstrual syndrome), using birth control pills may decrease their symptoms.

3. Mood swings - Hormones have a significant impact on a person's mood and emotions. The changes in hormone levels caused by the pill can affect a person's mood. One should consult a doctor if they are concerned about mood swings. Using a different type of pill may be beneficial if the symptoms are related to taking the birth control pills.

4. Weight gain - Although studies have not yet confirmed this, birth control pills often include weight gain as a possible side effect. The use of birth control pills can increase fluid retention or water weight. They might also result in an increase in muscle or fat mass. Some people may also report weight loss after using the pill. Currently, there is insufficient research to confirm whether the hormones in birth control pills cause weight gain or loss.

5. Missed periods - Taking birth control pills can result in very mild periods or no periods at all. The hormones present in them are the reason behind this. The pill can be used by people to safely skip a period, depending on the type of birth control. It is best to get a pregnancy test if someone suspects they could be pregnant. Although the birth control pill is very effective, pregnancies can still happen, especially with improper use. A late or missed period may result from many factors including stress, illness, travelling, hormonal problems, and thyroid problems.

6. Changes in vaginal discharge - When taking the pill, changes in vaginal discharge could occur. It could be a change like an increase or decrease in vaginal lubrication. If the birth control pill causes vaginal dryness and a person wants to engage in sexual activity, using an external lubricant can help to make the experience more comfortable. Although such changes are harmless (most of the time), changes in colour or odour may indicate an infection. Consult your doctor if you feel you might have an infection.

7. Spotting in between periods - Vaginal bleeding that occurs between menstrual cycles is called spotting (also referred to as breakthrough bleeding). It could appear as a brown discharge or light bleeding. The most common side effect of birth control pills is spotting. It happens as the uterus adjusts to a thinner lining while the body adjusts to changing hormone levels. Taking the pill as directed, at the same time, each day can help prevent bleeding between menstrual cycles.

8. Sore or tender breasts- Taking birth control pills often makes the breasts feel sore/tender, especially in the beginning. A supportive bra helps decrease breast soreness/tenderness. Apart from increasing breast sensitivity, the hormones present in the pill can cause the breasts to enlarge. If you notice severe breast pain or other changes, especially a new or changing breast lump, consult your doctor.

9. Decreased sex drive - The sex drive or libido in some people may be affected by the pill due to hormonal changes. Some may find an increase in libido by reducing PMS symptoms and removing any concerns they may have about becoming pregnant.

10. Eye changes (thickening of the cornea) - A thickening of the cornea in the eyes is linked to hormonal changes brought on by the pill. It does not indicate an increased risk of eye disease, but it can mean that your contact lenses are no longer fitting comfortably. If someone with contact lenses observes any changes in their eyesight or lens tolerance, they should speak to their doctor.

The various side effects which are mentioned above will be experienced only for a temporary period. They typically go away in a few months if you continue using the pill. If the side effects continue to affect you, it's a good idea to go back to your doctor to see if they can give you a different kind or form of birth control. Also, you should remember that the birth control pill will lose its ability to prevent pregnancy if you stop taking it without starting a new birth control method.

However, there are positive and negative associations between birth control pills and specific cancers in the long term. Using combination birth control pills for a long time may decrease the risk of ovarian and colorectal cancer. Similarly, long-term use of any birth control pill can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Also, prolonged estrogen exposure from combination birth control pills may increase the chance of breast and cervical cancer. However, ten years after stopping to use birth control pills, the risk is almost zero in each of these circumstances.