Potential Consequences of Oral Contraceptives
Birth control pills, a popular method of contraception, contain synthetic variations of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone [1][2][3]. These hormones work to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining [1][3][4].
While birth control pills offer a reliable means of contraception, they also bring about certain side effects.
Short-term side effects may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, depression, changes in libido, gastrointestinal symptoms, and water retention [2][5]. These side effects are caused by the alteration of estrogen and progestin levels that affect ovulation, cervical mucus, and the uterine lining.
Long-term side effects may include elevated risks of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke, especially during the first year of use [2][4]. Prolonged use of birth control pills has also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, persistent mood disorders or depression, vitamin deficiencies, liver function alterations, and gallstones [2].
Individuals experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, swelling or pain in the legs, chest pain, breathing problems, excruciating headaches, or blurry vision while taking oral contraceptive pills should contact a doctor immediately [6].
The decision to use oral contraceptive pills as a means of birth control can be made based on the information about long-term and short-term side effects. Changing to combination pills can help reduce side effects of oestrogen birth control pills. Decreasing the dosage of oestrogen in oestrogen birth control pills can also reduce side effects [7].
Alternative forms of birth control may be suggested by a doctor if pills do not work for an individual. Skin problems such as acne, pigmentation, and dryness can occur due to the hormonal changes in the body caused by birth control pills [8].
It's important to note that the intensity and occurrence of these side effects vary by individual physiology and specific hormone formulations. Consult a doctor for treatment or reduction of any symptom experienced while on birth control pills.
Further reading is available on whether it is possible to get pregnant on birth control and if brown discharge while on birth control pills is normal.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Birth control pills: What you need to know. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control-pills/about/pac-20395086
[2] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Combined hormonal contraception. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/combined-hormonal-contraception
[3] NHS. (2021). The combined contraceptive pill. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/the-combined-contraceptive-pill/
[4] Planned Parenthood. (2021). Combined hormonal birth control (the pill). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/the-pill/combined-hormonal-birth-control
[5] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Mood disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mood-disorders/index.shtml
[6] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Birth control pills: Side effects and warnings. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control-pills/about/pac-20395086
[7] Planned Parenthood. (2021). Combined hormonal birth control (the pill). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/the-pill/combined-hormonal-birth-control
[8] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Birth control pills: Side effects and warnings. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control-pills/about/pac-20395086
