Hormonal contraceptive methods have been used since the early 1960s, according to Contracept.org. They are very effective in preventing pregnancies in patients and even provide other health benefits. However, these birth control methods do have risks associated with them. Birth control pills, contraceptive injections, hormonal implants, contraceptive skin patches and the hormone-releasing vaginal ring all have side effects which could harm the women using them. An understanding of these effects will help prepare patients for the possible risks of hormonal birth control.
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), or Birth Control Pills
Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) have been exhaustively researched, according to HealthScout. The pill may cause both "nuisance", or mild, side effects and more serious health problems. More serious effects include an increased risk for cervical and liver cancer, heart and blood vessel disorders (such as blood clots and high cholesterol), high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, liver and gallbladder problems, cervical changes, increased chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), eye problems and possibly a delay in fertility (in one to two percent of patients).
These side effects do not effect all patients, but any woman who is taking OCPs should see her doctor if she experiences jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or white of the eye), a breast lump, severe abdominal pain, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, eye problems (blurry vision, blind spots), or severe leg pain or discomfort.
Nuisance side effects include acne, breast tenderness, depression, headaches, nausea, or weight gain. Some women decide to stay on the OCPs while experiencing these symptoms while others may elect to choose another form of birth control. If these symptoms continue or worsen, patients should seek medical advice and may need to switch contraceptive methods.
Injections
The contraceptive injection method, or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), has been seen to produce some side effects and risks, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The first on the list is irregular bleeding or spotting for seven days. This symptoms is more common during the first few months after taking the first injection; after a year, 75 percent of women do not experience any abnormal bleeding.
Injections may also cause headaches, weight gain, anxiety, acne, unwanted hair growth, dizziness, a delay in return to fertility and possible bone density loss. These symptoms can be treated with other medications (such as ibuprofen for headache), but if symptoms become too severe, injections should be discontinued and the patient should choose another form of birth control.
Contraceptive Implant
Implants that are implanted to prevent pregnancy have been noted by HealthScout as causing very few serious complications. This may be due to the fact that they do not contain any estrogen and release their hormonal contents slowly. Risks include bleeding irregularities, follicular abnormalities and thoromboembolic events (blood clots).
Patients may experience irregular periods that may or may not be caused by the implant. Patient may have bleeding that is inconsistent with their regular pattern or stop bleeding altogether. In either case, a doctor should be consulted if the patient is worried.
Follicles are the parts of the ovaries the produce the egg. In some patients using contraceptive implants, the follicles grow larger than normal. Usually they shrink spontaneously over time, but they can rupture. if that happens, surgery is required.
Progestin-only contraceptive methods like the implant are not usually associated with clotting events. However, if these conditions due occur, the patient should have the implant removed and start on another form of birth control.
Skin Patch
The skin patch is listed as a very effective method of birth control according to the ACOG. However some women experience side effects such as skin irritation at the site of the patch, breast tenderness, headache, nausea, menstrual cramps and abdominal pain. Patients who experience these symptoms may opt for another form of birth control. Furthermore, patients who way more than 198 pounds or are more than 35 years old should not use the patch.
Vaginal Ring
Vaginal rings placed in the upper vagina release hormones that help prevent pregnancy. However, the ACOG has reported that the constant surge of hormones can cause numerous side effects like headache, nausea, vaginal infection, vaginal discharge and breast tenderness. Some patients may experience irregular vaginal bleeding, which can be a sign of an underlying blood clotting disease. After a few months, the side effects may disappear, but any severe symptoms should prompt the patient to seek another method of birth control. Any women over the age of 35 who also smoke or are obese should not use the vaginal ring.
