Contraceptives are medications and devices manufactured to prevent pregnancy. Just like any other medication or medical device, there are some side effects associated with the various types of contraceptives. According to MediSpecialty Inc., while some women may experience multiple side effects from contraceptives, other women may experience no side effects.
Oral Contraceptives
Side effects of oral contraceptives include nausea, vomiting, headaches, depression, high blood pressure, changes in your menstrual cycle, abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, appetite changes and weight gain. While those side effects are common, there are some less common, and very serious, side effects to watch for. According to Epigee.org, these include stroke, blood clots, ectopic pregnancy, heart attacks, jaundice, gallstones, cervical cancer and live tumors.
Contraceptive Shots
Weight gain, mood changes, nervousness, acne, breast tenderness, decreased libido, hair loss, hot flashes, back ache, bloating and an irregular menstrual cycle are some of the side effects of taking the birth control shot. According to Cedar River Clinics, these side effects may last six to eight months following the last birth control shot, which is the time it takes the medication to leave your body.
Contraceptive Patch
According to Planned Parenthood, blood clots, stroke and heart disease are the most serious side effects of this form of birth control. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, skin reactions at the patch site, emotional changes, breast tenderness and headaches.
Intrauterine Devices
The University of Maryland Medical Center lists side effects as abdominal cramping, ovarian cysts and uterine perforation. Hall Health Primary Care Center, University of Washington, states that immediately following the insertion of the device, you may experience some severe abdominal cramping; however, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen should minimize the cramps. Heat will also help.
Emergency Contraceptives
Emergency contraceptives, which are commonly known as the "morning after pill," have both minor and serious side effects. The minor side effects, according to Feminist Women's Health Center, include dizziness, fluid retention, vomiting, nausea, irregular bleeding, headaches and breast tenderness. The serious side effects, which the health center says warrant a call to a doctor or trip to an emergency room, include severe headaches, severe abdominal pain, severe leg or arm pain and/or numbness, visual disturbances and/or chest pain or shortness of breath.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods, which include condoms, sponges and cervical caps, don't have very many side effects. One of the most common side effects is an allergy caused by the latex or spermicides in the devices. Anyone who experiences itching, irritation or redness after using a barrier method should switch to latex-free or spermicide-free devices, Cedar River Clinics advises. In severe cases, the allergy can cause life threatening symptoms, including trouble breathing.
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