The prevention of pregnancy, predictable menstrual cycles and lighter periods are just a few of the positive side effects of the birth control. However, there can be negative side effects as well. Although most of the negative effects of birth control pills are minor or temporary, some can be quite serious. Therefore, women should discuss all the effects of birth control pills with a doctor before deciding if this is the right birth control choice for them.
Nausea
Many women become nauseated when beginning birth control pills. However, in most cases, the nausea is temporary and will disappear as the body adjusts to the changes in hormone levels. However, if the nausea is particularly bothersome or does not go away, consider switching to another brand of birth control pills, suggests Dr. Marjorie Green, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Case School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland and contributor at DrSpock.com.
Breakthrough Bleeding
Breakthrough bleeding is unexpected bleeding that occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle and is a common side effect of the pill, especially for the first four months of use. Once the body has time to adapt to the new hormone levels, this bleeding usually stops. However, not taking the pill at the exact same time of day or missing a pill can increase the likelihood or severity of this bleeding, not to mention decrease the effectiveness of the pill at preventing pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to take your pill at the same time each day to keep the pill working as intended and to help prevent breakthrough bleeding.
Absent Periods
Being on the pill for an extended time can cause the uterine lining to be so thin that menstrual becomes extremely light or may disappear completely, according to Dr. Green. Although at first glance this might not appear to be a negative side effect, many women are uncomfortable about this because they no longer have that monthly reassurance that they are not pregnant.
Headaches
Birth control pills change hormonal levels, which may cause headaches in some women. It may be useful to track when the headaches occur most frequently and discuss this with your doctor to determine which hormone may be responsible. A different brand of the birth control pill or other hormonal supplements may be able to help.
Breast Tenderness
Many women report breast tenderness or pain while on birth control, and some women even experience an increase in the size of their breasts, according to eMedTV.com. Although the breast soreness and discomfort typically dissipates after a few months of use, if it is particularly bothersome a woman should consult her doctor.
Mood Changes
Depression and mood changes may occur while taking the birth control pill. Changes in mood or symptoms of depression should be reported to your doctor, according to eMedTv.com, especially if the feelings are long-lasting, intense or interfere with your daily life.
Risk of Serious Medical Conditions
Although other side effects can certainly be frustrating and bothersome, most of them are generally harmless. Using birth control pills, however, does increase your chance of serious health problems, according to Planned Parenthood. Although these risks are rare, they should not be taken lightly. These risks include increased risk of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, liver tumors, gallstones and jaundice. These conditions typically have warning signs, including sudden headaches, aches in your legs, chest pain, abdominal pain, trouble breathing, vision changes and yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you experience any of these warning signs, you should contact a doctor immediately.
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