Birth control is the responsible way to ensure that pregnancy does not occur unless planned. A lot of women talk to their doctors about birth control and start taking the pill that was recommended to them without considering side effects. Knowing the side effects can help a woman know what to expect and decide if one type of birth control is the best for her reproductive needs.
Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect of birth control. The nausea is caused by the hormones that are used to help prevent unwanted pregnancies. This will usually go away within a month. Those who are taking oral birth control will find that taking the pill with food may help ease the nausea.
Sore Breasts, Headache, Dizziness
Some of the initial side effects of the birth control pill are headache, dizziness and breast tenderness. These side effects are caused by the introduction of new hormones. These side effects will usually dissipate after being on the pill for three to six weeks as your body adjusts to the hormones. If the symptoms do not subside, switching to another brand or dosage may help.
Bleeding
Bleeding is common when a woman first begins taking birth control. This bleeding is known as breakthrough bleeding and is a direct result of the introduction of the hormones. Taking the pill at the same time each day will help to reduce the occurrence of breakthrough bleeding, as will adding an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. Breakthrough bleeding will usually last a month or two at most, and will usually involve only light spotting.
Decreased Libido
Some women experience a decreased libido when they begin taking birth control. In some cases this will change over time and in some cases another brand or type of birth control must be sought. Many women need to choose a birth control pill that is more testosterone-based to have both protection and a healthy libido.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are not uncommon in women taking birth control. In some cases this will subside within a cycle or two, but some women just cannot handle the hormones, and a non-hormonal birth control will need to be considered. In some cases an antidepressant along with the birth control will solve the mood swing problems. Women who experience mood swings with one type of hormonal birth control are likely to experience it with all hormone-based birth control products.
