While contraceptive pills offer women control over their fertility and family planning, these medications can also have unintended consequences on their overall health and well-being. Let us know some details about these consequences from our expert, Dr Maya P L Gade, Consultant - Gynaecology & Obstetrics at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
How Contraceptive Pills Affect Women’s Health?
Dr Maya said, “Birth control pills affect women’s hormone levels, leading to various side effects. These effects usually resolve within 2-3 months, but they can be persistent at times. If the side effects last for a long time or are very uncomfortable, it is best to talk to a doctor about trying a different brand or a different method of birth control.”
9 Adverse Effects Of Contraceptive Pills On Women’s Health
1. Spotting Between Periods
Dr Gade shared, “Break-through bleeding or spotting, refers to when vaginal bleeding occurs between the menstrual cycles. It may be light bleeding or brown discharge. Spotting is one of the most common side effects of birth control pills. It happens because the body is adjusting to changing levels of hormones, and the uterus is adjusting to having a thinner lining. Taking the pill as prescribed can help prevent bleeding between the periods.”
2. Nausea
“Some women experience mild nausea when first taking the pill, but this is a temporary side effect. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime may help to relieve nausea,” mentioned the doctor.
3. Breast Tenderness
Gade highlighted, “Taking birth control pills often causes the breasts to feel tender & heavy, especially soon after a woman starts taking them. Wearing a supportive bra can help reduce breast tenderness. Along with increased breast sensitivity, the hormones in the pill can make the breasts grow bigger. Women should talk to their doctor about severe breast pain or other breast changes, especially a new swelling in the breast.”
4. Headaches And Migraine
“The hormones in birth control pills can cause or increase the frequency of headache and migraine. Changes in the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) can trigger migraine. Symptoms depend on the dosage and type of pill. Low-dose pills are less likely to cause this symptom. If you think that your migraine is associated with PMS, taking pills can, at times, help to reduce headache,” mentioned the expert.
5. Weight Gain
Dr Maya said, “Birth control pills often list weight gain as a possible side effect, though research has not yet confirmed this. In theory, birth control pills could lead to increases in fluid retention. They could also lead to increases in fat or muscle mass. Regular exercise and a Healthy Diet help to control excess weight.”
6. Mood Changes
“Hormones play an important role in a woman’s mood and emotions. Changes in hormone levels can cause mood swings. If your mood swings become a reason for concern, you can seek help from a doctor. If the symptoms are linked to taking the pill, changing pills may help,” explained Dr Maya.
7. Missed Periods
She continued, “Taking birth control pills can cause very light periods or missed periods. This happens because of the hormones in it. If a person suspects that they may be pregnant, it is best to take a pregnancy test. The birth control pill is very effective, but pregnancies can occur, especially with improper use. Many other factors can cause a late or missed period, including stress, medical illness, travelling, hormonal imbalance, and thyroid problems.”
8. Decreased Sexual Drive
“The pill can affect sex drive, or libido, in some women. This is due to hormonal changes. Many women might experience an increased libido due to OC pills by removing any concerns they may have had about pregnancy and easing any symptoms of PMS,” Dr Gade pointed out.
9. Vaginal Discharge
“Changes in vaginal discharge may occur while taking the pill. This may be an increase or a decrease in vaginal lubrication or a change in the nature of the discharge. If the pill causes vaginal dryness affecting sexual activity, local application of lubrication can help to make this more comfortable. These changes are not usually harmful, but alterations in vaginal discharge colour or odour could point to an infection,” concluded Dr Maya.
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