Side effects of birth control pills occur due to changes in hormone levels in the body. The side effects of hormonal contraception are different for each woman, they can be mild or not present at all, can also be severe until their use must be stopped and replaced with other types of contraception.
Birth control pills are divided into two types, namely birth control pills that contain only progestin and combination birth control pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. If taken every day according to the rules, the effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing pregnancy is quite high and the failure rate is only about 1%.
Combination birth control pills prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) so that fertilization does not occur, while progestin birth control pills work by thinning the walls of the uterus so that it is difficult for an egg that has been fertilized by sperm to stick there.
Common Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
Although effective in preventing pregnancy, birth control pills can also cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of birth control pills are:
1. Nausea
Nausea reactions due to birth control pills usually go away on their own after 2 months of use. For the time being, take birth control pills with food or after meals to avoid nausea.
If nausea is very bothersome, even to the point of making you lose your appetite, ask your doctor about the best way to take birth control pills before you decide to stop or switch to another method of contraception.
2. Headache and painful breast
The side effects of these birth control pills usually only last for a few days. This complaint can be overcome with pain relievers that can be purchased at pharmacies, such as paracetamol. If it doesn't improve, you can change the brand of birth control pills or switch to another type of birth control as recommended by your doctor.
3. Bleeding outside of menstruation
Users of birth control pills may experience side effects in the form of bleeding outside the menstrual period. These side effects can be prevented by taking birth control pills at the same time every day. If you've been taking it regularly but still experience bleeding outside of your period, you should check with your doctor.
4. Weight gain
The side effect of birth control pills that many women have feared is weight gain. This side effect does exist if birth control pills contain high levels of estrogen, which increases appetite and triggers fluid accumulation in the body.
But, you dont have to worry. Most birth control pills available today contain effective levels of estrogen but do not cause weight gain.
If you continue to experience these complaints while taking birth control pills, try consulting your doctor. The reason is, the weight gain that you experience may be triggered by other conditions.
5. Decreased sex drive
If this is the case, you can try a different type of birth control pill. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor, because some women can regain their sex drive after switching to birth control pills that work like androgen hormones.
6. Sudden mood swings
Like PMS, the hormonal changes that occur with birth control pills can have an effect on your mood. If mood swings which is felt not too severe, you can try exercise or relaxation to relieve it.
However, if your mood swings lead to depression or anxiety that are excessive and bothersome, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to switch to a non-hormonal method of contraception, such as an IUD.
Possibility Side Effects of Birth Control PillsMore Serious
Birth control pills can also have serious side effects. Although rare, you need to know these side effects so they can be anticipated. Here are some side effects of birth control pills to watch out for:
Blood clotting
The content of the hormone estrogen in birth control pills causes the blood to clot more easily, increasing the risk of clogging blood vessels. The result can be:
- Deep vein thrombosis in the legs, which is characterized by swelling and pain in the calves or thighs
- Heart attack, which is characterized by chest pain, cold sweats, and shortness of breath
- Stroke, which is characterized by unbearable headaches or body weakness that occurs suddenly
- Pulmonary embolism, which is characterized by sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and pain when breathing in
If you experience the above symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately or see a doctor for treatment. Inform that you are taking birth control pills, and also tell the type and how long you have been using it.
Cancer
Another serious side effect of birth control pills is an increased risk of developing breast cancer and cervical cancer. This risk will decrease after you stop taking birth control pills for 10 years.
Breast cancer and cervical cancer have a fairly high chance of cure if detected early. Therefore, it is recommended that you routinely perform BSE (breast self-examination) and undergo mammography and examinations PAP smear periodically.
Group Woman Who Should Avoid Birth Control Pills
Taking birth control pills is fairly practical because you can do it yourself at home. However, you still have to consult a doctor first, because there are several conditions that are not recommended to use birth control pills, namely:
- Suffering from severe migraine attacks
- Over 35 years old
- Have a history of high blood pressure
- Have diabetes with complications or have diabetes for more than 20 years
- Being overweight (overweight) with a body mass index above 35
- Smoking or recently quit smoking for 1 year
- Have a history of blood clots or have a family member who had blood clots at the age of less than 45 years
- Having limited mobility for long periods of time, for example from using a wheelchair or wearing a leg cast
Birth control pills are very effective in preventing pregnancy. However, you should also be aware of the side effects of birth control pills and consider the risk-to-benefit ratio.
To minimize your risk of experiencing side effects of birth control pills and determine whether birth control pills are right for you, first consult with your obstetrician. If the birth control pill is not suitable for your condition and needs, your doctor can suggest another type of contraception.