Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

“Birth control pills are pills containing hormones that prevent ovulation and thus pregnancy”.

It is a pill to be taken daily, preferably at the same time to prevent pregnancy. It prevents ovulation and a woman cannot become pregnant if she doesn’t ovulate.

There are three types of birth control pills. They are (1) Mini pill or Progestin- only pill (POP) (2) Combination pill- a combination of estrogen and progestin (3) Emergency pill.

Birth control pills are very effective in preventing pregnancy but they are also reversible because fertility returns if you stop using the pill. It also reduces menstrual cramps and pain and is safe. These pills also prevent heavy menstrual bleeding and thus prevent anemia.

Although there are many advantages of taking birth control pills, most pills also have possible side effects.

Side effects of taking mini pills:

Mini pills or progesterone- only pills are low dose oral contraceptives which come in a pack of 28 pills. These pills do not contain estrogen. Possible side effects are;

• Irregular bleeding or sometimes no bleeding at all
• Headaches
• Change of moods
• Lowered sex drive
• Abdominal pain
• Tender breasts
• Feeling hungry often
  

Side effects of taking combination pills:

Combination pills are a combination of estrogen and progestin. They can be taken by breast feeding women and are very safe and effective in preventing pregnancy. They come in a pack of 21 pills and 28 pills. Possible side effects are;

• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Nausea, vomiting and dizziness
• Headaches
• Gain in weight or loss of weight
• Changes in mood
• Breast tenderness or increase in size of breast
• Sometimes blood clot
• Decreased sex drive
• Depression
  

Side effects of emergency contraceptive pills:

Emergency contraceptive pills are not to be taken regularly, but only in the case of an emergency, to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. These pills contain more hormones than other birth control pills. Possible side effects are:

• Bleeding between periods
• Irregular periods with either heavy or light menstrual bleeding
• Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Tenderness of the breasts
  

There are a variety of birth control pills available in the market today and you have to choose the right pill which can help you prevent pregnancy. Consult a gynecologist, who will be able to advice the right pill for you.