Contraceptive pills are the most used method today to prevent unwanted pregnancies. For this reason, there are a wide variety of pills on the market that adapt to the different needs that the female body may present since not all women the same contraceptive method feels good. Contraceptive pills contain hormones, substances capable of exerting other bodily actions, such as thickening the cervical mucosa and preventing the release of eggs in the ovaries to prevent pregnancy.
Sometimes hormones can generate different changes in a woman’s body that affect her day-to-day life and cause symptoms. This reaction usually occurs during the first three months of taking the pill and then disappears. If not, it is advisable to visit the doctor to assess whether it is necessary to change the medication or the hormonal load before starting to consume any treatment that prevents conception; knowing the possible adverse reactions is essential. For this reason, in this FastlyHealarticle, we inform you about the side effects of contraceptive pills.
Table of Contents
Bleeding between rules
Intermenstrual spotting is one of the side effects of the most common birth control pills. It is believed that 50% of women who take care of the pill have vaginal bleeding between periods during the first three months of treatment. This symptom usually disappears after this period, when the body has already become accustomed to receiving the administered hormonal load.
Likewise, it is also common for a woman to notice an increase or decrease in blood flow during menstruation during the first three months of using the pill as a contraceptive method. This reaction should also disappear 90 days later. Otherwise, it is essential to visit the doctor to evaluate if it is necessary to change the pill, the hormone, or the hormonal load.
Nausea and weight gain
When they start taking the contraceptive pill, many women experience loss of appetite at mealtime, causing the stomach to rage and nausea. In general, this side effect of contraceptive pills is quite temporary. It manifests itself the first week that the pack is started and usually disappears at its end.
Surprise weight gain can also occur. Although no study proves that the consumption of contraceptive pills generates overweight, some women who consume them have fluid retention, which causes them to gain 3 and 5 kilos of weight. Fluid retention is most common in the breasts and hips.
Tender breasts
As we mentioned earlier, the fluid retention of the birth control pill can cause the breasts to enlarge and, therefore, be more sensitive than average. This symptom is intensified during menstruation and is evident during the first weeks of taking the pill. If you have this side effect, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages. When the sensation in the breasts is bothersome or painful, it is essential to go to the doctor.
Mood swings and headaches
Headache is also one of the most common side effects of birth control pills. This discomfort also occurs during the first weeks of treatment, and it is common to continue until the first three months while the body adapts to the new hormones.
It is believed that if the woman has had episodes of prolonged sadness or depression and begins to take contraceptive pills, the method can affect her mood, causing mood disturbances. The most common emotional changes are irritation and depression. Women with a family history of depression are at higher risk for this side effect, so it is essential to discuss this with your doctor before choosing the pill.
They decrease libido and affect vaginal discharge
This side effect of birth control pills is the one that worries women the most since many women experience a significant loss of sexual desire after starting the medication. In general, this occurs depending on the hormone and the hormonal load that the pill contains, so it is convenient that if you notice this symptom, you go to your doctor since it is very likely that you will have to change the method.
There have also been cases in which women have vaginal dryness because hormones have decreased the production of cervical discharge. This can affect sexual intercourse, making penetration and intercourse painful, so it is advisable to use a lubricant when being intimate. If the symptom persists after the first three months, it is essential to see a doctor.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.