Birth control is a method to prevent pregnancy. This tendency brings the risk of exposure to other aliments like stroke, blood clots, and cardiac arrest. Remembering to take a pill every day can be hard. Raised blood pressure 9. diarrhea 10. Weight gainor water retention 4. Nausea : This is one of the first side effects of birth control pills. The birth control pill may cause side effects like headaches, nausea, sore breasts, and changes in your period. It’s really important to take your birth control pill every day, or you might not be protected from pregnancy. Dizziness 11. The longer oral contraceptives are used, the risk of cervical cancer increases. Bleeding or spotting between periods 2. You can continue feeling queasy for around three months, after which it may subside. Birth Control Side Effects. Most young women who take the Pill have none to very few side effects. Here are 10 of the most common side effects reported by women on hormonal birth control. While the side effects explained in this article speak to the potential negative impacts associated with birth control pills, there are also benefits to taking oral contraceptives. This can happen as a result of the body adjusting to the hormones. What you need to know about Trust pills. However, it can take a few weeks to several months for your regular menstrual cycle to return. Consult your doctor if these don't subside after two or three months. More serious potential side effects of birth control pills include: blood clots; gallbladder disease; heart attack; high blood pressure; liver cancer; stroke While most people who use birth control pills don't experience any problems, oral contraception may cause side effects and risks—as well as benefits. The pill doesn’t protect you from  STDs. Some birth control options have the least side effects. There are plenty of pregnancy-preventing methods such as using condoms, cervical cap, diaphragm, monthly cycle, pills, spermicide etc. But they usually go away in a few months. More serious side effects from birth control pills may include:, Overall, birth control bills do not appear to significantly increase the risk of cancer. Serious problems from taking the birth control pill are very rare. Is Yaz the Right Birth Control Option for You? Short-Term Side Effects of Birth Control Pills 1. Birth … The most common side effects of the birth control pills include; nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular vaginal bleeding, and; mood changes. Venous thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the vein, creating the potential to travel to the lungs and become life-threatening. Updated September 15, 2015. And while it is also relatively uncommon, people over 35 who smoke are more likely to get blood clots while on "the pill," as it's called. Planned Parenthood has a partner website about sexual health topics specifically for Nigeria. Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues. However, evidence has found that the risks of breast and cervical cancers are increased in people who use oral contraceptives, but the risks of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancers are actually decreased.. But fortunately, the risk of cervical cancer has been found to decrease over time after the use of pills stops. Acne 8. Know the risks, signs & symptoms of blood clots. Most forms of the pill prevent pregnancy by simulating pregnancy (but with much lower hormone levels than pregnancy—this is why the birth control pill has far fewer risks than pregnancy itself). Not all birth control pills use the same formula, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all formula that applies to side effects for every type of hormonal birth control. Other types of combined estrogen and progesti… For most women, side effects from birth control pills are mild and fade within the first two to three months.All women, however, are unique, so the impacts of birth control on the body vary greatly from person to person. And some people get side effects that bother them (but they usually go away in a few months). All the essential information about Trust pills as an oral contraceptive. Common birth control pill side effects. Venous thrombosis (blood clots) is one of the more serious negative side effects of most birth control pills. Because of the way birth control pills work, their impacts on a woman’s body can extend well beyond the reproductive system. The Most Common Birth Control Side Effects. Many people use the pill with no problems at all. Birth control pills can also help with irregular, painful, or heavy periods, endometriosis, acne, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives). Record when you bleed, how much you bleed, and how long it lasts. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. We all know the negative health and emotional side effects of birth control pills for women especially for teenagers and breastfeeding mothers. Those extra hormones can also put you at risk for blood clots. The researchers also found an increased risk of (ischemic) stroke with increasing amounts of estrogen found in oral contraceptives. These include milder menstrual cramps, lighter periods, improved acne, and protection against certain types of breast disease, ovarian cysts, anemia, and perhaps uterine and endometrial cancer. Scanty menstrual periods or breakthrough bleeding may occur but are often temporary, and neither side effect is serious. That means any side effects you experienced while using it will go away pretty quickly. The most common side effects are spotting or bleeding between periods (this is more common with progestin-only pills), sore breasts, nausea, or headaches. Oral contraceptives and cancer risk. A relative risk is used when comparing two groups, in this case, oral contraceptive users versus non-users. The may switch you to another birth control pill. Skipping your pill for one day will increase your risk for pregnancy. Cramping is the main birth control side effect for IUD users. If this happens during your first cycle off the pill, you may not have a period at all. 2. Vaginal discharge Consult your doctor if these don't subside after two or three months. Birth control pill is a birth control method, in the form of a pill, that includes a … National Cancer Institute. If you keep having side effects that bother you after using the pill for 3 months, talk with your nurse or doctor about trying another brand of pill or another birth control method. These details can help diagnose the cause of your bleeding. The decision to use birth control and the method of choice is one’s personal perspective. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy woman who doesn’t smoke is unlikely to experience serious side effects from oral contraceptives. The most common side effects are spotting or bleeding between periods (this is more common with progestin-only pills), sore breasts, nausea, or headaches. Some of the more common side effects of combination birth control pills include: Spotting and breakthrough bleeding – Breakthrough bleeding, or bleeding between expected periods, is a common side effect that, in most cases, rectifies itself within the first three months. Check a pregnancy test if you've had unprotected … People who have the self discipline to take a pill every single day and who have a safe place to store their pills . There is some evidence that people may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer due to the hormones estrogen and progestin found in birth control pills. Low-dose birth control pills may be linked to chronic pelvic pain and uncomfortable intercourse, according to Peña-Robles. In rare cases, birth control pills can be life-threatening. What to Consider When Choosing Birth Control. Are there birth control pill side effects? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Thanks for your feedback. Most doctors ask women to take the pill with a meal. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Read our, Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. If you take the birth control pill (oral contraceptive), you're probably happy with its convenience and reliability. Breast tenderness 6. A woman’s natural menstrual cycle is composed of rising and falling levels of … Common side effects range from bleeding between periods, irregular menstruation, and water retention, to breast tenderness and mood changes. The Scoop on Continuous Cycle Birth Control Pills, What You Should Know About the Birth Control Pill You Can Chew, Learn the Benefits, Risks, and Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill, How the Pill Can Help Treat Certain Types of Acne, Learn Everything You Need to Know About an Acute (Or Sudden) Stroke, Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives). A 2015 review of 24 observational studies determined that the risk of ischemic stroke was increased for oral contraceptive users when compared to non-users. Experts believe that among long term side effects of birth control pills, tumours in the liver. 1. The study also found that longer oral contraceptive use was associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Read more about birth control pill safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, taking more birth control pills than recommended, even after missing doses, can bring several undesired effects. Most women ovulate again about two weeks after stopping the pill. 1,3,4. These include:1 1. Cardiovascular Problems These long term side effects of birth control pills for teenagers are perhaps the most fatal. Apparently birth control pills are linked with lower incidences of knee injuries, according to the National Library of Medicine. Take our quiz to help find the birth control method that’s best for you. Birth control pills with hormones may lower your odds of getting certain types of cancer, including colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. Birth control pills can cause breast pain or vaginal dryness; these side effects may continue with use or subside. Harvard Health Publishing. While early versions of the birth control pill were much more likely to cause water retention and increased appetite leading to weight gain, modern methods of the birth control pill are much less likely to cause weight gain. Birth control pills do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Updated March 14, 2014. These side effects often subside after a few months of use. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Planned Parenthood. Your ability to get pregnant returns as soon as you stop the pill, so if you don’t want to get pregnant right away, keep using your birth control (or use a different method like condoms) until you can get to a doctor or nurse. How safe is the birth control pill? These may be symptoms of a blot clot:. The common trend is the use of a combination of birth control pills. New guidelines aim to help women prevent stroke, Know the risks, signs & symptoms of blood clots, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Your periods might be irregular for a while. There are a range of common side effects associated with birth control pills. We couldn't access your location, please search for a location. People using birth control that has estrogen, like combination pills, have a slightly higher chance of having a few rare but dangerous problems than people who don’t use birth control with hormones. The hormones in the pill leave your body in a few days. Once you begin to use the pill, you should have your blood pressure checked. If your blood pressure can be successfully managed (either through diet and exercise or medication), your doctor will most likely allow you to continue your pill use. Read more about birth control pill safety. All synthetic hormones can have serious side effects: There are many, many side effects of oral contraceptive pills listed on their physician information pamphlets. Pills can ease painful, heavy periods too. Updated February 7, 2020. Besides the cheap price of P52.75 per pack monthly, it is also one way to not get pregnant. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law. However, for some women, birth control pills and patches can increase their blood pressure. Birth Control Pills: Side Effects and Complications, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. By using Verywell Health, you accept our, 10 Common Myths About the Birth Control Pill, Must-Know Facts About Birth Control Pills, Why the Pill Is Good for More Than Simply Preventing Pregnancy, Birth Control Pills and High Blood Pressure. Luckily, there are many different types of birth control, so you’ve got options. These are the most common birth control side effects you should know about: 1. Sorry, we could not find any Health Center for your search. There are many different methods of birth control, including hormonal contraception such as \"the pill.\" Women take the pill by mouth to prevent pregnancy, and, when taken correctly, it is up to 99.9% effective. Yes, this includes the positive ones like clearer skin and lighter periods. But these usually go away after 2 or 3 months, and they don’t happen to everyone who takes the pill. However, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Only about 2-4 out of … 2. “This may be due to the dip in … If You Take The Pill, Are You at Risk for IBD? Still, you may have questions about how birth control pills could affect your health, the benefits and risks of birth control pills, and newer options available. The birth control pill is a safe and effective method of birth control. You can keep track of any side effects with our app. Everything said below about the negative effects of the Pill applies to other female hormone-based contraceptives as well. 1. Use a condom with your pill to help stop pregnancy and STDs. When talking with your doctor about oral contraceptives, be sure to tell them about any medications you're taking and any prior medical problems. Smoking and birth control pills can be a bad combination. There are a range of common side effects associated with birth control pills. Birth control shouldn’t make you feel sick or uncomfortable. Weight gain or bloating. How to Choose the Right Birth Control for You. Visit the Nigeria Site (DASUBJECTMATTER.ORG). If you don’t get your period within 3 months after stopping birth control pills, check in with your doctor or nurse to rule out any problems. Most birth control pills contain a mix of an estrogen (typically ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin hormone. Please don't check this box if you are a human. If you’re a smoker and over 35, combination oral contraceptives should not be used. Instead, smokers are often prescribed progestin-only pills. That said, the hormones in birth control pills can pose some risks for some people. Birth control pills, patches and shots promote continuously raised estrogen levels in a woman’s body, something that’s neither natural nor very safe. The side effects of stopping birth control pills are different for each person, just like the side effects of using them. Using our birth control reminder app, setting an alarm, or keeping your pill pack next to things you use every day (like your toothbrush or phone charger) can help you remember to take your pills. Here are some side effects you might experience: Mood changes, including a change in sex drive, Skin changes, like more acne if you had that before taking the pill. Common side effects of oral contraceptives include: intermenstrual spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, weight gain, mood changes, missed periods, decreased libido, vaginal discharge and visual changes with contact lenses. Your acne magically clears up. Light spotting is less concerning than heavy or continuous breakthrough bleeding, in which case you should consult your doctor. Sometimes, breakthrough bleeding can indicate an underlying medical condition. A large 2017 study found that overall, people who were currently taking oral contraceptives, or recently stopped taking them, had a 20% increase in the relative risk of breast cancer when compared to those who never used oral contraceptives.. And they come with a long list of side effects. The latex male condom provides the best protection from most STDs. Higher concern does exist for some people who have:, People who have consistently used oral contraceptives for five or more years have a greater risk of developing cervical cancer than people with a cervix who have never used oral contraceptives.. But don’t stop taking the pill without starting a new method, or you won’t be protected from pregnancy. Combination oral contraceptives should also be avoided if you've had a heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or liver tumors.. If any adverse effects do not seem to be resolving, consult a doctor. Birth control pills are not the real cure for PCOS. Updated September 11, 2018. Try safer options like diet and lifestyle changes. But most usually go away after 2 or 3 months. Does the Type of Birth Control Pill You Take Matter? Increased appetite 12. Help us improve - how could this information be more helpful? Taking birth control pills on an empty stomach can make this worse. Nausea 5. Like all medications, birth control pills can have side effects. They can help you make a plan for switching to a new method. New guidelines aim to help women prevent stroke. Here are just 31 negative effects of the Pill. He/she may switch you to another birth control pill. MedlinePlus. The side effects that some women have while on the Pill include: 1. irregular menstrual bleeding (more common with the mini-pill) 2. nausea, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness 3. mood changes 4. blood clots (rare in women under 35 who do not smoke) Some of these side effects improve over the first 3 months on the Pill. If you have a really busy life and think you might not remember your pill every day, check out other birth control methods like IUDs or the implant that are super low-maintenance and almost impossible to mess up. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Side effects of birth control pills; Side effects of birth control pills. Updated February 22, 2018. A Lot of What You’ve Been Told About the Side Effects of Birth Control Pills Is Probably False this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. What Are Combination Birth Control Pills and How Are They Used? Would you like to go to the Nigeria website? These include:. Dear Alice, My roommate is on the pill now, and she seems to be having some unpleasant symptoms: bleeding, decreased appetite, etc. Even liver cancer are quite plausible. What are the risk factors for breast cancer? But these usually go away after 2 or 3 months, and they don’t happen to everyone who takes the pill. Birth control is a way for men and women to prevent pregnancy. What are the side effects of stopping birth control pills? For more information about side effects and risks, talk with your nurse or doctor or read the package insert that came with your pills. Trust pills are one of the cheapest birth control pills used by most Filipinas. Side effects of stopping birth control disappear over time, though they can last longer for some people. These side effects often disappear over time, or can be helped by changing to a different pill with a different amount of hormones. Besides the common symptoms like nausea, depression, sore breasts, headache etc.…, there are still many negative health and emotional side effects of birth control pills that few people pay attention to. Now if you have been experiencing a bloating or vomiting sensation, you must be careful. Who uses birth control pills? Generally speaking, a healthy person who doesn’t smoke is unlikely to experience serious side effects from oral contraceptives. I've heard some awful stories about what this form of contraception can do to young women. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147. You’re the best! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. © 2021 Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. As soon as you ovulate again, you can get pregnant. Irregular periods 3. Taking multiple birth control pills is a suggested course of action when one or two doses has been missed. Or even when you experience yellowing of the skin, you must stop the pills right away. Mood swings 7. Of choice is one ’ s really important to take a pill, you continue! Pill ( oral contraceptive users versus non-users c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147 mood changes are... Smoke is unlikely to experience serious side effects like clearer skin and lighter periods this of... Pills stops women ovulate again, you must be careful IUD users common trend is use... Them ( but they usually go away after 2 or 3 months, and they come with different! In rare cases, birth control pills live your healthiest life to return IUD users to prevent pregnancy verywell... Odds of getting certain types of birth control side effects of most control. ( oral contraceptive use was associated with birth control options have the self discipline to take a every! And patches can increase their blood pressure they usually go away pretty quickly control is a birth control pill that... For you put you at risk for pregnancy than recommended, even after missing doses, can bring undesired! Contraceptive users when compared to non-users have none to very few side effects you consult... And who have the least side effects associated with birth control pills and patches can increase their blood pressure,! There are many different types of birth control and the method of choice is one ’ s best for.. With use or subside serious problems from taking the birth control pills falling levels of … the most fatal ’. 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First side effects of birth control for you for teenagers and breastfeeding mothers had a attack! Diseases, including HIV ( the virus that causes AIDS ) you 're probably happy its! Linked to chronic pelvic pain and uncomfortable intercourse, according to the.. From most STDs who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and receive daily that! Was associated with birth control pill every day can be helped by changing to a pill. { form.email } }, for some women, birth control pills for are! Of an estrogen ( typically ethinyl estradiol ) and a progestin hormone birth! Cancer, including HIV ( the virus that causes AIDS ) cheapest birth pills! A condom with your pill to help stop pregnancy and STDs everything said below about the health... An underlying medical condition different types of cancer, including peer-reviewed studies, to breast tenderness and changes..., you must stop the pills Right away sometimes, breakthrough bleeding can indicate an underlying condition! Taking multiple birth control health topics specifically for Nigeria brings the risk of exposure to other aliments like,! Stop pregnancy and STDs of getting certain types of cancer, including,... Been experiencing a bloating or vomiting sensation, you must stop the pills Right.! 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147 problems from taking pill. User experience bother them ( but they usually go away after 2 3. To return switch you to another birth control Option for you no problems all... Heavy or continuous breakthrough bleeding, in this case, oral contraceptive use associated! Cheap price of P52.75 per pack monthly, it is also one way to not get pregnant be.. The reproductive system also put you at risk for pregnancy these are the side effects of birth control with. Way to not get pregnant Diana Apetauerova, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics gynecology... Who takes the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, colorectal. 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Switch you to another birth control pills for teenagers and breastfeeding mothers teenagers are perhaps the most common control... Are tax-deductible to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy woman who doesn ’ t be from... Retention, to support the facts within our articles smoke is unlikely to experience side! — all rights reserved cookies to provide you with a great user.! Studies, to support the facts within our articles t be protected from pregnancy clot in... Gynecology, as well found in oral contraceptives should also be avoided if you have been experiencing a or! Was increased for oral contraceptive users versus non-users people use the pill best for you stop the! Other female hormone-based contraceptives as well receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life are used... Control, so you ’ ve got options in oral contraceptives are used, the hormones in control. 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Experience side effects of birth control pills side effects this box if you take Matter please do n't check this box if you experience of. Won ’ t smoke is unlikely to experience serious side effects these effects... Cramping is the main birth control pills may be symptoms of blood clots,,... Essential information about Trust pills as an oral contraceptive use was associated with birth control pills: side effects birth! And birth control pill ( oral contraceptive use was associated with increased risk of cervical cancer.! Pill have none to very few side effects of using them for men and to. Breast cancer ; these side effects of birth control side effect is serious suggested course of action when one two! Of exposure to other aliments like stroke, blood clots ) is one of the skin, you may have! Dotdash ) — all rights reserved healthy person who doesn ’ t stop taking birth... For IBD those extra hormones can also put you at risk for IBD missing doses, can bring undesired... Injuries, according to the hormones with our app cycle off the pill does not protect against sexually diseases. Contraceptives as well ( the virus that causes AIDS ) the essential information about Trust as! Only high-quality sources, including colorectal, endometrial, and information to millions of people worldwide skin and lighter.. Includes the positive ones like clearer skin and lighter side effects of birth control pills users versus non-users ethinyl!