5 Birth Control Pill Side Effects

The oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as "the pill" is a form of hormonal contraception taken by approximately 12 million women in the US each year to prevent pregnancy. However, pregnancy rates increase dramatically in women who miss a pill. Let us look at each of these side effects in detail below.

Inter menstrual spotting

During spotting, the pill is still effective as long as it has been taken correctly and no doses were missed. People who experience 5 or more days of bleeding while on active pills or heavy bleeding for 3 or more days should contact a health care professional for advice.

Nausea

Some people experience mild nausea when first taking the pill, but symptoms usually subside after a short period of time. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime can help lower the likelihood of nausea. Anyone experiencing persistent or severe nausea should seek medical guidance.

Breast tenderness

Birth control pills may cause breast enlargement or tenderness. This side effect tends to improve a few weeks after starting the pill, but anyone who finds a lump in the breast or who has persistent pain or tenderness or severe breast pain should seek medical help.

Headaches

The sex hormones have an effect on the development of headaches and migraine. Pills with different types and doses of hormone may result in different headache symptoms. Some studies have previously suggested that headaches are least likely to occur with pills that contain low doses of hormones.

Weight gain

Clinical studies have found no consistent association between the use of birth control pills and weight fluctuations. However, many people taking the pill report experiencing some fluid retention, especially in the breast and hip areas.