First Experience Of Birth Control Pill Will Make You Never Want To Take It Again

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.

The pill is a highly effective method of birth control when taken correctly (at the same time daily), with only 0.1% of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy, according to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP); around 1 in 100 women taking the pill experience an unintended pregnancy in the first year of pill use. Apart from being an emergency saviour, it has ample of side effects, which no one might have ever told you-

# Intermenstrual spotting

Inter-menstrual spotting may occur due to the uterus adjusting to having a thinner endometrial lining, or maybe due to the body adjusting to having different levels of hormones.

# 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. Reducing caffeine and salt intake can decrease breast tenderness, as can wearing a supportive bra.

# Headaches

Headache symptoms are likely to improve over time. Anyone who experiences new onset of headaches when taking the pill should seek medical attention.

# 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.