The oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to every bit "the pill," is a form of hormonal contraception taken past approximately 12 1000000 women in the US each twelvemonth to prevent pregnancy.ane

The pill is a highly effective method of birth command when taken correctly (at the same time daily), with only 0.i% 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 beginning year of pill use.1,2

Yet, pregnancy rates increase dramatically in women who miss a pill (rates rise xxx-80 times, according to the ARHP).2

There are two types of contraceptive pills, both of which contain constructed forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (progestin).iii Combination pills comprise both of these hormones, whereas the "mini pill" – known as the progestin-merely pill – contains only the hormone progestin.1

The pill may also be taken for not-contraceptive medical purposes to accost issues such as:three,4

birth control pill packets
"The pill" is a blazon of hormonal contraception that is taken by around 12 million women per year in the United states to prevent pregnancy and for other medical reasons.
  • Regulation of menstrual periods
  • Irregular periods
  • Menorrhagia (heavy periods)
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
  • Endometriosis
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
  • Acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth) and alopecia (pilus loss)
  • Decreasing the risk of chest cysts, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory illness (PID) and pregnancies in the fallopian tubes.

Oral contraceptives are as well used as a method to prevent ovarian and endometrial cancers. Birth command pills practise not forestall sexually transmitted diseases. ane,3,iv

Mutual birth control pill side effects

Common side effects of oral contraceptives include: intermenstrual spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, weight proceeds, mood changes, missed periods, decreased libido, vaginal discharge and visual changes with contact lenses.

We'll look at each of these side effects in detail below.

one. Intermenstrual spotting

Approximately 50% of people using the pill experience vaginal haemorrhage between expected periods – also known as breakthrough bleeding – most commonly within the first three months of starting to accept the pill. Mostly, this resolves in over ninety% of cases by the tertiary pill pack.

During spotting, the pill is still constructive equally long as it has been taken correctly and no doses were missed. People who feel 5 or more days of haemorrhage while on agile pills or heavy bleeding for three or more days should contact a health care professional for advice.four

Intermenstrual spotting may occur due to the uterus adjusting to having a thinner endometrial lining, or perchance due to the body adjusting to having different levels of hormones.5

2. Nausea

Some people feel mild nausea when first taking the pill, but symptoms unremarkably subside after a short period of time. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime can assistance lower the likelihood of nausea. Anyone experiencing persistent or severe nausea should seek medical guidance.4

3. Breast tenderness

Nascency command pills may crusade chest enlargement or tenderness. This side consequence tends to amend a few weeks after starting the pill, but anyone who finds a lump in the breast or who has persistent pain or tenderness or astringent breast pain should seek medical assistance.

Reducing caffeine and salt intake can decrease chest tenderness, as tin can wearing a supportive bra.4

4. Headaches

woman curled up with nausea
Some people feel side effects with "the pill," such as irregular periods, nausea, headaches or weight change.

The sex hormones have an effect on the development of headaches and migraine. Pills with different types and doses of hormone may result in dissimilar headache symptoms. Some studies have previously suggested that headaches are least probable to occur with pills that contain low doses of hormones.6

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

five. Weight gain

Clinical studies accept establish no consistent association between the utilise of nativity control pills and weight fluctuations. Nonetheless, many people taking the pill study experiencing some fluid memory, especially in the breast and hip areas.iv

Fatty cells can also be afflicted by the estrogen in birth control pills, although the hormone causes the cells to become larger rather than more numerous.7

vi. Mood changes

People with a history of low are recommended to discuss this with their medical provider, equally some people exercise experience depression or other emotional changes while taking the pill. Anyone experiencing mood changes during pill apply should contact their medical provider.four

A study of 90 women published in Homo Mapping in 2015 constitute that use of the birth command pill was associated with smaller cortical thickness measurements in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex. These areas of the brain are linked with reward response and evaluating incoming stimuli.viii

The authors of the study write that farther research needs to be conducted to ostend whether or not in that location is a connection betwixt cortical thinning in these areas of the brain, mood changes and nascence control pill use.

7. Missed periods

There are times when, despite proper pill use, a menstruation may be skipped or missed. Several factors can influence this, such as stress, illness, travel, and hormonal or thyroid abnormalities.

If a period is missed or is very low-cal while on the pill, a pregnancy test is recommended prior to taking the side by side pack of pills; if further periods are missed or are very light, seek medical communication.4

viii. Decreased libido

The hormone(south) in the contraceptive pill can affect sex drive (libido) in some people. Withal, many other factors can contribute to a decrease in libido. If decreased libido persists and is bothersome, this should be discussed with a medical provider.iv

In some instances, however, the birth control pill tin can increase libido. Such an increase may be due to the relief of painful symptoms such as menstrual cramping, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.9

nine. Vaginal discharge

Some people feel changes in vaginal discharge when taking the pill. This tin range from an increase to a subtract in vaginal lubrication, an alteration in the nature of the belch, and changes which tin touch on sexual intercourse. In the event of vaginal lubrication decreasing, added lubrication can be utilized to make sex a more comfy prospect.4

Typically, changes in vaginal discharge are non harmful. Anyone who is concerned nigh such changes, however, including those who suspect an infection, should speak with their medical provider.

10. Visual changes with contact lenses

Hormonal changes caused by the nativity control pill can lead to fluid retention which, in turn, can cause the corneas to not bad or change shape. When this swelling occurs, contact lenses may no longer fit comfortably.10

Contact lens wearers should consult their ophthalmologist if they experience whatever changes in vision or lens tolerance during pill use.

It is important that anyone who experiences whatever of the following side effects while taking the pill contacts their medical provider or visits an emergency room immediately, every bit they may signify a serious status.iv,11

Birth control pill side effects that should be investigated are:

  • A: Abdominal/tum pain
  • C: Chest pain (likewise as shortness of breath)
  • H: Headaches that are astringent
  • E: Centre problems such as blurred vision or loss of vision
  • Southward: Swelling or aching in the legs and thighs (too redness, swelling or pain in the calf or thighs).

These symptoms can be remembered using the acronym ACHES.

Nativity control pills have as well been associated with an increase in blood pressure level, beneficial liver tumors and a slight increase in the risk of developing cervical cancer.4

Precautions and risks while taking the pill

Combination pills practice pose a slightly increased take a chance of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke and blood clots, which can exist fatal.

A woman is clutching her chest in discomfort.
People with a history of claret clots, heart attacks or stroke are advised not to take the combination birth command pill.

Claret clots are rare, but anyone with a history of blood clots, heart attacks or stroke is brash non to take the combination birth control pill and to speak with their medical provider about using an alternative method.

It is also of import to note that an unintended pregnancy has its ain side effects.1

The US Food and Drug Assistants (FDA) advise against the utilize of combination pills in women aged 35 years or older who smoke. Boosted factors that increase the risk of claret clots include obesity or a family history of heart disease.1

It is non recommended to take hormonal contraceptives if there is a personal history of liver or heart disease, uterine or chest cancer, uncontrolled blood pressure or migraines with an aura.11

Combination pills with the class of synthetic progesterone called drospirenone may accept a college risk of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.1,11

A qualified health care provider should exist consulted for individual guidance on the about appropriate method of nascency control.

Alternative forms of contraception

In that location are many other methods of contraception that a health intendance provider can prescribe, specially if the side furnishings of the birth control pill are astringent.

The post-obit are just a selection of alternatives to the birth control pill that are available.

Condoms

A form of barrier contraceptive that prevents sperm from coming into contact with egg cells. Male condoms are sheathes that are placed over the penis, while female person condoms are pouches with rings at each end.12,13

Condoms are oftentimes fabricated from latex, which can trigger an allergy in some individuals. Culling condoms are available that are fabricated from polyurethane or lambskin.

Diaphragm

A shallow, dome-shaped rimmed cup that is placed in the vagina to cake the cervix. A diaphragm must be used alongside spermicide, chemicals that crusade sperm to stop moving, rendering them unable to come into contact with egg cells.

People using diaphragms may experience urinary tract infections and vaginal irritation. The latter side effect tin can be attributed to either the textile the diaphragm is made from or the spermicide that is used alongside information technology.

NuvaRing (vaginal ring)

A plastic ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones to suppress ovulation.14

The vaginal ring can have like side furnishings to the nascence control pill, including intermenstrual spotting, headache and reduced libido.

Contraceptive injections

Injections such as Depo-Provera can suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to reduce the chances of sperm from reaching egg cells.

These injections can accept similar side effects to the birth control pill. In improver, Depo-Provera could cause a loss of bone mineral density, increasing the take a chance for osteoporosis and bone fracture in later life.fifteen

Contraceptive implants

A small plastic rod that is implanted into the upper arm and releases a hormone to thicken cervical mucus, thin the endometrial lining and suppress ovulation.

These implants can have similar side effects to the birth control pill. In improver, contraceptive implants may cause abdominal or back hurting or increase the risk of noncancerous ovarian cysts.16


Intrauterine devices are an culling form of contraception to the birth command pill.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

A pocket-size device made from plastic and copper that is inserted into the uterus. IUDs can exist hormonal or non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs thicken cervical fungus and suppress ovulation, while non-hormonal IUDs produce an inflammatory response in the uterus that is toxic for sperm.

IUDs tin can cause intermenstrual spotting and irregular catamenia. Some IUDs can lead to heavier periods with worsened cramps.

Vasectomy

A surgical process of male sterilization whereby the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the penis are blocked or cutting.

Potential complications of the vasectomy procedure include infection, hematoma, bruising and the formation of sperm granulomas – lumps developing in the tissue surrounding the vas deferens where sperm have leaked out.

To learn more about culling forms of contraception, visit our Cognition Center commodity: Birth control methods: types, effectiveness and side effects.