Side Effects of Birth Control
Birth control methods have been used for years by most of the women. There are many birth control methods like birth control pills, hormonal birth control and birth control rings. Birth control methods not only prevent pregnancy but they are also associated with a woman's freedom over her body. But along with a positive side, there are some side effects of birth control methods. Side effects are produced due to the hormonal changes caused by the birth control pills. Let's us discuss some of the side effects associated with birth control.
Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control
Side effects of hormonal birth control are commonly experienced as a result of oestrogen and progesterone birth control use. Weight gain is a very common side effect of hormonal birth control method. It may be due to increased appetite and easier fat deposition caused due to the increase in hormones. Some of the most common side effects of hormonal birth control include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Constipation
- Bloating
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Increase in cholesterol levels
- Increase or decrease in acne
- Vaginal infections
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Irregular menstruation, vaginal bleeding and spotting
- Loss of libido
- Loss of appetite
- Breast tenderness
- Hair loss
- Bone density loss
- Enlarged ovarian follicles
- Fluid retention
Some other serious health complications caused due to hormonal birth control include heart attacks, jaundice, blood clots, gallstones, cancers and strokes. But these side effects are rare.
Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
Birth control pill is a very effective birth control method. There are few side effects associated with the use of birth control pill. The side effects caused by birth control pills usually disappear after 2 or 3 cycles. Some common side effects caused due to birth control pills include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Irregular menstration
- Gum inflammation
- Changes in mood
- Change in intensity of sexual desire and response
- Skin problems
- Blood clots though rare
- Spotting between menstrual cycles
Other serious problems caused due to birth control pills include chest pain, abdominal pain, weakness, severe headache, dizziness, speech problems, numbness, blurred vision and severe pain or swelling in the legs.
Side Effects of Birth Control Rings
Placement of ring in vagina is another safe and effective birth control method. Most of the women who use vaginal rings experience no side effects. However some women who smoke may have a risk of experiencing certain side effects. Side effects of birth control rings are similar to the side effects of birth control pills. Some of them include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Breast tenderness
- Blood clots though rare
- Irregular menstration
- Vaginal infections
- Changes in vaginal discharge
Some women using vaginal rings find problems in using contact lens like change in vision or inability in wearing lenses. The side effects generally disappear after 2 or 3 months.
