Birth Control: What Are the Possible Complications?

Research is mixed on whether the IUD increases the risk of breast cancer. A review of more than 40 studies found no link between the pill and weight gain. That doesn’t mean the bathroom scale won’t tick up a little.

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Your healthcare provider will discuss any concerns you have. They’ll talk to you about any risk of complications based on your medical history. Luckily, most people who can’t use the estrogen-containing pill can safely take progestin-only pills. The morning-after pill is a type of birth control you can take in emergency situations when you’re not using typical birth control, and you’re at risk of pregnancy.

• Birth control should not make people feel sick all the time.
• However, other research has not found a consistent link between hormonal birth control and depression.
• Here are some potential side effects and what non-hormonal birth control options are available.
• Research indicates that disturbances in this internal clock can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
• Women who use hormone-releasing IUDs are more likely to get ovarian cysts.

How Well Do Birth Control Pills Work?

The pill has also been seen as a useful method for chemoprevention across women with varying levels of cancer risk. Other potential advantages of birth control pills include lighter, less painful periods, more regular periods, and less acne (with some forms of birth control pills). Birth control pills are a type of contraception that’s 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day.

The hormones in birth control pills prevent pregnancy by blocking conception, when sperm fertilizes an egg. They also cause changes in your uterus so that it can’t support a pregnancy while you’re on the pill. Talk with a healthcare professional to weigh the benefits and risks of birth control pills and to determine what form of birth control might be best for you.

Side effects vary widely among individuals and different types of pills. They usually ease within a few months of starting the pill. Other people might experience an increased libido by, for example, removing any concerns they may have had about pregnancy and easing any symptoms of PMS. The pill can affect sex drive, or libido, in some people. If a person has concerns about mood changes, they can talk with a doctor.

What are the potential side effects of birth control pills?

Most of the research looking into the link between them and cancer comes from observational studies. According to the National Cancer Institute, these studies can’t definitively establish a link between birth control pills and cancer. In the past, there was only one option for taking birth control pills. It involved taking a daily hormone pill for 21 days, followed by a placebo pill (usually made of sugar) for 7 days.

Your doctor may start you on this level and then change it if side effects bother you. You have less than a 1% chance of getting pregnant if you use them exactly as directed. According to Almeida, that’s OK as long as you’re searching reputable sites and doing the research. “You want to look at who wrote the article and see if that person has MD after their name,” she notes. “It’s also a good idea to check the references at the bottom of the article.” You can also track your basal body temperature (your body temperature at rest) within some apps or use a wearable.

Can I take the pill while breastfeeding?

You can take them at any time during the day, but taking it either before breakfast or at bedtime will help make it easier to remember. Ulipristal is about 60% to 70% effective if you use it correctly. Levonorgestrel is about 88% effective if you use it as directed. You need to take it as soon what are the side effects of the birth control pill as possible within 3 days of having sex.

“I debunk myths about birth control on a daily basis,” she says. “Before making decisions about hormonal birth control, it’s important to do your own research and speak with your doctor to help separate fact from fiction.” In other words, don’t trust someone if you don’t know their credentials and what makes them qualified to discuss the topic. If you come across an article on a website, make sure it has .edu or .org after the name, and read the About page to see what type of website it is. Almeida also suggests looking at the Centers for Disease Control and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists for information about hormonal birth control.

The birth control pill can prevent pregnancy as long as you remember to take it every day. It can help with period symptoms like cramps and heavy bleeding. You may need to try several different brands of the pill before finding the one that works best for you. It’s worth it to find the pill that’s easiest to work into your routine. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about starting the pill or trying a different kind.

Spotting between periods

If a blood clot breaks free, it could travel to your lungs and block the flow of blood. This is a dangerous complication called pulmonary embolism. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.

Acne

Hormonal birth control is highly effective at preventing pregnancy when used consistently and correctly. According to the NCI, people who have used the pill for at least 5 years may have an increased risk of cervical cancer compared to people who have never used the pill. Some research suggests that low dose combined pills can negatively impact bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents and young adults.

• In rare instances, they may increase your risk of more serious health issues, like blood clots.
• Hormonal birth control is highly effective at preventing pregnancy when used consistently and correctly.
• Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and continue taking your usual dose as planned.
• Hormonal contraceptives (the pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) all contain a small amount of hormones.

Hormonal birth control is contraindicated in women with certain types of cancers or heart disease. Finally, people with diabetes may have to be closely monitored if they choose to take hormonal birth control. The study found that participants using a hormonal birth control option experienced a decreased sex drive. But just like with every other medication, birth control pills can have side effects. Here are some potential side effects and what non-hormonal birth control options are available.

According to the NCI, people who have used the pill may have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer compared to people who have not. The risk is considered temporary as it declines after you discontinue use. The combined pill, patch, and vaginal ring can increase your blood pressure. Heavy menstrual bleeding can increase your risk of anemia. Anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body, leading to symptoms like weakness and fatigue. Estrogen changes throughout your cycle can trigger menstrual migraine.