Due to the side effects of contraceptive pills, women's inclination towards them is decreasing. These pills, which work by controlling hormones, can also increase the risk of serious diseases like breast cancer, apart from nausea, headache and irregular periods.
Birth control pills were once the most popular contraceptive method. In the 80s and 90s, 90 percent of women used them for contraception. But as women became more aware of their health, they started preferring other options instead of contraceptive pills. The most popular among these are condoms. Despite both male and female condoms being available, male condoms are currently the most popular method of contraception. What is the reason that now most of the women do not like to take oral contraceptive pills? We learned from a gynecologist the health risks of birth control pills side effects.
Birth control pills used to be a reliable means of avoiding unwanted pregnancy. Which is 99% effective if taken regularly every day. Despite this, women are afraid of taking it. This worry is not unnecessary. In fact, their immediate (Birth control pills side effects) and long term side effects (Birth control pills long term side effects) can trouble any woman. Therefore they are considered the least preferred contraceptive method. Let us know what are the disadvantages of contraceptive pills.
First let us know about birth control pills (What are birth control pills)
Dr. Manju Goyal, Senior Consultant, Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur, explains, “It is a type of oral contraceptive method which prevents conception by using hormones. Oral means it is taken by mouth. Contraception means any method of preventing pregnancy.
Birth control pills prevent you from conceiving by controlling your hormones. Image- Adobe Stock
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These pills contain hormones that regulate periods, reduce PMS symptoms, reduce the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, and treat endometriosis. For many people, this pill is a part of their daily routine. “When you take them daily, exactly as prescribed, they prevent pregnancy up to 99%.”
How do birth control pills work?
Dr. Manju further explains that “These pills use hormones to prevent pregnancy, which prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg. They also cause changes in your uterus so that you do not conceive while taking the pill.
It prevents or reduces ovulation. Thickens cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus. Thinnes the lining of your uterus.”
Disadvantages of birth control pills (Birth control pills side effects)
She cautions that “Contraceptive pills can be taken with doctor's consultation but taking them in excess can be harmful for health as it can have many health risks.
After taking these, you may also experience symptoms like breast swelling or pain, heavy bleeding, mood swings, mild headache and stomach pain. Which can cause weakness in women.
The following side effects, which are easy to remember by the word “ACHES,” are less common but serious. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms are serious diseases like liver disease, bladder disease, stroke, blood clotting, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, risk of breast cancer, mental health problems, weight gain, changes in menstruation. There remains a risk of infertility etc. These are-
- Abdomen pain: A for (Abdomen pain)
- Chest pain: C for (Chest pain)
- Headache: H for (Headaches)
- Eye problems: E for (Eye problems)
- Severe leg swelling: S for (Severe leg swelling)
Are there any long term disadvantages? (Long term side effects of birth control pills)
Dr. Manju explains, “However, hormonal contraceptive methods are safe for most people, provided they are approved by a doctor. But for some people, long-term side effects of contraceptive pills may include an increased risk of blood clotting and certain cancers. These depend on the type of contraceptive pill you choose.”
1 Blood clotting
People taking the pills may have a higher risk of blood clotting. High estrogen pills further increase this risk. In some cases, these clots can become life-threatening if they travel through the bloodstream to the brain, lungs, and heart.
2 Heart disease and stroke
The risk of stroke or heart attack may be higher in people taking the pills. Some studies suggest that the risk of ischemic stroke (which is caused by blockage) increases for every 10 micrograms of estrogen plus five years of oral contraceptive use. The risk of heart attack increases with the dose of estrogen in the pills.
3 Breast cancer risk
Some studies have shown that people who take the pill are more likely to develop breast cancer than people who do not use oral contraception. The main concern is the synthetic estrogen found in it.
Research results on this relationship have been mixed. According to new research, the relationship between hormonal contraception use and breast cancer may actually depend on the type of tumor. People taking the pills also have a higher risk of developing uterus cancer.
4 Migraine
People who experience migraine headaches should avoid contraceptive pills that contain estrogen. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend the use of pills containing estrogen for people age 35 and older who experience migraines. On the other hand, they can be beneficial for those who face migraine during periods.
5 Bladder infections
Research shows that some hormonal contraceptive pills may increase the risk of gallbladder disease, but oral contraceptives are not among them. The use of the progestin and levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD) in Depo-Provera increases this risk. These hepatocellular adenomas can turn into cancer in about 4% of cases.
These tumors may burst and cause bleeding, so it is important for people with tumors to avoid oral contraception.
If you are taking birth control pills, then keep these things in mind (Things to remember before taking contraceptive pills)
- Do not consume alcohol and smoke.
- If you breast feed then avoid consuming them.
- Take the pills at the same time every day to get the best results.
- These pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Make a plan for what to do if you forget to take a pill.
- Keep a backup, such as a condom, with you in case you forget to take a pill.
- Read the information provided with the pill carefully and follow the instructions
- If you have recently had a miscarriage or abortion, avoid taking these pills.
while going
Apart from this, you can adopt some other options suggested by Dr. Manju, like use of condom, IUD (intrauterine device), implant, shots, patch, ring, Natural Family Planning (NFP). You can get many benefits from this and the risk is also less.
It is important to note that the choice of contraceptive should be based on individual preference and health condition. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any decision regarding contraception.
Also read – Smelly Vaginal discharge: If there is smelly discharge from the vagina, then know its reasons and solutions.
