Well, birth control pills are one of the most effective methods of birth control. The method is also one of the most used methods of birth control. There are different types of birth control methods and different types of birth control pills too available nowadays. The birth control pills are famous for their zero complications and effectiveness. These orally consumable pills work pretty awesomely in dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. As with any other medicines, these pills also have some side effects. So in this span of time, we are going to see the common and some of the long-term side effects of birth control pills. 

This blog is totally dedicated to the side effects of birth control pills. So be with the blog and find out what is the side effects of birth control pills. Most of the pills have very common side effects that get wear off very easily in a few days or a week. While there are some long-term side effects of birth control pills that do not wear off easily. 

What are the side effects?

Alone in the US, around 12 percent of females of age 15-49 are consuming birth control pills orally. No doubt these pills work awesome but still, there are side effects of birth control pills. Some of the pills have common side effects while some have long-term side effects and this section is all about the side effects. So below are some of the side effects of birth control pills.  

1. Spotting between periods

Spotting is a condition when vaginal bleeding occurs between the menstrual cycle. The bleeding may look like a light bleeding or brown discharge. This particular side effect is one of the most common side effects of birth control pills. The reason why this side effect occurs is the changes in the level of hormones in the body. Also, the uterus starts adjusting its normal condition as they get thicker in order to prevent the sperm from entering it. Well, consuming the pills exactly how directed by the doctors can help you in dealing with this side effect of birth control pills. 

2. Nausea

Well, this is another common side effect of birth control pills. Although the birth control pills don’t make you sick all the time, you can feel a little uncomfortable while being on the medication. But that is okay as the effects go away in a few days. You might feel like vomiting due to these side effects. It is good to have the pills after having the food during the time of sleep.  

3. Breast tenderness

Well, another side effect of birth control pills can be breast tenderness. It is suggested to wear the supportive bra as it will help in reducing breast tender. Also, the side effect can make your breast grow bigger. One can get pain in the breast cause of this side effect. It is suggested to take medical help if you have severe pain in the breast as it can create problems for you.  

4. Headaches and migraine

Headaches and migraines are other common side effects of birth control pills. The changes in hormones level can lead to random headaches. Also, the changes in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. The effect of these side effects depends on the doses of the medicine. This means a low dose will have a lesser effect and a higher one will have a longer effect.       

5. Weight gain

One of the side effects of birth control pills is weight gain. Although it is not proven or found in any study, still there is a theory that birth control pills lead to weight gain. Also, in some cases, weight loss has also been found as one of the side effects of birth control pills. But all these gains or losses are temporary. The effect goes away in a few days or weeks. The weight gain is due to fluid retention. All these weight gains are actually the water weight. 

6. Mood changes

Well, hormones can lead to mood change. Actually, the changes in hormones bring these mood changes. It is found in the study that a number of women using birth control pills have found to be getting depressed. The change in hormones makes the mood go change. If things are getting out of your control, then you should reach for medical health.  

7. Missed periods

Due to the hormonal changes, the birth control pills lead to either lighter or missed periods. Birth control pills can be also used in avoiding the period. Although birth control pills are very effective in dealing with unwanted pregnancies, if you like you are about getting pregnant, then it is suggested to visit the doctor. As there can be chances of getting pregnant still after taking birth control pills. There are many reasons for a late or missed period. Some of the reasons are given below. 

• stress
• illness
• travel
• hormonal problems
• thyroid problems

8. Vaginal discharge

Well, the hormonal changes lead to many changes, and one of these changes is related to vaginal discharge. Well, the vaginal discharge issue can be of many types. Either it can be the changes in the lubrication of the vagina or it can be some other discharge issues too. The vaginal lubrication either increases or it gets decreases. If the lubrication got decreased then one can use the artificial lubrication for the desired result during the sex. 

Also, the discharge can be of different colors. Although these discharges are not generally harmful they can cause infection in the vagina. Each of the different colors of the vaginal discharge indicates different issues.     

Long-term effects

Well, we discussed the common side effects of birth control pills in the recent section. The pills can also cause some long-term effects. And in this section, we are going to deal with the long-term side effects of birth control pills.  

Cardiovascular problems

The very first long-term side effects of birth control pills are cardiovascular problems. The pills can be responsible for strokes, heart attacks, and many such issues. That is the reason it suggested that if you are dealing with some high blood pressure issues or if you have a history of high blood pressure then you should not consume these pills. Also, it is suggested to consume the pills only after consulting the doctors.       

Cancer

Well, another major long-term side effect of birth control pills is cancer. Yes, the hormones in the pills can even lead to cancer also. So it is very important to be careful while taking these medicines. Also, proper consultation with doctors can help you to go for the right option. Also, there are many other contraceptives available nowadays. 

• Breast cancer: well, the risk gets higher in the person who is consuming the birth control pills than the one who has never consumed the pills. 
• Ovarian and endometrial cancer: well, this type of cancer occurs very rarely to a person who is consuming the pills. 
• Cervical cancer: another major issue of consuming the pills. If the person is taking the pills for more than 5 years then, there is a strong possibility of having cervical cancer. Apart from just by the pills, cervical cancer can occur due to other issues too. 
• Colorectal cancer: this type of cancer occurs very rare cause of the pills but yes there are chances of getting affected by this cancer too. 

Alternatives

Well, birth control pills are not the only contraceptive method available to us. There are many other contraceptive methods also available nowadays. Also, one should be aware that contraceptive pills do not deal with sexually transmitted diseases. But there are other birth control methods too that can work pretty awesome in dealing with birth control as well as the sexually transmitted disease. And here in this particular section, we will see the different types of contraceptive methods available to us. So below is the list of contraceptive methods.

• Condoms
• Sponge
• Cervical Cap
• Diaphragm
• Coitus Interruptus
• Planned Parenthood Birth Control

Devices such as condoms, sponge, cervical caps, and diaphragm are pretty much effective as well as they help in dealing with sexually transmitted diseases. All these devices are easily available and widely used. And below are some of the contraceptives that are pretty effective but are not that effective in dealing with sexually transmitted diseases. So below is the list.     

• Injections
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Contraceptive patch
• Ring 
• Implant
• Permanent Birth Control

So, as you can see that there are pretty more options than just those birth control pills. So if you are not able to consume those birth control pills then it is suggested to go for these other alternatives. Also, the above-given devices are going to help you in dealing with sexually transmitted disease issues. 

Final note

So, that is all about the side effects of birth control pills. No matter how many birth control methods are available these days, natural birth control methods are always going to be the best contraceptive method. The planned prenatal hood works amazingly than any other contraceptive method.