In previous post I discussed the factors which contraindicate the use of oral contraceptive pills. Today, let's see what are the possible side effects that you may have due to the use of pills. Combined pills contain the two female hormones estrogen and progesterone and prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and producing atrophic changes in the inner lining of the uterus. They also cause thickening of the cervical mucus thus preventing the entry of the sperms. However, these hormones may cause some side effects in your body and it's important that you are aware of these before adopting pills as a method of birth control.
Side effects of combined oral pills
#1- You may have spotting between periods specially in the first three months of pill use.
#2- Amount of flow during periods reduces and bleeding may become very scanty.
#3- You become prone to monilial vaginitis.
#4- Long term use of oral contraceptive pills increases the risk of cervical cancer.
#5- Use of pills in nulliparous women (who have not borne children) less than 24 years of age may increase the risk of breast cancer.
#6- Milk production is suppressed in lactating mothers and therefore use of pills is not recommended while you are breast feeding your baby.
#7- You may have nausea and vomiting
#8- Liver and gall bladder may be affected.
#9- Use of pills may reduce carbohydrate tolerance and therefore contraindicated in diabetic women.
#10- Due to the effect of progestogen, you may have:
Side effects of combined oral pills
#1- You may have spotting between periods specially in the first three months of pill use.
#2- Amount of flow during periods reduces and bleeding may become very scanty.
#3- You become prone to monilial vaginitis.
#4- Long term use of oral contraceptive pills increases the risk of cervical cancer.
#5- Use of pills in nulliparous women (who have not borne children) less than 24 years of age may increase the risk of breast cancer.
#6- Milk production is suppressed in lactating mothers and therefore use of pills is not recommended while you are breast feeding your baby.
#7- You may have nausea and vomiting
#8- Liver and gall bladder may be affected.
#9- Use of pills may reduce carbohydrate tolerance and therefore contraindicated in diabetic women.
#10- Due to the effect of progestogen, you may have:
- Headache
- Irritability
- Tired feeling
- Increase in weight
#12- Oedema and irritation of eyes may occur in women who use contact lenses.
Also read:
See list of all articles on Birth Control
