The Many Side Effects of Birth Control
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The side effects of birth control are largely minor and non-serious, though there are some serious symptoms that the millions of women who use contraception today should be aware of. Considered to be a revolution by many, the contraceptive pill (also commonly referred to as simply “the pill”) is celebrating its 50 year anniversary. A medical advancement that helped, in part, fuel the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s, an estimated 100 million women worldwide take some form of birth control today.
Who Shouldn’t Take Birth Control
While there are birth control pill side effects that women may commonly experience, they’re by and large inconsequential and self-resolving; however one should know that there are certain preconditions that can lead to more harmful effects. Women with diabetes, heart, or liver problems are not advised to take birth control. Additionally, people who are over the age of 35, as well as smokers, are at an increased risk for experiencing the adverse side effects of birth control.
Birth Control Pill Side Effects
Upon first taking a contraceptive, a woman may experience headaches, dizziness, or nausea. These symptoms are likely to subside in time and aren’t notably serious. In the meantime, one may alleviate these adverse effects by ingesting the pill with a serving of food. In fact, as a general rule of advice, it is often unadvisable to take medicine on an empty stomach.
A most common side effect that has become synonymous with birth control is abnormal uteral bleeding (also referred to as breakthrough bleeding or “spotting”). Of the various adverse effects that can occur, this one is often cited as being the most irritating to women. Thankfully, it can be remedied rather simply by taking prescription drugs or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen; however, it must be stated that it is not advisable to do so for women who are in the latter stages of their pregnancy.
More Serious Side Effects
Moreover, weight gain, abdominal pain, and mood swings are other common birth control pill side effects that are generally considered to be non-threatening. On the other hand, anyone who should experience chest pains, blurred vision, numbness or severe pain should be more wary.
Ultimately, contraception is a medical practice that has existed for five decades, and the side effects that can occur from it are largely non-factors; however, anyone who should experience these are still encouraged to speak to their doctor about alternatives (of which there are many).
