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Birth Control Pills: Your Detailed Guide on Contraceptives and Its Side Effects

There are many forms of contraception, such as condoms, vaginal rings, and IUDs, but birth control pills remain the most popular because they’re easy to use and highly effective. When used correctly, they reduce the chances of conception by 91%. 

Approximately 25% of women aged between 15 and 44 reported using the pills as their method of choice. Here’s what you need to know.

Red and white birth control pills scattered on a yellow surface.


What Are Birth Control Pills?

Contraceptive pills contain estrogen and progestin—hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce the possibility of ovarian and uterine cancers, and treat acne and other hormonal issues in women.

These hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening the uterus lining to prevent sperm from traveling to the eggs. There are many types of birth control pills, and choosing the right one can be daunting. Fortunately, you can book an appointment with our virtual gynecologist for guidance.

What Are The Types Of Birth Control Pills?

There are two types of contraceptive pills:

1. Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)

These combination pills contain both forms of hormones: estrogen and progesterone.

2. Progestin-Only Pills (POPs)

These pills contain only progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) without estrogen. They are also known as ”the mini-pill”.

 

Person with surgical gloves holding birth control pills


 

The Side-Effects of Contraceptives

Just like with all medications, birth control pills also have side effects. Some women react differently to the pills as soon as they start taking them. You should consult your nearest healthcare provider immediately if the side effects get severe. Potential side effects include:

  • Nausea:You might experience mild nausea as soon as you start the pills, which over time, disappears. Taking the pill with food or before bedtime might help.
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement:Mild discomfort or enlargement may occur soon after taking the pills, which usually goes away within a short time. Reducing salt and caffeine intake and a good bra can help with discomfort and tenderness.
  • Headaches:There are chances of developing headaches soon after starting birth control pills.
  • Spotting:A quite common side-effect of using birth control for the first three months is vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs during your active pills. By the end of your third pack, 90% of the users no longer experience spotting. However, some mild cramping may occur.
  • Weight gain:Some users might react to the hormones with mild fluid retention around the hips and breast tissues, causing them to gain excess weight.
  • Mood swings:Changes in your emotional stability are more likely to occur. You might notice frequent changes in your moods as soon as you start taking pills.
  • Decreased sex drive: While sex drive is affected by many things, the hormones in birth control pills can also lower your sex drive and make you feel lethargic.
  • Vaginal discharge: Significant changes in your vaginal discharge might occur, along with decreased lubrication during sexual intercourse.

Get Your Online Prescription Now!

If you are unsure what combination pill is best for you, you can book an online doctor appointment and consult a telemedicine doctor for a birth control prescription.

Get affordable health consultations from the comfort of your home.