Birthcontrol Pills: The Scary Truth! Should You Stay on the Pill?

Birthcontrol pills have long been considered effective means for preventing pregnancy; but like most medicines, side effects may arise later on when not used properly. Find out how to protect yourself from these side effects while making sure these pills work effectively, as well.

Women who are experiencing unexplainable pain when they menstruate or are looking to prevent pregnancy call on a common friend: birthcontrol pills. Compared to other contraceptives, more women are on the pill because they are cheaper, more efficient, and easier to acquire. In most states, prescriptions are no longer needed to purchase birth control pills, making them more accessible than other medicines. Additionally, they may be used to answer a variety of health issues: from anemia, acne, breast growths, cramps and irregular menstrual cycles to ovarian and uterine infections. The birth control pill has, time and again, proven itself to be a very effective solution against various health issues and unplanned pregnancies.

Unlike other contraceptives, birthcontrol pills are known to possess more health benefits than other forms of medication. Women on the pill have more protection against irregular periods (alternatively, birth control pills may be used by women suffering from Menorrhagia or irregular and excessive menstrual flow) and of course, unplanned pregnancy. However, contrary to rumors, birth control pills cannot prevent HIV and STDs.

If you intend to use birthcontrol pills for purposes other than preventing pregnancy, make sure to consult with a doctor beforehand.

Risks Women May Face When on Birthcontrol Pills

Women who are experiencing abnormal breast growths or might have breast cancer should not take birthcontrol pills. Furthermore, women experiencing blood clotting problems should not be on the pill, as well. Those who have undergone kidney, liver, and/or adrenal gland surgeries or transplants should avoid birth control pills and other, similar medications.

First time users of birth control pills may experience nausea and vomiting more often as well as breast tenderness, breast growths, abdominal or chest pains, and irregular menstrual periods. You may encounter these side effects during your first month of usage but in 3 months or less, these side effects should disappear; if not, seek professional medical advice.

Birthcontrol Pills VS. Mini Pills

Another type of birth control pills that are very common among women are mini pills. While birth control pills prevent the body from ovulating or from releasing egg cells, mini-pills thicken the cervical mucus, keeping the egg cell and the sperm cell from meeting. In terms of efficiency, standard birth control pills are still more effective.

Are Birthcontrol Pills Right for You?

Although birth control pills are generally safe, you may still face some risks depending on a few health conditions which may rule out the effects of pills, altogether. There are two hormones often found in birth control pills: estrogen and progestin; progestin birth control pills often contain one hormone while combination pills, the most common kind, contain both.

Then again, no matter how safe or effective birth control pills may be, it is important to ask a doctor which kind of pill is right for you or if contraceptives are an option, at all. You might have existing health problems which may only become more complicated with combination- or progestin-pill intake. Additionally, if you are taking HIV, anti-seizure, and yeast infection medicines alongside birthcontrol pills, the effects of these pills may weaken and might not work, at all. It is advised to use other contraceptives if you are taking antibiotics and/or other medicines.