Birth
Control Pill Side Effects
The birth control pill is a safe and effective method of birth
control. Most young women who take the Pill have none to very few
side effects. However, the side effects that some women do have
while on the Pill include:
- irregular menstrual bleeding
- nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness
- mood changes
- blood clots (rare in women under 35 who do not smoke)
Some of these side effects improve over the first 3 months on the
Pill. When a girl has side effects, a doctor will sometimes prescribe
a different brand of the Pill.
The Pill also has some side effects that most young women are happy
about. It usually makes periods much lighter, reduces cramps, and
is often prescribed for women who have menstrual problems. Taking
the Pill often improves acne, and some doctors prescribe it for this
purpose. Birth control pills have also been found to protect against
some forms of breast disease, anemia, ovarian cysts, and uterine cancer.
What side effects can this medication
cause?
Oral contraceptives may cause side effects. Tell your doctor
if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- stomach cramps or bloating
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue)
- weight gain or weight loss
- brown or black skin patches
- acne
- swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention)
- hair growth in unusual places
- bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
- changes in menstrual flow
- painful or missed periods
- breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge
- difficulty wearing contact lenses
Some side effects can be seious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- severe headache
- shortness of breath
- severe vomiting
- partial or complete loss of vision
- double vision
- speech problems
- dizziness or faintness
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- crushing chest pain or chest heaviness
- coughing up blood
- calf pain
- severe stomach pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- severe depression
- unusual bleeding
- loss of appetite
- extreme tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy
- fever
- dark-colored urine
- light-colored stool
- rash
Oral contraceptives may increase the risk of developing endometrial
and breast cancer, gallbladder disease, liver tumors, heart attack,
stroke, and blood clots. Talk to your doctor about the risks of
taking this medication.
Oral contraceptives may cause other side effects. Call your doctor
if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Know about Birth Control Pill
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