Contraceptive pills –Do they have side effects?

• 04/05/2018
• 0

There are many contraceptive or birth control measures available in the market-oral contraceptive pill is one such method.

When taken correctly it is 99.9%effective in preventing pregnancy which means that it is one of the best contraceptives available.

There are two kinds of pills available:

1 Those containing the hormones estrogen and progesterone (.amount and type of hormone varies from pill to pill)

2 Progesterone only pill (mini pill) which can be kaken while breast feeding.

How is pregnancy prevented?

Hormonal pill prevent pregnancy by suppressing egg formation, making the discharge at the mouth of the uterus thick and thus preventing the sperms from reaching the uterus and making the lining of the uterus hostile for pregnancy.

Benefits

Protection against unwanted pregnancy.

Decreases the blood flow in those suffering heavy bleeding (thus preventing anemia).

Provides cycle control in those with irregular cycles.

Can give relief in painful periods and also decreases breast pain and other premenstrual symptoms

Can reduce excessive hair growth on face and also can decrease pimples.

Can be used to treat ovarian cysts, infection in the pelvis and endometriosis, PCOD.

 

Side effects

Minor problems like nausea usually subside after a few days taking the pill at bedtime or with food usually helps.

 Breast pain : some people may experience mild breast pain or enlagement. This usually subsides after some time .

Leg cramps: these usually disappear after2-3 cycles.

 Slight increase in weight (less with newer formulations) this is most often due to water retention. Some people may experience mood changes and sometimes depression on taking the pill. It is always advisable to tell your doctor if you are suffering from depression prior to starting the pill as the symptoms may increase.

Headaches and migraine may increase in some cases. These are least likely with low dose pills.

Missed periods can happen once in a while.

Vaginal discharge: one can experience an increase or decrease in vaginal discharge or lubrication while on pill and this may affect the sexual drive. The changes however are not harmful.

Visual disturbances may occur especially in contact lens users due to fluid collection and swelling in the cornea.

Rare but serious side effects include

Formation of blood clots in the legs.

Jaundice.

Increase in blood pressure.

Depression.

 

You should immediately consult your gynaecologist if any of the following is seen

• A: Abdominal/stomach pain
• C: Chest pain (as well as shortness of breath)
• H: Headaches that are severe
• E: Eye problems such as blurred vision or loss of vision
• S: Swelling or aching in the legs and thighs (also redness, swelling or pain in the calf or thighs).

These symptoms can be remembered using the acronym ACHES.

Despite all of the above one has to remember that the pill is a highly effective oral contraceptive method which also has the additional benefit of controlling your cycles. Newer low dose pills are lipid friendly and return to fertility is prompt. The serious side effects are extremely rare!