Oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, have been marketed and used as a means of preventing unwanted pregnancy for over half a century.

While they have been generally effective, it’s not a secret that any type of medication can cause some side effects. The contraceptive pill is no exception. Even though the pill is safe for most women, some risks and dangers are associated with its use..

1. Increased Risk of Blood Clots

One of the most dangerous side effects of the contraceptive pill is that it can increase your risk of developing blood clots. Blood clots are the clumps that develop in your blood vessels and can hinder your blood flow.

Inherited clotting disorders and lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and prolonged immobility can further increase the risk of developing blood clots. Nevertheless, the risk of developing blood clots from birth control pills is much higher for women who smoke, have a family history of blood clots, are aged above 35 years, or have high blood pressure.

2. Liver Tumors

Oral contraceptives containing estrogen can pose a risk to the liver.

Women who use the contraceptive pill for an extended period can develop liver tumors, which are usually benign but can lead to bleeding, pain, or require surgery. While the risk of developing liver tumors is relatively low, it still exists and women with pre-existing liver problems should avoid using the pill.

3. Heart Attack or Stroke

The rare but severe side effects of using the contraceptive pill include heart attack as well as stroke.

The risk of developing a heart attack or stroke increases for women aged above 35 years, who smoke, have an existing high blood pressure condition, or a family history of these conditions. This risk is lower when using pills that have reduced estrogen levels. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor and select the type of contraceptive pill that suits you best based on your medical history and specific needs.

4. High Blood Pressure

Like estrogen, progesterone, the other major hormone in contraceptive pills, can increase your blood pressure. This can be concerning for women who already have high blood pressure or related lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, or stress.

Women who have a history of high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes should consult with their doctor and keep a close eye on their blood pressure levels while using the pill.

5. Mood Changes

Birth control pill’s hormonal changes can lead to emotional and psychological changes in some women. Depression, anxiety, and mood swings are common side effects of using the contraceptive pill.

Women who already have a history of premenstrual mood disorders or postnatal depression are more susceptible to these mood changes. There are alternatives to the hormonal contraceptive pill such as condoms or non-hormonal IUDs, which women can consider switching to if these side effects are too much to handle.

6. Nausea or Vomiting

While using the contraceptive pill, some women may experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort. The severity of these side effects may depend on the woman’s medical history and sensitivity to hormonal changes.

7. Reduced Fertility

The ability to conceive after discontinuing taking birth control pills varies from woman to woman.

Some women may experience a delay in their fertility periods while others recover their pre-pill fertility right after discontinuing the medication. Research shows that it might take up to six months for natural hormone production to normalize after stopping the pill. Women who want to conceive shortly should consider switching to non-hormonal contraceptive methods to support their fertility journey.

8. Weight Gain or Loss

The use of contraceptive pills may cause weight gain or loss in some women. The correlation between weight changes and the pill is not entirely clear.

However, some studies suggest that hormonal changes caused by the pill may cause an increase in appetite. It is crucial to maintain physical activity and a healthy diet while using the pill to avoid significant changes in weight or body fat composition.

9. Eye and Vision Problems

While rare, using contraceptive pills can cause changes in vision or lead to eye problems. Scientists believe that the estrogen component of pills can interact with the blood vessels in the eyes and cause dryness or discomfort in some women.

Moreover, people who have blood clotting issues may be at risk of eye strokes that can lead to vision loss.

10. Skin Problems

The use of contraceptive pills may cause skin changes in some women.

Acne or skin pigmentation may increase for some women during their initial stages of using the pill. However, taking the pills might lead to improvement in acne for some women. Women who are prone to skin allergies must consult their doctor before using birth control pills.

Conclusion

The contraceptive pill has been a useful tool for women worldwide, preventing unwanted pregnancy and giving control over their reproductive health. Though the potential risks exist, they are not common, and the majority of women can safely use the pill.

Nevertheless, women need to stay vigilant about their bodies and promptly report any concerns to their healthcare provider. Choosing the type of contraceptive pill that suits one’s lifestyle and medical needs may require some trial and error. With the consultation of a doctor, women can find the right contraception that doesn’t hinder their health or wellbeing.