The oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to every bit "the pill," is a form of hormonal contraception taken by approximately 12 million women in the US each year to forestall pregnancy.i

The pill is a highly effective method of birth command when taken correctly (at the same time daily), with only 0.ane% of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy, co-ordinate to the Clan of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP); around 1 in 100 women taking the pill experience an unintended pregnancy in the first year of pill use.1,2

However, pregnancy rates increment dramatically in women who miss a pill (rates rise 30-80 times, co-ordinate to the ARHP).2

There are two types of contraceptive pills, both of which contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (progestin).3 Combination pills contain both of these hormones, whereas the "mini pill" – known as the progestin-only pill – contains but the hormone progestin.i

The pill may also be taken for not-contraceptive medical purposes to address bug such every bit:3,4

birth control pill packets
"The pill" is a blazon of hormonal contraception that is taken by around 12 meg women per year in the US to prevent pregnancy and for other medical reasons.
  • Regulation of menstrual periods
  • Irregular periods
  • Menorrhagia (heavy periods)
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
  • Endometriosis
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
  • Acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth) and alopecia (hair loss)
  • Decreasing the adventure of breast cysts, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory affliction (PID) and pregnancies in the fallopian tubes.

Oral contraceptives are also used as a method to prevent ovarian and endometrial cancers. Birth control pills do not forbid sexually transmitted diseases. i,three,4

Common birth control pill side effects

Common side effects of oral contraceptives include: intermenstrual spotting, nausea, chest tenderness, headaches, weight gain, mood changes, missed periods, decreased libido, vaginal discharge and visual changes with contact lenses.

We'll expect at each of these side furnishings in detail below.

1. Intermenstrual spotting

Approximately l% of people using the pill experience vaginal haemorrhage between expected periods – also known as breakthrough bleeding – most commonly within the offset 3 months of starting to accept the pill. By and large, this resolves in over 90% of cases by the third pill pack.

During spotting, the pill is still effective equally long as information technology has been taken correctly and no doses were missed. People who experience 5 or more days of haemorrhage while on active pills or heavy haemorrhage for 3 or more days should contact a wellness intendance professional for advice.iv

Intermenstrual spotting may occur due to the uterus adjusting to having a thinner endometrial lining, or perchance due to the body adjusting to having unlike levels of hormones.5

2. Nausea

Some people feel mild nausea when first taking the pill, only symptoms usually subside afterward a short period of time. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime can assist lower the likelihood of nausea. Anyone experiencing persistent or astringent nausea should seek medical guidance.4

3. Breast tenderness

Nascence control pills may cause breast enlargement or tenderness. This side effect tends to improve a few weeks after starting the pill, but anyone who finds a lump in the breast or who has persistent pain or tenderness or severe breast pain should seek medical aid.

Reducing caffeine and salt intake can decrease chest tenderness, equally can wearing a supportive bra.4

4. Headaches

woman curled up with nausea
Some people experience side furnishings with "the pill," such as irregular periods, nausea, headaches or weight modify.

The sex hormones accept an upshot on the development of headaches and migraine. Pills with different types and doses of hormone may result in different headache symptoms. Some studies have previously suggested that headaches are least probable to occur with pills that contain depression doses of hormones.6

Headache symptoms are probable to improve over time. Anyone who experiences new onset of headaches when taking the pill should seek medical attention.iv

5. Weight gain

Clinical studies have found no consistent association between the use of nascency command pills and weight fluctuations. However, many people taking the pill written report experiencing some fluid retention, specially in the breast and hip areas.4

Fat cells tin can also be afflicted by the estrogen in birth control pills, although the hormone causes the cells to become larger rather than more numerous.seven

6. Mood changes

People with a history of depression are recommended to discuss this with their medical provider, equally some people do feel low or other emotional changes while taking the pill. Anyone experiencing mood changes during pill use should contact their medical provider.4

A study of xc women published in Homo Mapping in 2015 found that use of the birth control pill was associated with smaller cortical thickness measurements in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex. These areas of the brain are linked with reward response and evaluating incoming stimuli.8

The authors of the report write that further research needs to be conducted to confirm whether or non there is a connectedness betwixt cortical thinning in these areas of the brain, mood changes and birth control pill use.

seven. Missed periods

There are times when, despite proper pill employ, a menses may be skipped or missed. Several factors can influence this, such as stress, illness, travel, and hormonal or thyroid abnormalities.

If a period is missed or is very light while on the pill, a pregnancy examination is recommended prior to taking the next pack of pills; if further periods are missed or are very light, seek medical advice.iv

8. Decreased libido

The hormone(s) in the contraceptive pill can affect sexual activity bulldoze (libido) in some people. Nonetheless, many other factors can contribute to a decrease in libido. If decreased libido persists and is bothersome, this should be discussed with a medical provider.four

In some instances, however, the nascence control pill can increase libido. Such an increment may be due to the relief of painful symptoms such equally menstrual cramping, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.nine

9. Vaginal discharge

Some people experience changes in vaginal discharge when taking the pill. This tin can range from an increase to a subtract in vaginal lubrication, an alteration in the nature of the belch, and changes which tin can bear on sexual intercourse. In the upshot of vaginal lubrication decreasing, added lubrication tin exist utilized to make sexual activity a more comfy prospect.4

Typically, changes in vaginal discharge are not harmful. Anyone who is concerned about such changes, however, including those who suspect an infection, should speak with their medical provider.

10. Visual changes with contact lenses

Hormonal changes caused by the birth command pill tin lead to fluid retention which, in plough, can cause the corneas to swell or change shape. When this swelling occurs, contact lenses may no longer fit comfortably.10

Contact lens wearers should consult their ophthalmologist if they experience any changes in vision or lens tolerance during pill use.

It is of import that anyone who experiences whatever of the following side effects while taking the pill contacts their medical provider or visits an emergency room immediately, as they may signify a serious condition.4,11

Nascence control pill side furnishings that should be investigated are:

  • A: Abdominal/stomach pain
  • C: Chest pain (also as shortness of jiff)
  • H: Headaches that are severe
  • Eastward: Eye problems such every bit 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.

Birth control pills take also been associated with an increase in claret pressure level, benign liver tumors and a slight increase in the take a chance of developing cervical cancer.iv

Precautions and risks while taking the pill

Combination pills do pose a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such equally heart attack, stroke and blood clots, which can be fatal.

A woman is clutching her chest in discomfort.
People with a history of blood clots, eye attacks or stroke are advised not to have the combination birth control pill.

Blood clots are rare, but anyone with a history of blood clots, heart attacks or stroke is advised non to take the combination birth command pill and to speak with their medical provider about using an culling method.

Information technology is also important to note that an unintended pregnancy has its ain side effects.1

The The states Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest against the use of combination pills in women aged 35 years or older who smoke. Additional factors that increase the risk of claret clots include obesity or a family history of eye disease.1

It is not recommended to accept hormonal contraceptives if in that location is a personal history of liver or eye disease, uterine or chest cancer, uncontrolled blood pressure or migraines with an aura.eleven

Combination pills with the form of synthetic progesterone called drospirenone may have a higher run a risk of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.1,11

A qualified wellness care provider should be consulted for individual guidance on the most appropriate method of birth control.

Alternative forms of contraception

There are many other methods of contraception that a wellness care provider tin prescribe, particularly if the side effects of the birth control pill are severe.

The following are just a pick of alternatives to the birth command pill that are bachelor.

Condoms

A form of barrier contraceptive that prevents sperm from coming into contact with egg cells. Male condoms are sheathes that are placed over the penis, while female condoms are pouches with rings at each end.12,13

Condoms are oftentimes made from latex, which can trigger an allergy in some individuals. Alternative condoms are available that are made from polyurethane or lambskin.

Diaphragm

A shallow, dome-shaped rimmed loving cup that is placed in the vagina to cake the cervix. A diaphragm must be used alongside spermicide, chemicals that cause sperm to stop moving, rendering them unable to come into contact with egg cells.

People using diaphragms may experience urinary tract infections and vaginal irritation. The latter side effect can be attributed to either the material the diaphragm is made from or the spermicide that is used alongside it.

NuvaRing (vaginal ring)

A plastic band inserted into the vagina that releases hormones to suppress ovulation.14

The vaginal ring tin have similar side effects to the birth control pill, including intermenstrual spotting, headache and reduced libido.

Contraceptive injections

Injections such every bit Depo-Provera can suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to reduce the chances of sperm from reaching egg cells.

These injections can have like side effects to the nascence control pill. In improver, Depo-Provera could cause a loss of bone mineral density, increasing the risk for osteoporosis and bone fracture in later life.15

Contraceptive implants

A modest plastic rod that is implanted into the upper arm and releases a hormone to thicken cervical mucus, sparse the endometrial lining and suppress ovulation.

These implants can take like side effects to the birth command pill. In addition, contraceptive implants may cause abdominal or back hurting or increment the risk of noncancerous ovarian cysts.sixteen


Intrauterine devices are an alternative form of contraception to the birth command pill.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

A pocket-sized device fabricated from plastic and copper that is inserted into the uterus. IUDs can be hormonal or non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs thicken cervical mucus and suppress ovulation, while non-hormonal IUDs produce an inflammatory response in the uterus that is toxic for sperm.

IUDs can cause intermenstrual spotting and irregular menses. Some IUDs tin can atomic number 82 to heavier periods with worsened cramps.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure of male sterilization whereby the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the penis are blocked or cutting.

Potential complications of the vasectomy procedure include infection, hematoma, bruising and the formation of sperm granulomas – lumps developing in the tissue surrounding the vas deferens where sperm take leaked out.

To learn more about alternative forms of contraception, visit our Knowledge Center article: Birth command methods: types, effectiveness and side effects.