Side effects of taking short-term contraceptive pills

Many female friends do not understand the disadvantages of birth control pills, and usually choose to take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy without taking proper contraceptive measures. In fact, this is wrong, because birth control pills have serious effects on the physical health of female friends. Not only will it affect normal ovulation, but if taken for a long time, it may even cause infertility. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention. If conditions permit, it is best to take contraceptive measures in advance.

1. What are the side effects of taking anti-pregnancy drugs?

Emergency contraceptive pills allow a relatively large amount of exogenous estrogen to enter the body, which can sometimes affect normal ovulation and cause certain changes in the endometrium. This may have a lot to do with the time of taking the pill, such as how long after an unexpected pregnancy the pill is taken. If the pill is taken for a relatively long time, the effect will be relatively poor. For some people, a series of reactions will occur after exogenous hormones enter the body, such as irregular vaginal bleeding or delayed menstruation, and contraceptive failure may also occur. In addition, it will affect the peristalsis of the fallopian tube, and sometimes ectopic pregnancy may occur. Therefore, generally speaking, if you do not have your period when it is time to take emergency contraceptive pills, you must go to the hospital for examination in time to avoid pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy. However, emergency contraceptive pills are not recommended clinically.

2. Common reactions to contraceptive pills

1. Spotting between periods

Sudden vaginal bleeding is common during the expected period. This usually resolves within 3 months of starting the pill.

During the spotting process, the pill remains effective as long as it is ingested correctly and no doses are missed. Anyone who experiences bleeding for 5 or more days on active pills, or bleeding for 3 or more days, should contact a healthcare professional for advice.

This bleeding can happen because the uterus is adjusting to having a thinner endometrial lining or because the body is adjusting to having different levels of hormones.

2. Nausea

Birth control pills make women feel sick

Some people experience mild nausea when they first take birth control pills, but the symptoms usually subside after a while. Taking it with a birth control pill or at bedtime may help. If nausea is severe or lasts longer than 3 months, you should seek medical advice.

3. Breast hyperplasia

Birth control pills may cause breast enlargement or tenderness. This usually resolves within a few weeks of starting the medication. Anyone who develops a lump in the breast or has persistent pain or tenderness or severe breast pain should seek medical help.

Tips for relieving breast tenderness include reducing caffeine and salt intake and wearing a supportive bra.

4. Headaches and migraines

The hormones in birth control pills can increase your chances of headaches and migraines.

Different types and doses of hormone pills may trigger different symptoms.

Using a low-dose pill may reduce the occurrence of headaches.

Symptoms usually improve over time, but if you experience severe headaches when you start taking the pill you should seek medical advice.

5. Weight Gain

Clinical studies have not found a consistent link between birth control pill use and weight fluctuations. However, fluid retention may occur, especially around the breasts and hips.

According to one review, most studies found that the average weight gain was less than 2 kg after 6 or 12 months of progestin alone. Studies of other contraceptive methods show the same pattern.

Some types of hormonal contraceptives have been associated with a loss of lean body mass.