Birth Control Side Effects

Birth control side effects are quite common with hormone-based techniques such as birth control pills, patches, injectables and ring. Some side-effects are subtle and yet annoying, and some may require you to switch if they’re intolerable.

But before you change your mind and make an abrupt switch, you need to understand that hormone-based birth control techniques can and will have side-effects. For some women these side-effects may be subtle and tolerable from the onset and onwards. Other women may not adjust completely even after a few weeks of using them.

You should know which technique will suit you best by giving it a try for a few weeks, besides there are solutions to the annoying side-effects that can go away over time. An initial consultation with your OB-GYN can help you before you use any birth control.

Common birth control side effects

• Nausea usually goes away after a few weeks of using your preferred birth control. If you are taking birth control pills, it is best to take them during meals or before going to bed. If you are using the ring or patch, it is best to switch these methods or ask you doctor for a better recommendation.
• Breast tenderness, dizziness, headaches can also occur especially at the onset. You must understand that your body is adjusting to these hormonal birth control techniques, so try to extend your patience. These typical birth control side effects can go away and doctors will tell you about it upon initial consultation. If these side effects are already annoying and intolerable, switching brands may help.
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding can be terrifying to most women because their occurrence is quite unpredictable. It is advisable to take hormone-based birth control pills exactly at the same time each day to help regulate the spotting occurrence.

Injectables, implants and mini-pill are progestin-only birth control methods. These techniques may cause the uterus lining to slough off. However, these methods may help lighten your periods.

Anti-inflammatory medicines or a little estrogen-based pill may be prescribed by your doctor to help alleviate the spotting and bleeding.

• Decreased sex drive is experienced by some women who take birth control pills. Doctors may advice taking androgenic or testosterone-like pills to improve your sex drive. Otherwise, try switching to another method. And as always, consult your doctor for advice and recommendation.
• Mood swings are believed to be caused by hormone-based birth control. Switching into non-hormonal methods may help. However, most women prefer taking birth control pills that are hormone-based, may be advised to take anti-depressants as well to prevent mood swings.

For successful results, it is best to consult your doctor regarding birth control side effects and the best methods you can use. And remember to follow the directions and recommendation of your doctor to reduce the occurrence of side effects.

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Understanding Birth Control Side Effects Recommended Resources:

Oregon State University

Rapid Response Institute