People often see birth control as a way to have more control over one’s life and future. And millions of women take them every day all over the world. But what many people don’t know is that there are some serious adverse side effects associated with birth control. Ranging from minor problems like mood swings and weight gain to significant issues like blood clots and decreased libido. This article will take a closer look at each potential risk to help you better understand the harmful effects of birth control.
Contents
How Birth Control Works In The Body
There are various types of birth control, but they all work to prevent pregnancy in one of two ways: by blocking the union of egg and sperm or by preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Some methods, like condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides, work by physically barrier methods to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Others, like birth control pills, shots, and implants, work by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation or make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
Birth control is an important tool for family planning, but it’s not foolproof. There is always a tiny chance that you could get pregnant even if you’re using birth control, so it’s essential to be familiar with the risks and limitations of your chosen method.
The Negative Effects Of Birth Control
If you use a method of birth control that releases hormones, like the pill or the patch, you may experience some side effects. And while some of them may be minor and easy to deal with, others can seriously impact your health and well-being. Let’s take a look at some of the ones you should be aware of:
Weight Gain
Although often unspoken, weight gain is a common side effect of birth control. Though the mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood, it is thought that the hormones in birth control can disrupt the body’s natural metabolism, leading to an increase in fat storage. In addition, some types of birth control can cause fluid retention, leading to temporary weight gain. However, it is important to remember that birth control does not cause permanent weight gain and that you will usually lose any weight gained while taking birth control after discontinuing use.
For many women, the potential for weight gain is a small price to pay for the significant benefits of contraception. However, those concerned about this side effect may want to speak to their doctor about alternative options.
Decreased Libido
For many women, birth control is essential to their healthcare routine. However, birth control can also have some unexpected side effects, including decreased libido. While the exact cause is unknown, it is thought that the hormones in birth control can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance. This can lead to a decrease in sexual desire as well as difficulties with arousal. It can be challenging to cope with a decrease in libido, but there are steps that you can take to address this issue.
Talking to your doctor about adjusting the dose or switching to a different type of birth control may help alleviate these symptoms. In addition, making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and reducing stress can improve sexual function.
