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.
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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.
Mood Swings
One of the most unfortunate side effects of birth control is mood swings. The hormones in birth control can disrupt the body’s natural chemical balance, leading to irritability, sadness, and anxiety. Sometimes, these mood swings can be severe enough to interfere with everyday life. If you are on birth control and experience mood swings, there are a few things you can do to try to alleviate the symptoms. First, talk to your doctor about switching to a different type of birth control.
Many options are available, so it may be worth trying a few different types before you find one that works best for you. You can also try making lifestyle changes such as exercise and relaxation techniques. Lastly, remember that mood swings are common and usually temporary. With time, your body will adjust to the hormone levels in birth control, and the symptoms should subside.
Migraines
For many women, migraines are a regular and debilitating part of their lives. There are a variety of potential triggers for migraines, including certain foods, stress, hormones, and even weather changes. However, one possible trigger that people often overlook is birth control. Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that can disrupt the body’s natural balance, sometimes leading to migraines.
In addition, some birth control methods, such as the intrauterine device (IUD), can also cause inflammation and other side effects that can trigger migraines. Suppose you regularly suffer from migraines and are on birth control. In that case, it may be worth speaking to your doctor about alternative methods or formulations that could help to reduce your migraine frequency.
Nausea
Of the many side effects of taking birth control, nausea is one of the most common. While it is usually not a serious condition, it can be highly uncomfortable for those who experience it. There are a few different ways that birth control can cause nausea. First, the hormones in birth control can upset the delicate balance of hormones in the body, leading to nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Second, birth control can sometimes cause inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to nausea.
Finally, some types of birth control can slow down digestion, which can lead to feelings of nausea and bloating. If you are experiencing nausea while taking birth control, there are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms:
- Try taking your birth control with food or at bedtime to help prevent an empty stomach.
- Consider switching to a different type of birth control that is less likely to cause nausea.
- Talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter medications that might help relieve your symptoms.
Tenderness In The Breasts
It’s no secret that birth control can have some pretty pesky side effects. In addition to causing weight gain, nausea, and mood swings, some women also experience tenderness in their breasts while taking oral contraceptives. This is due to the high estrogen levels in the pill, which can cause the breast tissue to swell and become more sensitive. While this side effect is usually nothing to worry about, it can be uncomfortable for some women.
If you’re experiencing tenderness in your breasts while on birth control, you can do a few things to ease the discomfort. Try wearing a supportive bra, applying a warm compress to the area, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the tenderness is severe or lasts more than a few days, talk to your doctor about switching to a different type of birth control.
Be Aware Of The Negative Effects Of Birth Control
While birth control can effectively prevent unwanted pregnancy, it’s important to be aware of the potential adverse side effects. From migraines to tenderness in the breasts, birth control can impact your body in various ways. If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms while taking birth control, talk to your doctor about alternative options or methods that may work better for you. Remember, your health and comfort should always be a top priority.
