Some contraceptive methods have more adverse reactions than others. Contraceptive side effects are therefore a major problem with hormonal pills in particular, although some drawbacks have been reported for all types of contraceptives. It is extremely important that women understand the risks they are exposed to when choosing the pill. Hormonal contraceptives used for years to prevent unwanted pregnancy could have huge health implications.

To make your final decision, you should always weigh the pros and cons. For the pill, there are typically two types of pregnancy management side effects that you should watch out for as well.

Temporary side effects of birth control

During the first month of treatment, the body adapts to higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, and once the body gets used to these, the adverse reactions disappear. Among the most common symptoms, let me mention:

-nausea (can be reduced by taking the pill at night before going to bed);

– morning sickness;

-palpitations;

-painful chest;

loose, swollen stools;

– irregular period;

-Spotting (dark red vaginal discharge);

-Hair and follicular changes;

-increased fluid retention, etc.

Talk to your doctor to find out ways to reduce these pregnancy management side effects and monitor your condition until symptoms go away.

Long-term contraceptive side effects

Hormonal contraceptives have long-term adverse reactions that may require discontinuation of the pregnancy control method and its replacement with a better tolerated one. The most common are:

-increase in the number of gallstones;

-susceptibility to develop cataracts;

-depression;

-lower immune function;

– increased risk of ectopic pregnancies when the woman tries to conceive;

-Increased susceptibility to cervical and endometrial cancers due to lack of hormonal balance.

Most contraceptive side effects cannot really be anticipated because it is difficult to determine a woman’s response to treatment. No one can tell you how you are going to react while using hormonal pills. Condoms are birth control methods that have almost no side effects. Latex intolerance has been the only health-related problem; however, these thin barriers could be broken and that is what makes them risky for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Regardless of the type of birth control you use, make sure you use it correctly and consistently to get the optimal protection you want. Sometimes a combination of more methods seems like the best idea. Talk to your GP and learn more.