What Are the Side Effects of Contraceptive Birth Control Methods?

Some contraceptive methods have more adverse reactions than others. Birth control side effects are thus a major issue with hormonal pills in particular, although some downsides have been reported for all kinds of birth control. It is of paramount importance for women to understand the risks they are exposing themselves to when choosing the pill. Hormonal birth control used for years on end in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies could have tremendous health implications.

In order to make your final decision, you should always weigh the pros against the cons. For the pill, there are normally two types of pregnancy control side effects you need to pay attention too.

Temporary birth control side effects

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

-nausea (you can reduce it by taking the pill in the evening before going to bed);
-morning sickness;
-palpitations;
-tender breast;
-bloating and loose stool;
-irregular period;
-spotting (dark-red vaginal discharges);
-hair and follicular changes;
-increased fluid retention etc.

Talk to your doctor to find out ways to reduce these pregnancy control side effects, and have your condition monitored until the symptoms go away.

Long term birth control side effects

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

-increased number of gallstones;
-susceptibility to developing cataract;
-depression;
-lower immune function;
-higher risk of ectopic pregnancies when the woman tries to conceive;
-higher susceptibility towards cervical and endometrial cancers due to lack of hormonal balance.

Most birth control side effects cannot be really anticipated because it’s difficult to determine the woman’s response to treatment. Nobody can tell you how you’re going to react during the use of hormonal pills. Condoms are the birth control methods with almost no side effects. Intolerance to latex has been the only health-related issue; however, these thin barriers could break, and that’s what makes them risky for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

No matter what type of birth control you turn to, make sure you us

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off

Controlling Acne With Birth Control Pills

If you are suffering from moderate to severe acne that does not respond to antibiotics and/or topical medications, an alternative treatment that you may want to consider is taking oral contraceptives. Birth control pills may help clear up acne in some women. Currently, there are three oral contraceptives that are FDA approved for the treatment of acne: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and Yaz.

Acne is formed when an oily substance called sebum builds up in your hair follicles along with dead skin. Sebum is a natural skin lubricant that, in some people, becomes over-productive. Along with the dead skin, sebum forms a soft plug in the hair follicle. With enough buildup, bacteria usually begins to form, and a pimple is the evidence of an infected follicle.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) help to control acne because they reduce the amount of sebum that is produced. However, excess sebum is only one cause of acne, so it is recommended that oral contraceptives be used in combination with additional treatments, such as topical medications or creams that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Usually, birth control pills take several months before they begin to control the excess sebum, so you must be patient in order to see results. Also, your skin may actually get a little worse before it gets better.

Keep in mind that although oral contraceptives CAN improve acne in some women, there are some side effects that will vary from person to person. These include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Changes in menstruation
• Lower sex drive
• Depression
• Slightly higher risk for heart disease and blood clots

Some women should not take oral contraceptives. These women include:

• Those over 35 who currently smoke
• Those who have heart disease
• Those with liver problems
• Those with history of blood clots

Always take all of the information into account before deciding on a medical treatment. If you are suffering from acne and are also looking for a form of contraception, birth control pills may be the answer you have been looking for. However, if you are not also in need of a form of contraception, take all of the side effects into consideration before coming to a treatment decision.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off