5 Common Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are hormonal contraceptive pills that are effective for preventing pregnancy.

The oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as “the pill,” is a form of hormonal contraception taken by approximately 12 million women in each year to prevent pregnancy.

The pill is a highly effective method of birth control when taken correctly (at the same time daily), with only 0.1% of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy, according to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP); around 1 in 100 women taking the pill experience an unintended pregnancy in the first year of pill use.

Pills usually come in small tablets that are to be used daily. They are synthetic types of the progesterone and estrogen women take to prevent pregnancy. A lot more women also  use them in order to not worry about their partners not using a condom.

When starting out using pills, there are side effects physicians usually don’t share but almost always happen:

1. Breast tenderness

Is a common side effects associated with taking birth control pills. This is noticeable in the early stages of the taking the pill which happens due to the sudden hormonal changes that occurs as a result of using the pill.

It gets better with use but if it persists with pain, see a physician.

2. Swelling

Swelling in the thighs and leg areas are also common side effects in the early stages for ladies using birth control pills.

It should naturally stop early into using the pills but it’s always best to see a physician if it continues.

3. Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of taking birth control pills. The irritation comes as a result of additional estrogen in the pills that can irritate the stomach as higher estrogen usually results into nausea.

Taking the pill with food or at bedtime can help lower the likelihood of nausea. Anyone experiencing persistent or severe nausea should seek medical guidance.

4. Infection, Itching of intimate areas

Vulva/Vagina itching, burning, soreness and yeast infection are common when on the pills as a result of higher estrogen levels that can cause infections.

5. Increased weight

Using birth control pills can result in weight gain. This happens usually as a result of water retention which results in increased weight.

This happens in the early stages of using birth control pills.

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