Contraception is a method which is used to prevent pregnancy. The topic of contraception is something people are not comfortable talking about with even doctors, let alone family. 

Therefore they resort to depend on search engines. But it should be acknowledged that not everything you find on the web is reliable. Hence we are here to tell you all about birth control pills, how to use them, their benefits, and last but not the least their side effects.

Contents

1. What are birth control pills?
2. How to use birth control pills?
3. Benefits of birth control pills apart from contraception
4. Side effects of birth control pills
5. To sum up

What are birth control pills?

Birth control pills are used as a hormonal method to prevent pregnancy. It works by preventing the female body from producing an egg. If the egg is not produced, there is nothing for the sperm to fertilize, which ultimately prevents pregnancy.

How to use birth control pills?

Combination pills include monthly packs, which follow 21-day, 24-day, or 28-day cycles. Extended regimens can follow 91-day cycles too. For all of these formats, you have to take one pill each day at the same time of day.Even with this information in hand, it is advised that birth control pills be used only after consulting the doctor to understand which pills would suit your body. To find the best gynecologist in Chandigarh, follow this link- https://healinghospital.co.in/gynecology/

Benefits of birth control pills apart from contraception

Combination pills have benefits beyond birth control which are as follows:

• Contraception pills are a boon for women with irregular periods as they help regulate menstrual cycle.

• One of the main reasons for the popularity of birth control pills is that they are reversible. You can get pregnant anytime you stop using them.

• Some combination pills can prevent from the risk of certain cancers.

• They help in prevention from anemia, thinning bones and acne.

• They can help you with cramps.

Side effects of birth control pills

1. Nausea: Nausea is a common side effect of using birth control pills. Its effect can be reduced if the pill is consumed after a meal or just before bed. In case this feeling of nausea lasts for more than 3 months, visiting the doctor is strongly advised.Finding the best gynecologist in Panchkula? Tap here to learn more –https://healinghospital.co.in/gynecology/

2. Bleeding between periods: Spotting between periods can be commonly observed when birth control pills are used. It usually happens in the first 3 months of using the pill and mostly resolves on its own. However this bleeding should not last for more than 5 days. If that does happen, consult the doctor immediately.

3. Decreased sex drive: Some women experience a decrease in libido or sex drive when they consume this pill. On the contrary, some women may experience an increased sex drive when they consume the pill. The sole reason behind this happening is changes in the hormones.

4. Sore or swollen breasts: Taking birth control pills can lead to increased tenderness in breasts or even their enlargement. If the changes seem abnormal, seeking a doctor’s advice can help.

5. Headache and migraine: Consuming birth control pills lead to a lot of hormonal changes within a woman’s body. These hormonal changes can often lead to headaches and migraine. The pain may be more or less, depending on the dosage of the pills. 

6. Mood changes: Here again, hormones come into play. Hormones perform a major role in the mood of a person. As the pill leads to hormonal changes, frequent mood swings can be observed in women on contraception. In a study, most women have linked consuming birth control pills with depression. Sometimes changing the pill can help, but if the mood fluctuations are very frequent then consulting the doctor is the right choice. Find a diagnosis to this problem with the best gynecology hospital in Chandigarh– https://healinghospital.co.in/gynecology/

7. Eye trouble: A few researches have linked consuming contraception pills with thickening of cornea of the eye. Hence it can lead to blurry vision and discomfort for people who wear lens. 

8. Abdominal and chest pain: Abdominal and chest pain are very serious side effects when it comes to consumption of birth control pills. Meet the doctor immediately if this issue arises.

9. Weight gain: Though there is less evidence regarding this fact, but many women have complained about gaining weight after they started using birth control pills.

10. Vaginal discharge: Though increased or decreased vaginal discharge is not usually threatening, but if you witness a change in color or odor for a long period of time, then it might be a symptom of some serious issue. If the vagina feels extremely dry or discharges in an abnormal amount, fix an appointment with a gynecologist immediately. Find the best gynecologist in Mohali here- https://healinghospital.co.in/gynecology/

11. Irregular periods: Birth control pills can lead to light or late periods. Many women even deliberately use them to skip a period safely.

12. Long term risks: Apart from treatable and apparently less serious side effects as above, birth control pills can lead to long term diseases such as cancer and heart diseases as well.

To sum up

There is no denying in the fact that birth control pills meddles with the hormones of the body and so side effects are pretty common. Problem arises when these side effects continue even after 3 months of taking the pill and start to disrupt your daily life. In such cases, consulting a doctor is strongly recommended to diagnose if the pill needs to be changed or if there is some other issue. 

To make your distance from these side effects altogether, alternatives such as condoms, diaphragms, vaginal rings, IUDs, contraceptive implants, etc. can be used as methods of birth control.