The contraceptive pill is the method most used by women to prevent the onset of pregnancy, as it is easy to use and is very effective against unwanted pregnancies.
However, the contraceptive pill, due to the hormonal changes it causes in the woman’s body, can cause the appearance of certain side effects that include:
- Some premenstrual symptoms.
- Such as headache.
- Abdominal pain and nausea.
- Are common during the first few weeks of birth control pill use due to major hormonal changes.
What to do: It is recommended to go to the gynecologist when these symptoms impede daily activities or take more than 3 months to disappear, since it may be necessary to change the type of pill. Learn more about how to combat these symptoms.
There is often a decrease in the amount and duration of bleeding during menstruation, as well as in escape bleeding between each menstrual cycle, especially when using low-dose pills that make the lining of the uterus thinner and more fragile.
What to do: It may be necessary to take a pill with a higher dose each time the dripping bleeding or spotting appears in more than 3 menstrual cycles in a row.For more information about this type of bleeding, see: What may be bleeding outside your period.
Weight gain can occur when hormonal changes caused by the pill increase the desire to eat.In addition, some birth control pills can also cause water retention due to the accumulation of sodium and potassium in body tissues, resulting in an increase in body weight.
What to do: It is necessary to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, as well as exercise regularly, however, when a woman suspects water retention due to swelling of the legs, for example, she should consult the gynecologist to change the birth control pills or take diuretic medication Discover 7 teas that you can use against water retention.
Although the birth control pill is often used as a treatment to prevent the onset of acne in adolescence, some women who use a mini pill may experience increased grains during the first few months of use.
What to do: When acne appears or worsens after the onset of the birth control pill, it is advisable to inform the gynecologist and consult a dermatologist to adjust treatment or start using anti-button creams.
Mood swings occur primarily with prolonged use of the concept pill with a high dose of hormones, as high levels of estrogen and progestin can decrease the production of Serotonin, a mood-enhancing hormone, which can increase the risk of depression.
What to do: It is recommended to consult your gynecologist to change the type of pill or initiate another method of contraception, such as an IUD or diaphragm, for example.
The birth control pill can cause a decrease in libido due to reduced testosterone production in the body, however, this effect is more common in women who have high levels of anxiety.
What to do: Consult your gynecologist to adjust hormone levels of the birth control pill or initiate a hormone replacement to prevent a decrease in libido.Here are some natural ways to increase libido and prevent this effect.
The birth control pill can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis when a woman has other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, for example.Understand why the risk of thrombosis is higher in women who use birth control.
What to do: You should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, as well as regular appointments with your family doctor to evaluate your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol to avoid blood clots that can cause deep vein thrombosis.
It is recommended to consult the gynecologist and evaluate the possibility of using another method to avoid unwanted pregnancies when side effects occur that prevent daily activities or when symptoms take more than 3 months to disappear.