Side Effects of Birth Control

Birth Control, otherwise known as contraceptives, are methods through which an individual, either male or female, intentionally restricts or decreases the chances of pregnancy. Such methods may include sexual procedures, devices or medication. The most common methods of birth control are the condom for males and the Pill for females.

The condom is a birth control device that is used by the male, usually for the period of sexual intercourse. This is a barrier device which means it stops the semen from entering the vagina and causing pregnancy. The condom is generally the most effective form of birth control, though there is a slight chance that it may fail. It may either slip off or break entirely; with the possibility of slipping off being between 0.4% and 2.3%, and breaking between 0.6% and 1.3%. As of yet there are no known side effects to using a condom.

The birth control pill, otherwise known as the Pill, is a drug that is taken every day by women who do not wish to become pregnant. It comprises of hormones that work to change the usual processes that take place in an adult woman. Hormones are chemicals that regulate the tasks of different organs inside the body, with the uterus and the ovaries being the targets of the hormones in use.

In general, birth control pills usually include a combination of two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. The job of these hormones is to stop the ovulation from occurring, which means that an egg is prevented from being released every month. No egg means no fertilization can occur. They can modify the lining inside the uterus which makes the task of the egg attaching to the uterus wall problematic. The pills can also make the mucus surrounding the cervix heavier, with the sperm finding it harder to pass through.

Like all medication, birth control pills bring with them numerous side effects when they are taken. There may be one or even a few side effects working together. Side effects of birth control includes queasiness, dizziness, vomiting, headache, fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent changes in one’s mood, pain in the abdomen, irregularities in the period and even weight gain.

The side effects suffered will typically vanish after the course of 2-3 cycles, with the symptoms steadily diminishing as the pill is consistently maintained. If such side effects persist even after the stated cycles, or if a substantial amount of blood escapes your uterus, contact your doctor and discuss your prescription while staying on the pills unvaryingly.

Though the pills may have side effects for some women, it is generally safe. Women with decent well being have nothing to worry about, and refraining from smoking helps a lot. The pills that you can find now have considerably improved when compared to the pills available a few years ago, and continue to have constant enhancements occurring with time. The side effects occur simply because your body needs some time to familiarize itself with the new hormones and the changes they bring.