Side effects of birth control pills

Among all contraceptive methods, pills are the second most chosen by Spanish women (only behind condoms). A 17% take birth control pillsa figure that rises to about 28% among those aged 25 to 29, according to the Contraception Survey in Spain 2022 of the Spanish Contraception Society.

Beyond their undoubted usefulness in avoiding unwanted pregnancies, they also have some side effects to be aware of.

What types of birth control pills are there and how do they work?

Currently, there are several types of birth control pills:

The combined birth control pills.The progestin-only birth control pills.

both work avoiding ovulation. birth control pills combined are the most prescribed and are composed of two hormones similar to those produced by the female ovary: estrogen and progesterone. On one hand, the estrogens regulate the cycle and establish a regular bleeding pattern and, on the other, the progesterone prevents the ovary from ovulatingwith which the probability of pregnancy disappears.

Progestin-only pills also prevent ovulation, but since they do not contain estrogen, bleeding is not regular.

Birth control pills: side effects

Birth Control Pills and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Although it is true that the birth control pills currently used have a much lower hormone dose than the first ones that were created and, therefore, fewer adverse effects, there are still risks.

Combined contraceptives, as we have commented, base their effect on the combined action of estrogens and gestagens (progesterone). These hormones have the ability to induce changes in metabolism and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The mechanism by which these pills can increase this risk involves the action of estrogen on the hemostatic system (responsible for preventing blood loss and maintaining circulatory fluidity), that of progestin on lipid metabolism (such as cholesterol or triglycerides) and the combined action of both on carbohydrate metabolism and blood pressure.

As indicated by the Spanish Heart Foundationincrease the risk of coronary heart diseaseof hypertensionof venous thrombosis and of pulmonary embolismsespecially when there are other associated blood disorders.

Combined birth control pills are contraindicated in women with a history of stroke or stroke and in smokers older than 35 years and are not appropriate for those with hypertension.

Birth control pills and skin problems

In women with a history of hereditary angioedemacombination birth control pills could induce or increase the symptoms of angioedema.

Also can cause chloasma (ie, dark spots on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip), especially in those women with a history of chloasma during pregnancy. If you have a tendency to develop these spots and take contraceptives, it is recommended to avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the sun.

Birth control pills and cancer risk

birth control pills too have been linked to different types of cancersmainly gynecological.

Some studies have associated the use of oral contraceptives with a increased risk of breast cancer. However, the evidence is not conclusive because the studies that have investigated this association are observational and it cannot be ruled out that other factors beyond the use of birth control pills influence the results. In any case, the largest studies that have found an association indicate a slightly increased risk.

What is clear is that contraindicated in women with breast cancer the use of birth control pills.

Regarding the cervical cancer (cervix), studies seem to indicate that there is an association between birth control pills and an increased risk of invasive cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia. This risk would increase with the duration of time of use of these pills (more than 5 years) and does not persist after stopping treatment.

Other side effects of oral contraceptive pills

Other side effects of birth control pills are menstrual cycle disturbances (ie breakthrough bleeding, amenorrhea), Headachestension or breast tenderness, nausea, increased vaginal discharge either decreased libido. However, most of these side effects are mild and can go away when you change your birth control pill.

Side effects that used to be more common with first-generation contraceptives but are now virtually nonexistent are acne, increased hairiness (hirsutism), and weight gain.

On the other hand, if you are taking medication You should always consult your doctor because it could affect its functioning or decrease the effectiveness of contraceptives.