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The oral contraceptive pill is a hormonal method of preventing pregnancy. Birth control pill side effects are common and include spotting, weight changes, and headaches.
The pill is a type of birth control. It works by preventing the body from producing an egg, which means that there is nothing for sperm to fertilize, and pregnancy cannot occur.
Birth control pills can also help with irregular, painful, or heavy periods, endometriosis, acne, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The specific side effects vary widely among individuals, and different pills cause different side effects. Some common side effects include spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches.
There are two main types of birth control bill. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, which is a synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone, while the mini pill contains progestin only.
This article looks at 10 common side effects of the pill, as well as its risks, long-term effects, and alternatives. It also discusses the cost of birth control pills and how to get them.
Birth control pills affect a person’s hormone levels, leading to various side effects. These effects usually resolve within 2–3 months, but they can persist.
In the United States, around
If the side effects last for a long time or are very uncomfortable, it is best to talk to a healthcare provider about trying a different brand or a different method of birth control.
The sections below will look at some common side effects of oral contraceptives.
1. Spotting between periods
Breakthrough bleeding, or spotting, refers to when vaginal bleeding occurs between menstrual cycles. It may look like light bleeding or brown discharge.
Spotting is the
Taking the pill as prescribed, usually every day and at the same time each day, can help prevent bleeding between periods.
Learn more about spotting and birth control here.
2. Nausea
Some people experience mild nausea when first taking the pill, but this usually subsides. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime may help.
Birth control should not make people feel sick all the time. If the nausea is severe or lasts for a few months, it is best to talk to a healthcare provider.
3. Breast tenderness
Taking birth control pills often causes the breasts to feel tender, especially soon after a person starts taking them. Wearing a supportive bra can help reduce breast tenderness.
Along with increased breast sensitivity, the hormones in the pill can make the breasts grow bigger. Learn more here.
A person should talk to their healthcare provider about severe breast pain or other breast changes, especially a new or changing breast lump.
4. Headaches and migraine
The hormones in birth control pills can cause or increase the frequency of headaches and migraine.
Changes in the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) can
On the other hand, if a person’s migraine is associated with PMS, taking the pill may actually reduce their symptoms.
5. Weight gain
Birth control pills often list weight gain as a possible side effect, though research has not yet confirmed this.
In theory, birth control pills could lead to increases in fluid retention or water weight. They could also lead to increases in fat or muscle mass. However, some people may instead report weight loss when taking the pill.
According to a
6. Mood changes
Hormones play an important role in a person’s mood and emotions. Changes in hormone levels, which taking the pill may cause, can affect a person’s mood.
Some research, including a
If a person is concerned about mood changes, they can talk to their healthcare provider. If the symptoms are linked to taking the pill, changing pills may help.
Learn more about the link between depression and birth control here.
7. Missed periods
Taking birth control pills can cause very light periods or missed periods. This is because of the hormones they contain.
Depending on the type of birth control, people can use the pill to safely skip a period. Learn more here.
If a person suspects that they may be pregnant, it is best to take a pregnancy test. The birth control pill is very effective, but pregnancies can occur — especially with improper use.
Many factors can cause a late or missed period, including:
- stress
- illness
- travel
- hormonal problems
- thyroid problems
Learn about the possible causes of late periods and some reasons that birth control causes missed periods here.
8. Decreased libido
The pill can affect sex drive, or libido, in some people. This is due to hormonal changes.
Other people might experience an increased libido by, for example, removing any concerns they may have had about pregnancy and easing any symptoms of PMS.
9. Vaginal discharge
Changes in vaginal discharge may occur when taking the pill. This may be an increase or a decrease in vaginal lubrication or a change in the nature of the discharge.
If the pill causes vaginal dryness and a person wants to engage in sexual activity, using lubrication can help make this more comfortable.
These changes are not usually harmful, but alterations in color or odor could point to an infection.
Learn about what the different colors of vaginal discharge indicate here.
10. Eye changes
Some
People who wear contact lenses can talk to their ophthalmologist if they notice any changes in their vision or lens tolerance.
The pill is safe for most females to use. However, research has linked its use with certain risks. Therefore, before taking birth control pills, it is important to discuss individual risk factors with a healthcare provider.
According to the
If a blood clot enters the lungs, it can cause serious damage or death. These side effects are serious but rare.
The pill
- have untreated hypertension
- smoke and are over the age of 35 years
- have a history of heart disease
- have migraine with aura
- have a history of breast cancer or endometrial cancer
A person should see a healthcare provider if the following symptoms occur, as these may indicate a serious health concern:
- severe abdominal pain
- chest pain, shortness of breath, or both
- severe headaches
- eye problems, such as blurred vision or a loss of vision
- swelling or aching in the legs and thighs
Birth control pills are safe for most females to use long-term or indefinitely.
However, usage can increase the long-term risk of certain health problems. The following sections will look at these potential effects in more detail.
Cardiovascular problems
Combination pills can slightly increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. The risk is higher with certain pills. A healthcare provider can advise on suitable options.
Anyone who has uncontrolled high blood pressure or a personal or family history of cardiovascular problems should ask their healthcare provider about alternative methods of contraception.
Cancer
The natural female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) affect the risk of some types of cancer. Likewise, hormone-based birth control methods can increase or decrease the risk of different cancers.
According to the
- Breast cancer: The risk of breast cancer is slightly higher in people who use hormonal birth control pills than in people who have never used them.
- Ovarian and endometrial cancer: These cancers seem to be less likely to occur in people who take the pill.
- Cervical cancer: Taking the pill for longer than 5 years is linked with a higher risk of cervical cancer. However, most types of cervical cancer are due to the human papillomavirus.
- Colorectal cancer: Taking the pill is linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
For people who cannot use or do not wish to take the birth control pill, other options are available.
The effectiveness of different methods of birth control vary. With typical use, around
It is important to note that birth control pills do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only barrier methods of protection, such as condoms and dental dams, can prevent STIs.
The sections below will look at some alternative forms of contraception.
Condoms
Condoms are barrier methods of birth control. There are many types and brands. Most are made from latex, but people with a latex allergy can find polyurethane or lambskin versions.
With typical use,
People can purchase condoms online here.
Diaphragms
A diaphragm is another barrier method of contraception. This is a shallow, dome shaped cup that, when a person places it in the vagina, can prevent sperm from reaching the cervix. People often use diaphragms with spermicide.
With typical use, around
Vaginal rings
Vaginal rings are plastic rings that release hormones into the vagina to suppress ovulation.
To use a vaginal ring, a person can insert it for 21 days, remove it for 7 days to allow menstruation, and then insert a new ring.
As a hormonal method of birth control, the vaginal ring can have similar side effects to those of the pill.
With typical use, around
Intrauterine devices
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small devices that a healthcare provider can insert into the uterus. IUDs can be hormonal or non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs can last between 5 and 7 years, while non-hormonal IUDs can last for up to 10 years.
With typical use,
Hormonal IUDs can have similar side effects to those of the pill. Non-hormonal or copper IUDs can cause spotting, irregular periods, heavier periods, and worsened cramps.
The implant
The contraceptive implant is a small, plastic rod that a healthcare provider can insert into the upper arm. It releases a hormone to prevent pregnancy and can last for 3 years.
With typical use,
As a hormonal method, side effects can be similar to those of the birth control pill.
Birth control injections
Birth control injections, also known as the shot, are hormonal injections that a person can receive every 3 months to prevent pregnancy.
With typical use, around
The pill and the shot are both hormonal methods of birth control. The main differences are in the method of administration. They might also produce different side effects.
Like the pill, the shot suppresses ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus to reduce the chance of sperm reaching egg cells. It is a progestin-only contraceptive.
The shot is slightly more reliable at preventing pregnancy than the pill. This is because the user does not have to remember to take it every day. However, they must remember to get a shot every 3 months for it to be effective.
Many of the side effects are the same, including:
- spotting
- breast tenderness
- changes in mood
- headaches
- missed periods
- possible weight gain
Long-term use of the shot may lead to bone loss. This might increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture in later life.
Learn more about the benefits and risks of the shot vs. the pill here.
According to Planned Parenthood, for most brands, one pack of birth control pills costs anywhere from $0 to $50. One pack lasts for 1 month.
People might also need to pay for an appointment with a healthcare provider before getting a prescription for birth control pills. This can cost between $35 and $250.
Most insurance companies will cover these appointments under the Affordable Care Act.
Also, most insurance companies will cover all methods of birth control, including the pill. Some plans only cover certain brands or generic forms, however. A person can speak to their insurance provider to find out which types of pill they cover.
People without health insurance may be able to cover the cost of birth control through Medicaid or another governmental program.
In the U.S., a person will need a prescription for birth control pills. Family planning clinics can provide prescriptions.
During an appointment, a healthcare provider will ask about the person’s medical history and physical health to help them work out the most appropriate pill to prescribe.
In some states, a person can get a prescription online or directly from a pharmacist.
Birth control pills contain hormones that affect the body in many ways. Therefore, side effects are common.
Side effects vary widely among individuals and different types of pill. They usually ease within 2–3 months of starting to take the pill.
Each person reacts differently to each pill. A person may need to try a few different types of pill before finding the one that is right for them.
When a person stops taking the pill, their body will return to how it was before they took the pill.
If the side effects are severe, get in the way of daily life, or last for longer than 3 months, it is best to talk to a healthcare provider about trying a different brand or a different method of contraception.