Apart from helping with planning a pregnancy, birth control pills can also be used to treat excessive and painful menstruation, endometriosis, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, before deciding to take it, it is important for you to know the side effects that may arise from using birth control pills, no matter what the purpose of their use is.
Conditions Which Are Not Recommended to Use Birth Control Pills
Using birth control pills is considered a practical option because you can do it yourself at home. However, beforehand, it is important for you to consult a doctor first. This is because there are certain conditions that should not use birth control pills, including:
- Have bad migraine attacks
- Over 35 years old
- History of high blood pressure
- Have diabetes with complications or have had diabetes for more than 20 years
- Obesity
- Smokes or has recently quit smoking within 1 year
- Have a history of blood clots
- Suffering from breast cancer
In this case, you should consult with your doctor to find out which contraceptive options are more suitable for your health condition. Wise decisions and clear information will help you maintain your health and well-being.
Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
The use of birth control pills can affect hormone levels in a person's body, which in turn can cause various side effects. These effects will generally go away within 2-3 months, but they may last longer. Here are some of the effects that often occur:
1. Weight Gain
One of the side effects of birth control pills that women are often afraid of is weight gain. This side effect occurs when birth control pills contain high levels of estrogen, which can increase appetite and cause fluid buildup in the body.
However, there is no need to worry because most of the birth control pills available today contain lower levels of estrogen but are still effective and do not cause weight gain.
If you are still experiencing complaints of weight gain when using birth control pills, you should consult a doctor. The doctor can find out the cause of the weight gain you are experiencing and provide appropriate treatment.
2. Breast Pain
The use of birth control pills often causes pain and tenderness in the breasts, especially when starting their use. Using a bra that fits your breast size can help reduce this side effect.
3. Nauseous
Birth control pills are a safe and effective contraceptive option in preventing pregnancy. However, side effects such as nausea may occur in some individuals.
To treat nausea, you can take over-the-counter antacids or anti-nausea medications. If nausea continues to bother you, you should consult with your doctor about how to use birth control pills or the possibility of switching to another method of contraception.
4. Headaches and Migraines
The hormones in birth control pills can cause or increase the frequency of headaches and migraines. This is caused by changes in female sex hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone, which can trigger migraines. However, these symptoms can vary depending on the dose and type of birth control pills used. On the other hand, if your migraines are related to PMS (premenstrual syndrome), taking birth control pills may help reduce the symptoms.
5. Decreased Sexual Desire
The use of birth control pills often causes a decrease in sexual desire in some women. This happens because the content of the hormones estrogen and progestin in birth control pills can reduce the hormone testosterone, which in turn affects a woman's sexual arousal.
If you experience decreased sex drive, you can try a different type of birth control pill. Don't hesitate to consult a doctor because some women can restore sexual desire after switching to birth control pills that work like androgen hormones.
The following are some of the side effects you need to know about birth control pills. In general, birth control pills are safe for most women to use. However, it is important to understand that there may be side effects from using birth control pills. To determine whether birth control pills are the right contraceptive method for you, it is recommended that you first consult with your doctor. If it turns out that birth control pills don't suit your conditions and needs, your doctor can recommend another type of contraception that is more appropriate.
References:
https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/7-efek-samping-memakai-pil-kb-yang-perlu-dipahami
Leave a comment