The Side Effects of Birth Control

In 1950 birth control pills were introduced to the public, and today 9.8 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 use birth control pills in the United States. Birth control pills are generally safe for most women. However, there can be exceptions depending on family medical history, lifestyle, and other factors. If you are interested in getting on birth control, visit our gynecologist in Nassau County, NY, to learn more about your options. At Women4Women Obstetrics & Gynecology, we can provide a personalized wellness consultation to address any of your health concerns.

How Birth Control Pills Work & Benefits

Birth control pills are one form of contraceptive. They also have other benefits, like reducing acne, helping with migraines, regulating menstruation, and helping to decrease menstrual cramps. Many women take birth control pills solely for these other purposes. It can be life-changing for women who experience difficult menstruation or extreme irregularity. Birth control can provide consistency and peace of mind.

Birth control pills have many benefits because they contain hormones, which play many roles, even in hormonal acne! If you are considering birth control pills, our gynecologist in Nassau County, NY, can help you discover if this is the best solution for your needs.

The hormones in birth control pills are synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin. Some birth control pills only contain progestin. This kind of birth control pill is known as the mini pill. The mini pill and the birth control pill offers above 90% effectiveness. While the birth control pill is slightly more effective, there are a lot of other factors to consider when choosing which birth control pill to take. Whichever birth control pill you choose, there may be some side effects. These can include: 

• Nausea 
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Decreased sex drive

The type you go with will depend on your health conditions, family medical history, and preferences and purposes for taking the pill. Depending on your medical history, one option may be better suited for you. Your gynecologist can recommend the best option based on your health, lifestyle, and preference. If you are looking for a gynecologist in Nassau County, NY, Women4Women is here to help.

Possible Risks 

Depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and medical history, there are risks associated with starting either of the birth control pill methods. Associated risks of both the birth control pill and the mini pill are:

• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer

There are some other risks associated with estrogen, which are:

• Blood clots
• High Blood Pressure

What to Consider Before Taking Birth Control

It is critical to inform your doctor of all relevant medical history. Then, they will be able to provide the best medical recommendation, and you can be aware of any risks before committing to it. It is also valuable to consider your long-term goals and lifestyle. While taking birth control, some things may impact your lifestyle. These include:

• You cannot smoke while taking birth control, as it may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. 
• It is critical to take your birth control pill at the same time every day to be effective. Today this is not much of an issue because of technology; There are a variety of apps available to help you track your birth control and give you reminders.
• Another factor to consider when going on birth control is your vision. While it is rare, there can be a possible side effect of blurry vision and difficulty wearing contact lenses. However, your gynecologist and optometrist can help find a solution. That may mean changing to a different pill or contact lens brand. 

While you may need to make adjustments, many women find that the benefits of birth control, from a better menstruation experience to hormonal balance, are worth the effort. 

Gynecologist in Nassau County, NY

Overall, it is an effective solution for many women, but not all women. When you meet with a gynecologist, they will discuss your options and help you make the right decision for you. Your gynecologist will help you manage any symptoms as they come along and provide for your overall health and wellness. Our gynecologist in Nassau County, NY, is ready to help you. To learn more about the services your gynecologist can provide, check out our website and request an appointment.