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Are There Any Health Risks to Taking Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills are widely used by women around the world to prevent pregnancy safely and effectively. In addition to preventing pregnancy, these are also used to treat or manage certain reproductive health conditions. While birth control pills are safe for most women, like any medication, these have certain risks.

This guide aims to explore these risks, short-term and long-term, and their management so you can make well-informed decisions about birth control pills.

Key Takeaways:

  • Birth control pills are hormonal medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types of birth control pills - combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) and progestin-only pills (POPs).

  • For most women, birth control pills are a safe and effective option when taken as prescribed. Some women may experience mild side effects in the first few weeks of using the pill. These symptoms usually improve with time as the body adjusts to the pills.

  • While the overall risk remains low for most women, long-term use of combined oral contraceptive pills may slightly increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), hypertension, breast and cervical cancer, benign liver tumours, and stroke.

  • Before starting on birth control pills, always consult a doctor who can assess your health before prescribing the pill to ensure it is a good fit for you. Regular follow-ups and honest communication about your health can help minimise risks.

What are Birth Control Pills?

Are There Any Health Risks to Taking Birth Control Pills? What are Birth Control Pills? Risks of Birth Control Pills Possible Short-Term Side Effects How to Manage Possible Long-Term Risks of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills, also called oral contraceptive pills, are medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. These typically contain the synthetic versions of the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone.

There are two main types of birth control pills -

  • Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs): These contain a combination of estrogen and progestin (synthetic version of natural progesterone) and are the most commonly used pills.

  • Progestin-only pills (POPs): These contain only progestin. They are typically used by women who cannot take estrogen due to medical reasons or are breastfeeding.

Risks of Birth Control Pills

Are There Any Health Risks to Taking Birth Control Pills? What are Birth Control Pills? Risks of Birth Control Pills Possible Short-Term Side Effects How to Manage Possible Long-Term Risks of Birth Control Pills

Possible Short-Term Side Effects

Most women who take birth control pills do not experience any side effects. In fact, the majority tolerate them well and find the benefits outweigh any mild symptoms. However, some women may notice mild physical or emotional changes, especially during the first few months of use. These are usually temporary and tend to subside within a few weeks or months:

  • Nausea and vomiting can occur shortly after taking the pill, especially when starting for the first time. Taking it with food or at bedtime may help reduce this.

  • Mild headaches or dizziness may happen as the body adjusts to the pills.

  • Mood swings or changes in emotions can occur in some women.

  • Spotting between periods is common, especially in the first 2-3 months.

  • Breast tenderness or slight enlargement is often noticed in the initial weeks of starting the pill.

  • Changes in appetite may include feeling hungrier than usual or experiencing mild food cravings.

  • Weight gain or changes in body shape are reported by some women. This is generally due to water retention and not actual fat gain. These changes are quite minimal and subside in some time.

  • Mild bloating or digestive discomfort can occur occasionally.

  • Skin changes, including temporary acne improvement or worsening, may happen depending on the formulation.

These effects vary depending on the individual, the specific brand or birth control pill formulation, and the duration of use. It is important to note that these symptoms are not experienced by everyone, and most of these are mild and manageable.

Possible Long-Term Risks

For most healthy women, birth control pills are safe to use and do not cause any permanent harm. However, some risks may increase with prolonged use or with existing health conditions:

  • Increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism or VTE): This is one of the most closely studied risks associated with combined oral contraceptive pills (those containing estrogen and progestin). Estrogen can make the blood more prone to clotting, which slightly increases the chances of a clot forming in the legs or lungs.

    However, the actual risk of blood clots remains low, estimated at 0.06% of women using the pill for a year, compared to 0.01% of women who are not using the pill. The risk rises with age, smoking, obesity, immobility, or a family history of blood clotting disorders. It is important to note that during pregnancy, the risk of blood clots is higher, around 0.2% per year, making the pill a relatively much safer option.

  • Raised blood pressure: Estrogen in birth control pills can contribute to a mild increase in blood pressure in some women, especially those with pre-existing hypertension (high blood pressure) or a family history of cardiovascular disease. While this effect is usually reversible upon stopping the pill, regular blood pressure monitoring is important for those using the pill long-term.

  • Slight increase in breast and cervical cancer risk: Some studies suggest that long-term use of combined oral contraceptive pills is linked to a slightly higher risk of breast and cervical cancers. However, the increased risk diminishes over time after discontinuing the pill and becomes negligible after 10 years. It is also important to balance this with the fact that the pill significantly reduces the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers, offering some protective benefits in the long term.

  • Benign liver tumors and liver enzyme changes: In rare instances, a long-term pill user may develop a benign (non-cancerous) liver tumors or experience mild changes in liver function. These effects are uncommon and usually not dangerous, but should be monitored, especially in individuals with a history of liver disease.

  • Increased stroke risk in specific groups: Women who experience migraines with aura (a type of migraine involving visual or sensory disturbances) face a higher risk of ischemic stroke (stroke caused when the blood flow to the brain is blocked) when using pills that contain estrogen.

How to Manage Possible Long-Term Risks of Birth Control Pills

Are There Any Health Risks to Taking Birth Control Pills? What are Birth Control Pills? Risks of Birth Control Pills Possible Short-Term Side Effects How to Manage Possible Long-Term Risks of Birth Control Pills

With the right information and medical guidance, the risks associated with birth control pills can be reduced significantly. Here are some key ways to ensure safe use:

  • Screening before use: Before starting on birth control pills, always consult a doctor who can assess personal and family medical history, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits before prescribing the pill.

  • Choosing the right pill: It is important to choose the pill that is best suited for you. For example, for those who are at risk of blood clotting, have migraine with aura, or have a risk of hypertension, POPs may be a safer choice than COCPs.

  • Avoiding smoking: Smoking increases the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular complications. If you are a smoker, using birth control pills, especially after age 35, is strongly discouraged.

  • Regular monitoring: Annual health checkups can help track blood pressure and any side effects over time.

  • Open communication with a doctor: Report any unusual symptoms, such as severe headaches, leg pain, chest pain, or vision changes, to a doctor immediately.

When used under medical supervision, birth control pills are one of the most effective and safest methods of preventing pregnancy.

Conclusion

Birth control pills are safe, effective, and widely used by women seeking control over their reproductive health. While these pills may cause some symptoms or side effects in some women, most of these are mild and temporary. Serious complications are rare and can often be avoided with proper guidance and monitoring.

It is important to avoid fear-based thinking when considering contraception. Instead, trust science, ask questions, and consult qualified professionals. The goal should not just be to prevent pregnancy, but to feel empowered, informed, and supported in every health decision.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can birth control pills affect fertility in the long run?

    No, birth control pills do not cause long-term infertility. Most women regain their natural fertility within a few weeks to months after stopping the pill.

  • Is it safe to take birth control pills for many years?

    For most healthy women, it is safe to take birth control pills for many years. It is important to consult a doctor regularly to reassess health factors during routine check-ups. But there’s no strict time limit for how long you can stay on the pill if it is working well for you and there are no complications.

  • Can the pill protect against STIs?

    No, birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For protection against STIs, you should use barrier methods like condoms along with the pill.

  • Are birth control pills safe?

    Yes, birth control pills are generally safe for most healthy people when used under medical supervision. However, they may cause mild side effects like nausea or spotting, and rare risks like blood clots in certain individuals. It’s best to consult a doctor before starting them.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

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