There are several birth control methods, but the most common is the birth control pill. There are a large variety of pills available in the market. We have compiled 5 things you might not know about the birth control pill.
- The pills might affect libido:
When it comes to oral contraceptives’ effects on sex drive, not much is known. The effectiveness of any Birth controlling pill depends on the dosage and chemical composition of the drug. However, the concern is if the Birth controls can affect your libido!
To answer the question, Yes! Birth control pills might give you the comfort of protection and assures that you won’t get pregnant, but it might affect your sex life by lowering sex hormones. The composition includes estrogen and synthetic progesterone called “Progestin.” Progestin can be the main culprit behind declining libido for some women as it varies from pill to pill. So, make sure to consult your doctor when you feel your sex life going downhill.
As reported by WebMD, the majority of birth control pills are categorized as combined pills because they contain both female hormones, estrogen and progestin as mentioned above. Their main purpose is to influence the functioning of your body. Specifically, many combined pills have the effect of reducing testosterone levels. Testosterone is often associated with the male hormone responsible for sexual desire, but women also have this hormone, albeit in lower quantities than men.
As the compositions of contraptions are usually changing, then the effect also varies from person to person. In some ladies, it also might increase the sex drive while most of the women feel no change in their libidos and bodies.
- You might face consequences:
Everything good comes with a price. Birth control pills are oral contraceptives to prevent the chances of pregnancy. At one time, they will be giving you lots of benefits in the face of low chances of pregnancy, less bleeding, or no periods for some months, decrease PMS symptoms, and also provide relief to menopausal women. However, there is always a catch! The catch is to use medicines as per your doctor’s guidance, and you will have to deal with several consequences.
Though the consequences are not much lethal such as ovarian cancer or breast cancer, it can be a matter of comfort when thinking about long-term effects.
The Risks include continuous bleeding and spotting in older women, breast soreness, fluctuating blood pressures, headache, nausea, mood swings, and bloating.
However, the case is not with everyone. Maybe birth control pills are not just the brand that your body needs. So, ask your doctor to change them.
- Different Pills have different effects on every person:
If you want any birth control pills, please go to your doctor and ask them to prescribe you one according to your needs and body demands. Every drug has different pharmacokinetics, and not everybody can stand the effects of every drug.
Most women usually take birth control pills in their early 20s to ignore the consequences of sexual intercourse, but that’s when your body is different. So, its reaction will not stay the same when you hit your 30s or 40s.
Every age has specific needs, but the 40s can be the best time to take these pills, as, during your 40s to 50s, you are most likely to get your menopause. Birth controls can improve the symptoms of menopause and give you immense relief from pain.
But Keep in mind that you cannot take birth control pills yourself. It would be better to consult a doctor and get prescribed meds.
- Antibiotics can lower the effectiveness of pills:
Antibiotics are the drugs that are prescribed by doctors to inhibit bacterial growth or kill them. Doctors prescribed antibiotics when a person becomes infected with any bacterial infection.
There is still not much about the effect of antibiotics on the person who is also taking birth controls.
Some antibiotics do not have any adverse effects against birth control. Some antibiotics like Flagyl, penicillin, and amoxicillin will not have any consequences, and both medicines will show their effects. However, antibiotics like griseofulvin and rifampicin can have some effects. Griseofulvin is an anti-fungal antibiotic, whereas rifampicin is to treat tuberculosis.
Both of the drugs increase liver metabolism, due to which the liver metabolizes everything faster, including the hormones present in birth control pills, making the birth controls ineffective.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that antibiotics are hypothesized to weaken the effectiveness of oral contraceptives through two primary mechanisms: first, by promoting the induction of the cytochrome P450 group of hepatic microsomal enzymes, and second, by interfering with the enterohepatic cycling of ethinylestradiol. It is currently believed that only rifampicin-like antibiotics can potentially interact with hormonal contraception, thereby reducing its effectiveness.
Many antibiotics have warning behind their packet that they affect birth controls so; make sure to use another method to prevent pregnancy if you want to take precautions.
- You can miss your periods while on pills:
Missing your periods once or twice a year can be typical for most women and more than half the population of women must have experienced it in their lives. However, most of the women got scared when they are taking birth control pills but still miss their periods! Well, why not they should get scared? They are taking birth controls only to avoid pregnancy!
Cheer up, ladies! It’s normal to miss periods while on birth controls if you are taking your medicine in the right order and right amount. Most of the women use their pills cleverly to skip their periods, and it can be a great relief for those who have severe symptoms during their starting days.
As per Healthline Media, the contraceptive pill can cause irregular periods and is also employed to intentionally delay menstruation. By introducing various hormones into the body, the pill can influence the normal menstrual cycle. Consequently, some women may experience lighter bleeding during their periods, while others may completely skip their periods altogether.
But, if you are missing your periods most of the time, then get yourself tested as it can be a symptom of any serious hormonal misbalance or you’re just pregnant.
All in all, birth control pills can be a life saviour for almost every person as they help reduce the chances of unwanted pregnancies. However, people must know everything about birth control pills before considering them an option.
What Are Some Negative Facts About Birth Control Pills?
Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, have been widely used by women for decades. They are a convenient and effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies, regulate menstrual cycles, and treat certain health conditions. However, like any medication, birth control pills have their own set of negative effects and drawbacks. In this paper, we will explore some of the negative facts about birth control pills.
1. Side Effects
One of the most commonly known negative facts about birth control pills is the potential for side effects. These can range from mild to severe and may include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain, decreased libido, and mood changes. These side effects are caused by the hormones present in the pills, which can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance. While not all women experience these side effects, they can be bothersome for those who do.
2. Increased Risk of Blood Clots
Another significant negative fact about birth control pills is the increased risk of blood clots. The hormones in the pills can cause the blood to thicken, making it more likely to clot. This can lead to serious health complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke. The risk of developing blood clots is higher for women over 35 years old, smokers, and those with a family history of blood clots.
3. Not Effective Against STDs
While birth control pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This is a common misconception, and many women may rely solely on birth control pills for protection, putting themselves at risk for STDs. It is important to use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, in addition to birth control pills to reduce the risk of STDs.
4. Can Cause Irregular Bleeding
Some women may experience irregular bleeding or spotting while taking birth control pills. This can be a common side effect, especially during the first few months of use. However, if the bleeding continues or becomes heavy, it can be a cause for concern. Irregular bleeding can also make it difficult to track ovulation, which may affect a woman’s fertility if she decides to stop taking the pills.
5. Can Increase Risk of Certain Cancers
Research has shown a link between long-term use of birth control pills and an increased risk of breast and cervical cancers. The hormones in the pills can stimulate the growth of abnormal cells in the breast and cervix, which can lead to cancer. However, the risk is relatively small, and regular screenings can help detect these cancers early on.
6. Can Affect Mood and Mental Health
Another negative fact about birth control pills is their potential to affect a woman’s mood and mental health. The hormones in the pills can cause changes in serotonin levels, which can lead to mood swings, depression, and anxiety. While not all women will experience these effects, those with a history of mental health issues may be more prone to them.
7. Can Interact With Other Medications
It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking while on birth control pills. Some medications, such as antibiotics and anti-seizure medications, can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. This can increase the risk of pregnancy and may lead to unplanned pregnancies.
In conclusion, while birth control pills are a popular and effective form of contraception, they do come with some negative effects and drawbacks. It is crucial for women to be aware of these potential risks and to weigh them against the benefits before starting on these pills. It is also advisable to regularly check in with your doctor and discuss any concerns or changes in your health while taking birth control pills.
