Birth control pills are otherwise referred to as oral contraceptives, which are the most popular way of birth control used by millions around the world. They consist of the hormones that prevent pregnancy by halting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the lining of the uterus. Not all birth control pills are created equal; what works for one woman may not work for another. That is why it is very important to know what kind of symptoms indicate the usage of a wrong birth control pill.
1. Unwanted Side Effects:
One of the most common signs that you are on the wrong birth control pill is experiencing unwanted side effects. These can range from mild symptoms like headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness to more severe ones like blood clots, weight gain, and depression. If you have been on the same birth control pill for a while and suddenly start experiencing new or worsening side effects, it could be a sign that your body is not responding well to the hormones in the pill.
2. Irregular Bleeding:
Another red flag that you are on the wrong birth control pill is irregular bleeding. While it is normal to have some spotting or breakthrough bleeding in the first few months of starting a new pill, if it continues for more than three months, it could be a sign that the pill is not right for you. Similarly, if you experience unusually heavy or prolonged periods, it could be an indication that the hormone levels in the pill are not suitable for your body.
3. Mood Changes:
Hormonal birth control pills can affect your mood, and if you notice significant changes in your emotional well-being, it could be a sign that you are on the wrong pill. Some women may experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression while on the pill, which can be disruptive to their daily lives. If you feel like your emotions are out of control or you are experiencing unexplained mood changes, it is essential to talk to your doctor about switching to a different pill.
4. Decreased Libido:
One of the lesser-known side effects of birth control pills is a decrease in libido or sex drive. If you find that you have lost interest in sex or are experiencing pain during intercourse, it could be a sign that the hormones in your birth control pill are negatively impacting your sexual desire. This can be frustrating and can put a strain on your relationship, making it essential to address the issue with your doctor.
5. No Improvement in Symptoms:
Many women start taking birth control pills to manage symptoms like acne, heavy periods, or painful periods. However, if you have been on the pill for a few months and have not seen any improvement in your symptoms, it could be a sign that the pill is not the right fit for you. In some cases, the hormones in the pill may not be strong enough to alleviate your symptoms, or they may even worsen them.
6. Family History of Blood Clots:
Birth control pills that contain estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots in some women. Therefore, if you have a family history of blood clots, it may not be the best option for you. Women with a genetic predisposition to blood clots should exercise caution when taking hormonal birth control, as this increased risk can be life-threatening. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss alternative contraception methods that do not carry the same risks. If estrogen-containing pills are your preferred option, your healthcare provider may recommend higher-risk assessment, such as testing for gene mutations like Factor V Leiden,.
7. Missed Pills:
Another indication that the birth control pill might not be the right choice for you is if you frequently miss pills or have trouble remembering to take them daily at the same time. Birth control pills need to be taken consistently to maintain their effectiveness. Missing a pill, especially in the first few days, can increase the risk of pregnancy. Moreover, some women may experience undesirable side effects like irregular periods or spotting between periods when missing pills.
If you find it challenging to stick to a daily schedule for pill-taking, you may want to consider long-acting reversible birth control methods such as IUDs or the implant, which minimize the need for daily adherence. These methods provide effective pregnancy prevention, with failure rates lower than 1% per year.
Conclusion: Birth control pills are not one-size-fits-all. What might work for one lady won’t be the best for another. If you are experiencing any of the above signs, discuss changing to another pill or exploring other birth control options with your doctor. It might take some time, and probably some trial and error, to find the right method of birth control that works best with your body, but it is worth trying for your health and well-being.
