Going on the pill has its own set of side effects- the good, the bad and the ugly. Acne. Ceaseless nausea. Mood swings. Depression. Anxiety. These are only a few of the side effects of pills that come along.
However, besides these negatives, there are a number of positives as well that we often tend to ignore and forego.
So what really happens when one goes on the pill? Is it really that bad? Or is it good for us too?
Well, let us find out!
Few side effects of pills that include everything from the not so good to the GOOD.
‘Not so good.’
Breast Tenderness-
One of the most irritating and evident side effects of going on the pill is that breast tenderness can last for up to 18 months.
Bloating-
As the body’s sex hormones change, it may lead to water retention and bloating. These effects are even more evident for women suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal tract disorders. However, after being on the pill for six months, women are known to feel much better and happy as the bloating subsides.
Nausea-
A woman may start the pill, and for up to three months, go through a queasy feeling. This feeling would soon go away. Pro Tip: taking the tablet with a meal can help to reduce the icky feeling during the time the body needs to adjust the new levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Increased appetite-
Going on the pill would considerably increase your appetite, which is simply because the progesterone and estrogen levels are altered through these pills. In fact, it is a known fact that hormones may make a person hungry. However, this does not necessarily imply weight gain as there has been no such proof.
Headaches-
After starting the pill, women may start having frequent headaches, which are usually after a month of starting the medicine. This goes on for some time till the body gets used to the contraceptive, after which most headaches go away.
Mood Swings-
Women who have already had emotional issues in the past like depression, anxiety, and insomnia, tend to see an increase in symptoms after going on the pill. However, a few women have also known to have an improved state of mind after going on the pill.
‘The Good’
Reduced Cancer Risk-
After reviewing a few studies, the link between birth control and cancer risk has been seen to go down. In fact, endometrial and ovarian cancers dropped by almost 50 per cent in women who have a history of HIV or HPV
Clearer Skin-
Acne is mainly due to high levels of the male hormones, like androgen, which one may balance out with courtesy female hormones. The pill contains estrogen and progesterone (female hormones) that can help to scale back the prevalent pimples on the face.
Fewer Cramps-
With high amounts of progesterone and estrogen entering the body, the periods get on a more predictable schedule. After going on the pill, the periods become lighter, which means less painful menstrual cramping.
Less pain during intercourse-
Going on the pill, in relation, can increase a woman’s vaginal lubrication, which positively affects sex. It is less painful, especially if experienced, before going on the tablet.
Fewer Complications-
The link between oral contraceptives and fewer incidences of anaemia is quite evident. The pill boosts the iron levels and the protein molecule haemoglobin in the bloodstream, both of which are related to lower risks of anaemia.
Jun 01, 2019
May 30, 2018