Entry 11: 20/7/08

In this post, I will share on the side effects of Birth Control Pills.

As the body adjusts to hormonal changes created by The Pill, women often experience some minor side effects, including:
-Irregular bleeding or spotting
-Nausea
-Breast tenderness
-Weight gain and/or water retention
-Spotty darkening of the skin
-Mood changes

These side effects usually disappear after 2-3 menstrual cycles. If the side effects are bothersome after 2-3 cycles or if heavy bleeding occurs, women should continue taking their pills, but see the doctor to talk about their prescriptions.

Women who experience any of the following symptoms while taking The Pill should see a doctor immediately. They are:
-Severe abdominal pains
-Chest pain or shortness of breath
-Severe headaches
-Eye problems, such as blurred vision
-Severe leg or arm pain or numbness

Every woman is different. Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the following conditions may not be able to use Emergency Contraception:
-Established pregnancy
-Past heart attack or stroke
-Blood clots in the legs or lungs
-Breast or genital cancers
-Liver cancer

EC may not be recommended for women who plan to have intercourse within 5 days, are breastfeeding or have given birth in the last 6 weeks, have epilepsy, cardiovascular or kidney disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, or hypertension.

EC does not harm an established pregnancy. It acts on the uterus and cannot prevent an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Sources:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/ecinfo.htm

Glossary:
Ectopic: Occurring in an abnormal position or place; displaced.