Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Birth control pills- Side Effects and Complications

Hormonal Birth Control Side Effects

Individuals with certain medical conditions such as a history of liver tumors or liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, breast cancer, reproductive cancer, or blood clotting may not be prescribed certain birth control methods. Some of the side effects that are otherwise commonly experienced as a result of oestrogen and progesterone birth control use include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or bloating
  • Irregular menstruation and spotting
  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Decreased libido
  • Weight gain or loss of appetite
  • Mood swings, anxiety, nervousness or depression
  • Changes in vaginal discharge and vaginal infections
  • Headaches, dizziness and fatigue
  • High blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Acne or permanent discolouration of the face
  • Fluid retention
  • Bone density loss
  • Hair loss or changes in hair growth
  • Enlarged ovarian follicles

Birth Control Risks and Complications

The potential link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer is not yet understood, and further research is required in order to determine this connection. However, there are some risks and long-term complications associated with the use of hormonal birth control methods. These include the following birth control risks:

  • Eye problems or vision impairment
  • Gallbladder disease and gallstones
  • Embolism
  • Resistance to Insulin
  • Immune system suppression
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Breast tumors and liver tumors
  • Ectopic Pregnancies
  • Links with certain cancers such as cervical cancer
  • Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart and brain
  • Jaundice

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