What Is The Most Common Birth Control Pill Side Effect?

15/07/2023/by Mikko Veräjänkorva

The oral contraceptive pill is a highly effective method of birth control when taken at the same time every day. When taken perfectly (no occasional forgetfulness), only 0.3% of women experience an unintended pregnancy. However, like any medication, it too may come with side effects. We recently did two polls where we asked about the most common birth control pill side effect.

Usually side effects subside during time but still, they worry people. In our polls, we wanted to dive into which ones worried most and which ones had been experienced.

The Most Common Birth Control Pill Side Effect

Almost half (45%) of the users worry about possible weight gain during pill use. If it’s of any relief, clinical studies have found no consistent association between the use of birth control pills and weight fluctuations. Usually, the weight change happens due to other reasons or is temporary.

Pretty much in line with this fact is that in our other survey we noticed only 7% of users experiencing weight gain. Most common side effect experienced was actually nausea (21%). If going back to the image above, only 8% of users were worried about experiencing it. It’s good to know that these symptoms usually subside after a short time. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime can also help lower the likelihood of nausea.

(Note that for the other survey it was possible to give multiple answers, so votes do not equal 61.)

Birth Control Pill and Mood Changes

Then how about mood changes? Beforehand only 10% of people were worried about experiencing mood changes. 20% of users reported experiencing these symptoms.

This side effect has been studied a lot. For example, a 2015 study of 90 women published in Human Mapping found that use of the birth control pills was associated with smaller cortical thickness measurements in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex. Now that’s a mouthful…

What does it mean? These areas of the brain are linked with reward response and evaluating incoming stimuli, and it means that the pill could be messing with how you feel about things.

No need to sound the panic alarm though. Authors mention further research needs to be conducted to confirm whether or not there is a connection between cortical thinning in these areas of the brain, mood changes, and birth control pill use. In any case, anyone experiencing mood changes during pill use should contact their medical provider.

When Should You Contact a Doctor?

It is important that anyone who experiences any of the following side effects while taking the pill contacts their medical provider or visits an emergency room immediately, as they may signify a serious condition.

Birth control pill side effects that should be investigated are:

A: Abdominal/stomach pain
C: Chest pain (as well as shortness of breath)
H: Headaches that are severe
E: Eye problems such as blurred vision or loss of vision
S: Swelling or aching in the legs and thighs (also redness, swelling or pain in the calf or thighs).

These symptoms can be remembered using the acronym ACHES.

5 Signs You’re On the Wrong Birth Control Pill

12/07/2023/by Mikko Törmä

If you are taking the birth control pills because of PCOS, cramps, fibroids or as a contraceptive, it’s important to know you’re taking the right birth kind of control pill. We listed some symptoms that might indicate your current birth control pill is not the best one for you.

Frequent Headaches or Migraines

If you are experiencing regular headaches or worse migraines after starting to take your birth control pill, your sensitivity to estrogen might be higher than normal. The pill increases levels of estrogen in the body. Look for pills that do not contain hormones.

Lost Your Mojo

The birth control pill can lower your libido since it replaces hormones. The body is responsible for creating 50% of the testosterone when a natural ovulation occurs and testosterone actually plays a huge part in sex drive. The pill can prevent a person from ovulating, which in turn will result in zero production of testosterone hormones, necessary to keep the libido up and running. Testosterone is also responsible for increasing the blood flow to sexual organs – crucial for their sensitivity.

Low Energy

There is a proven connection between taking birth control pills and depletion of vitamin B. If you are not taking a vitamin B6 supplement, chances are that you might feel low on energy. Other symptoms can be moodiness, tiredness and nausea. If experiencing any of these symptoms look into supplementing your vitamin intake or switching the contraceptive method altogether.

If you are not taking a vitamin B6 supplement, chances are that you might feel low on energy.

Feeling Depressed

The birth control pill contains progesterone & estrogen and these can affect the brain. It is very important to find a well-balanced pill which will not put you in bouts of depression or low moods. Each pill has a different dose of these hormones so it might be a good idea to try a different pill or other birth control methods.

Not Being Yourself

If your mood and behavior have changed after taking the pill, you feel miserable and moody and most of all you don’t feel quite yourself, it might be best to look into other options. Your body knows best when something is not right and it may be that birth control pills are not the best contraceptive method for you.

Your body knows best when something is not right and it may be that birth control pills are not the best contraceptive method for you.

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it’s probably a good idea to schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss options and clarify the root cause.

Mikko Törmä

Mikko Törmä is certified pharmacist and has over 15 years experience in pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy and has worked also in Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Mikko is a professional writer who’s main focus is to make medical science simple to read and understandable, so that ordinary people can easily benefit from the research & recommendations made by professionals. His deepest interest is in the public health and to provide fair access to primary health care for everyone.

You Should Never Do These Things While On The Pill

20/06/2023/by Mikko Veräjänkorva

Birth control pills have been around for quite some time and in fact, are being used by tens of millions who try to prevent themselves from getting pregnant. What are the birth control pill facts you should be aware of?

Birth control pills – Things to know

So you’re on the birth control pill but still bothered about getting pregnant. “Just how effective are these medications?” you ask. “What if I use it incorrectly and get pregnant anyway?” Unfortunately, it’s very possible. Following are what you need to avoid to get the most out of your birth control pill of choice.

Starting Late

The most common mistake women make using the pill is beginning their next cycle one or more days late. If you start your next cycle one day late, take two pills rapidly and then one pill per day after that.

In case you delay even more and start two days late, take two pills for each of the next two days and one pill per day after that. If you drop the ball and are three days or more late starting your next cycle, it’s apparently too late for this month. You should quickly switch to another form of temporary birth control and call your doctor for instructions.

Skipping A Day

Another common mistake women make while on birth control pills is forgetting and accidentally skipping a day. Imperfect use, or not taking your birth control when and how you’re supposed to, is the number one reason it fails.

If you miss one day sometime within your cycle, immediately take the pill you missed and continue with the rest of your cycle as planned. This may indicate you have to take more than one pill in a day.

If you miss two pills in a row anytime during your cycle, take two pills the day you remember and two the next, continuing with the rest of your cycle as normal. If this happens, however, you should use a backup form of birth control just to be on the safe side, because you are at risk.

Download Our Pill Reminder App and Stay on Top of Your Birth Control!

End your worries about birth control pill mishaps and ensure maximum effectiveness with our pill reminder app. Stay on schedule, never miss a dose, and avoid common mistakes that could lead to unplanned pregnancies.

Avoid Taking Certain Medications

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. A certain antibiotic lessens the efficiency of the hormonal pills and increases the possibility of you getting pregnant. The usage directions of the pill you’re using should include information on the drugs it interacts with, which reduces its efficiency.

Furthermore, when the doctor prescribes any drug treatment, you need to inform him/her that you’re using contraceptives.

Keep It Properly

Don’t keep your pill in the car, in your purse or the bathroom. This is not a great idea.

Birth control pills need to be stored in temperatures less than 25C/77F degrees, or they start to degrade. If you’re not sure, use a backup method, such as condoms, until you start a new, properly stored pack.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking and birth control pills don’t jive. Smoking can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke or blood clots caused by birth control pills, particularly if you are older than 35. By quitting smoking (or never starting), you lower your risks on the pill.

Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, blood clots, and stroke. The more you smoke and the older you are, the higher the risk.

Mistakes while using the pill are not unusual. The first thing you should do is switch to a temporary backup form of birth control or cease sexual intercourse entirely until you’re caught up.

Of course, only your doctor can advise you on whether or not it’s safe for you to take multiple pills on any given day, as there may be adverse hormonal side effects.

Mikko Veräjänkorva

Mikko Veräjänkorva is a pharmacist and holds a BScBa in International Business. He has over 15 years experience in pharmaceutical field from pharmacy, medical and pharmaceutical industry. He is one of the founders and board members of Farenta since 2003.

My aim is to write informative high quality articles based on science in way that all of us can easily understand the point. Science and evidence based research is at the core of my writing. The main purpose of my articles are to provide practical information on healthy lifestyle and to provide reliable and practical information about different medical conditions.

Bringing medical jargon to the masses is my mission.

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The Rise of Men’s Birth Control Pill

05/06/2023/by Mikko Veräjänkorva

It seems that the world of men is about to experience a drastic change since the news for the alternatives of condoms has been fluttering around the world. Initially, it was just rumors. Then the research was confirmed and now at last, the lab guys are finally closing in on a new solution which would not require men to sheath their swords with late condoms.

This new solution is in the form of a pill. Yes, the pill may ring the bells of a tablet for birth control for women, but this time, a pill is coming for the same purposes but only for men. The women will no longer have to worry about anything if they missed a pill or forgot to take it since there won’t be any need or cause for them to concern themselves over pregnancy.

While the pill is still in the process of making with the various regulations and rules of the Food and Drug Association panel (FDA), the Parsemus Foundation, which is a medical research organization, has been working on an alternative contraceptive for men and have found its solution in the form of the Vasalgel. Vasalgel is the men’s birth control injection and to top it off, none of the males will have to worry about their manly hormones since Vasalgel will be a non-hormonal male contraceptive.

Vasalgel is poised to be the very first male contraceptive approved by the FDA since the introduction of condoms. It is injected directly into the sperm tubes of the males and blocks only the sperms while allowing all other fluids to pass through it. Its effects can last up to 1 year, so males won’t have to worry about getting it injected over and over again whenever they want to have sex. It is not a pill, but it’s a start and Aaron Hamlin, the Executive director of the Male Contraception Initiative, has heralded the coming of the male pill as well which makes it almost a certainty that men’s birth control pill will be coming.

According to other sources all over the internet, the men’s birth control pill is expected to arrive from 2018 to 2020 but one thing is certain. Once the male pill has been introduced to the world, in family planning it will spell the end of the era for condoms. One must however remember that such a contraceptive method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so condoms will still continue to exist.

Other formulas which have shown potential to take the form of male pill are H2-Gamendazole and JQ1 which work by keeping the sperms from reaching maturity and tricking the body into forgetting how to make sperms. The researchers just need to figure out a way to weed out their side effects, but they clearly show potential for taking the place of the men’s pill.

Hоw Wеll Dо Уоu Knоw Birth Соntrоl Ріllѕ

31/05/2023/by Mikko Veräjänkorva

Thе birth соntrоl pill represents оnе оf thе mоѕt popular bіrth соntrоl mеthоdѕ bесаuѕе іt оffеrѕ thе hіghеѕt рrоtесtіоn against unwаntеd рrеgnаnсу. It dоеѕ nоt however рrоtесt the uѕеr against ѕеxuаllу trаnѕmіttеd dіѕеаѕеѕ (STD) аnd hаѕ ѕоmе ѕіdе-еffесtѕ. How well do you know birth control pills?

Hоw Tо Uѕе It?

Yоu ѕhоuld not take аnу pregnancy control ріll wіthоut talking tо уоur gуnесоlоgіѕt. Thе specialist will рrеѕсrіbе the pill thаt іѕ most suitable for your health соndіtіоn, аgе аnd реrіоd ѕресіfісіtу.

Thе bіrth соntrоl pill needs to be taken еvеrу dау, рrеfеrаblу at thе ѕаmе hour, fоr 21 dауѕ іn a rоw. Usually for the lаѕt seven days of the cycle уоu won’t take аnу ріll, or уоu’ll gеt an inactive one – this depends оn thе kіnd оf product you are uѕіng. Durіng thе days оff thе ріll, уоu wіll have уоur реrіоd.

Thеn, you need tо start using thе pill аgаіn after thе ѕеvеn-dау pause, on thе ѕаmе day of the week аѕ you did before.

Bеnеfіt Оf Birth Control Pill

The mоѕt іmроrtаnt оf all іѕ the fасt thаt thеу prevent рrеgnаnсу.

But besides thаt thеу саn rеgulаtе the mеnѕtruаl сусlе. This is particularly gооd fоr wоmеn who suffer from an irregular сусlе. Thеу саn nоw knоw whеn to expect іt.

Anоthеr effect is rеduсіng іrоn deficiency. The pills rеduсе blood lоѕѕ durіng menstrual сусlе, thus helping with anemia.

The pills аlѕо reduce rіѕk оf оvаrіаn суѕtѕ аnd рrоtесt аgаіnѕt pelvic inflammatory dіѕеаѕе. Some of the pills саn еvеn іmрrоvе acne аnd fіbrосуѕtіс brеаѕt’ѕ суѕtѕ.

Alѕо, fоr some реорlе who have еxсеѕѕ hаіr thе ріllѕ саn іmрrоvе thеіr condition. Sоmе ѕtudіеѕ have аlѕо ѕhоwn thаt bіrth control ріllѕ саn рrеvеnt оѕtеороrоѕіѕ.

Birth Соntrоl Pill Side Effects

Sоmе birth control pill side effects are tеmроrаrу, оthеrѕ lоng-term. Whеn you fіrѕt bеgіn uѕіng the pill, nаuѕеа, mоrnіng ѕісknеѕѕ, spotting, and breast tenderness might be аn іѕѕuе. But the ѕуmрtоmѕ wear off аѕ thе body gеtѕ uѕеd tо thе new lеvеl of hоrmоnеѕ.

In thе lоng run thе bіrth соntrоl ріll mау hаvе ѕеrіоuѕ ѕіdе-еffесtѕ (although these are rare), which is why ѕресіаlіѕtѕ rесоmmеnd thаt it nоt bе uѕеd fоr уеаrѕ оn end. Amоng the hеаlth risks of lоng-tеrm administration we оught tо mеntіоn a higher risk оf cervical аnd brеаѕt cancer, blood pressure рrоblеmѕ, thrоmbоѕіѕ, lіvеr dуѕfunсtіоnѕ, bеnіgn суѕtѕ, еtс.

Who Ѕhоuld Not Use Thе Bіrth Соntrоl Pill?

Women whо ѕuffеr frоm a сhrоnіс hеаlth соndіtіоn оr whо have a family hіѕtоrу оf thrombosis, fоr іnѕtаnсе, ѕhоuld consider other contraceptive methods.

Thе bіrth соntrоl ріll іѕ nоt rесоmmеndеd for wоmеn whо hаvе been treated fоr оvаrіаn суѕtѕ, cancer оr lіvеr problems.

Smоkеrѕ аnd women оvеr 35 are also at higher risk of side-effects when using hоrmоnаl рrеgnаnсу соntrоl.

The dосtоr wіll nоrmаllу rесоmmеnd blood tests аnd саrеful еvаluаtіоn of уоur health соndіtіоn to make sure you are wіthіn орtіmаl раrаmеtеrѕ. In addition tо the рrеgnаnсу соntrоl ріll, уоu might want tо еxрlоrе уоur other bіrth соntrоl орtіоnѕ.

Using Birth Control Pills Tо Stop Or Delay Periods

16/05/2023/1 Comment/by Mikko Veräjänkorva

Using birth control pills to stop or delay periods has become commonplace. It is rather simple to stop or delay periods this way, but there are some aspects you should take into account. These depend largely on the type of pill you are having. In this article we will be covering the most important things you should consider.

How tо Stop or Delay Periods wіth Birth Control Pill?

Thе birth control pill іѕ a daily pill containing hormones thаt alter thе functioning оf thе body tо prevent pregnancy. Hormones аrе chemicals thаt control thе functioning оf body organs. In thіѕ case thе pill hormones control thе ovaries аnd uterus. Women using birth control pills do not have normal periods, but rather oestrogen-related withdrawal bleeds that occur when the hormone levels drop.

Thеrе аrе a number оf reasons whу уоu mау want tо skip уоur period. Iѕ іt safe tо dо so? How about iѕ іt safe tо skip уоur period іf you’re оn birth control pills? Thе brief answer tо both questions іѕ уеѕ. However, it’s best tо get іn touch wіth уоur doctor first іn оrdеr tо mаkе sure there’s nо medical reason fоr уоu tо continue wіth уоur current menstruation schedule. Also, know what to expect when you’re starting the pills for the first time.

If You Are on the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

Mоѕt combination pills come іn blister pack sheets that contain the supply of 21 days оr 28 days. Yоu normally tаkе a hormone pill every day аt аbоut thе same tіmе fоr 21 days and then stop taking it fоr seven days (21 pill sheets), оr continue taking a pill without hormones fоr seven days (28 pill sheets). In any case, menstruation begins when you stop taking the active pills because hormone levels fall.

Yоu just need tо tаkе only thе active pills wіth nо breaks іn between.

If you’re using combination pills and want to stop or delay periods, уоu just need tо tаkе only thе active pills wіth nо breaks іn between tо аvоіd thе withdrawal bleeding. You’ll need tо stop taking thе inactive pills. If уоu tаkе thе active pills continuously, уоu won’t get a period until уоu stop them. Yоu ѕhоuld contact уоur doctor оr pharmacist ѕо thеу саn show уоu whісh pills аrе active аnd whісh аrе thе inactive pills. According to various experts, it should be perfectly safe to stop or delay periods for at least up to 2-3 months this way.

With biphasic (e.g. Jenest 28, Mircette, Ortho-Novum 10/11) , triphasic (e.g. Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Trivora 28) or quadriphasic (Natazia) pills you may need to “close” the phase by possibly taking the appropriate pill from (the end of) the next pill sheet. The phases are usually color-coded to help you understand which pills belong to which phase. Consult your doctor if you are taking phasic pills.

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If You Are on the Mini Pill

Women on the mini pill normally take a hormone pill each day, so it is not possible to stop or delay periods with this medication. There is however one additional medication that might allow you to do that while on the mini pill. This medication is called norethisterone (see below for more information).

If You Are Not on the Pill

Even if you are not on birth control pills there is a possibility to stop or delay periods. A doctor can prescribe you with norethisterone (although convenience might not qualify as a reason), a medication that you start three days prior to your periods. This medication can be taken for 2-3 weeks if needed. Your period will start 2-3 days after stopping it. There are many guidelines around what would be the best time to start taking contraceptive pills.

Norethisterone is not recommended for regular use and if you have an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, you should avoid it altogether. Please also note that norethisterone is not a contraceptive and as such should not be used to prevent pregnancy!

What аrе thе disadvantages оf delaying уоur period?

Bleeding оr spotting іn between menstrual periods, аlѕо referred tо breakthrough bleeding, mау bе mоrе common fоr women whо use birth control pills tо delay оr suppress thеіr periods. Thе frequency аnd amount оf thіѕ bleeding wіll vary depending оn thе individual woman, but often thе flow іѕ light аnd brownish іn color.

However, it’s recommended bу thе Mayo Clinic tо allow thе menstrual cycle tо occur аt least once every three tо four months tо lessen thе frequency оr intensity оf thіѕ bleeding. It аlѕо mау lessen аѕ thе woman’s body adjusts tо thе hormones.

Blood Clots – Thеrе іѕ always аn increased risk оf developing blood clots whіlе taking birth control pill, whether оr not thе medication іѕ being used tо delay menstruation. Sоmе warning signs оf blood clots include severe abdominal pain, coughing up blood, loss оf vision, eye blurring, severe leg pain, shortness оf breath оr chest pain. Anу woman experiencing аnу оf thеѕе symptoms whіlе оn thе birth control pill ѕhоuld contact a doctor immediately. You can read more about the side effects of birth control pill.

Enjoyed the article? We are happy to know your thoughts in the comments section.

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(In a clinical pilot – DOI: 10.15761/COGRM.1000217, conducted by a team of doctor’s including Henna Kärkkäinen, MD, Ph.D, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heikki Matero Ph.M, Janne Sahlman MD, Ph.D at the Kuopio University Hospital, it was concluded that an on-demand reminder system increases adherence of birth control pill users. More details regarding this study can be found here. )

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Depression?

01/05/2023/by Mikko Veräjänkorva

The birth control pill has been around for decades. During this time, there have been countless reports from women saying they’ve become depressed after starting on the pill. Do birth control pills cause depression?

Depression in this case does not mean a passing sadness

Several studies have been made about the possible connection. It is important to note that depression in this case does not mean a passing sadness, but a long-term mood disorder with persistent anxiety, irritability, fatigue and other symptoms.

In other words, serious stuff. Something that you would make you consider twice about going on birth control or not.

Studies were not made with the highest of scientific standards

These studies never found a definitive association but anectodal evidence has been persistent. A recent review of this body of work has however revealed that many, if not all, of the studies were not made with the highest of scientific standards.

This means we can not say that there is no connection between the depression and the pills. That’s the confusing way to say: We can’t be sure.

Indeed, there is an increased risk of depression

Then in 2016 a high-quality study was published. It covered over a million Danish women between the ages of 15-34 and came to the ground-breaking conclusion that indeed, there is an increased risk of depression linked to hormonal contraception. This didn’t just mean pills, but all kinds of methods that relied on hormones.

The results of the study are important and here’s what you should know about them:

Elevated risk for developing depression was associated with all types of hormonal contraception, incl. IUD.
The risk to develop depression was 7% higher among contraceptives users vs. non-users.
A higher risk was associated with the progesterone-only treatments, with teens aged 15-19 and especially with non-oral methods.
Risk peaked after 6 months of contraceptive use.
The relative risks generally decreased with increasing age.
IUD has been claimed not to have an effect on the rest of the body. This was proven to be false.

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Depression?

So what does it all mean? Should you give up the pill or not even start?

While the connection between hormonal contraception and higher risk of depression has now been proven for the first time, it does not mean all hormonal contraceptives would be bad. It does not even prove hormonal contraception causes depression – just that there is a connection.

Birth control may even decrease chances of depression

We actually know very little about the mechanisms behind why some women developed depression during the study while others didn’t. In fact, birth control may even decrease chances of depression by improving mood swings, as also many women have reported.

Every medication has side effects and risks, and it is important to understand how big these risks are. In this case the study concluded that 2.2 women on hormonal birth control out of 100 had started to use anti-depressants. The women not on birth control? 1.7 out of 100.

7% higher risk

Anti-depressant use doesn’t mean a clinical diagnosis of depression. To receive an actual diagnosis the odds were 0.3 (users) vs. 0.28 (non-users). For the maths oriented out there, that means a 7% higher risk.

So, do birth control pills cause depression? Several experts have highlighted that there is no need for alarm and that pills can be taken as normal. If you are still experiencing symptoms of depression, do speak with your doctor to get to the bottom of them!

Birth Control Pills: 6 Common Side Effects

12/04/2023/by Mikko Törmä

Birth control pills are highly effective when taken according to prescription. However, like any medication, birth control pills too come with possible side effects. Knowing the birth control pills side effects will help diagnose any problems that may occur after taking the pill.

What then are birth control pill side effects? Here are a few common adverse reactions that women on pills or considering taking the pills should be aware of. Please note that you should consult your doctor if any of the side effects are prolonged or severe.

1 Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common birth control pill side effects. It occurs occasionally with the intake of the pill. To avoid nausea, the pill can be taken after eating dinner or before bedtime. The symptoms usually subside after 2-3 months.

2. Depression

Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones which can have a direct effect on neurotransmitters and may cause an imbalance. This may lead to depression. However, there are several factors that can cause depression and therefore it is important to determine the real cause before passing it off as a side effect of the pill! Read our comprehensive article on do birth control pills cause depression.

3. Sore or Enlarged Breasts

The pill contains a high dose of estrogen which is a hormone that is most associated with bloating. This may cause your breasts to appear enlarged. Some women even experience breast soreness and tenderness after consuming the pill. However, these are mild hormone changes caused by intake of estrogen and should not lead to any serious health concerns.

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4. Acne

There are several types of birth control pills with a combination of synthetic hormones. Some pills lower the androgen levels and are known to actually decrease the chances of severe acne. At the same time there are pills that contain progestin, which is androgen-based. These pills are known to trigger acne and breakouts on the skin.

5. Headache

While headaches can occur due to stress and lack of sleep among other factors, the pill can have an effect on headache too. Although it cannot cause the headache, having the pill can make headaches worse in some cases. Women who suffer from sinus and migraines must consult their doctor before taking the pill.

6. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Women may experience spotting or light bleeding in the first few weeks of taking the pill. Birth control pill side effects may even include heavier bleeding for some women, in which case a doctor must be consulted with. For smokers it may be helpful as a first measure to avoid smoking or quit altogether. In general smoking can possibly also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

What about birth control pills and weight gain? While many women swear they’ve gained weight because of the pill, research does not fully support this view. We’ve written more about do birth control pills make you fat.

Birth control pills can even have other side -effects like yeast infection, blood clots, and infertility in some very extreme cases. It is important to note that any peculiar health issues must be reported to a health professional immediately to avoid any future concerns.

But it’s not all gloomy. Besides from the obvious use to prevent unwanted pregnancy, birth control pills have been discovered to also provide positive side effects. These include easing PMS mood swings, less painful periods, less menstrual migraines and protection against some cancer types (endometrial and ovarian cancer).

Birth Control Pills And Sex Drive. Do Pills Lower Libido?

04/04/2023/1 Comment/by Mikko Törmä

There has been a lot of speculation about the effects of birth control on women’s libido. However, scientists have come to discover that the elements that drive a woman’s desire to have sex are not compatible with scientific methods. The research into the relationship between birth control pills and sex drive has continuously produced different results.

The science on birth control pills and sex drive

An analysis of the research studies conducted on this topic shows that most women reported no link between birth control pills and their sex drive. However, there are various ways in which the contraceptives can alter your bodily functions which can cause you to lose interest in sex.

Hormonal abnormalities

Many scientists consider testosterone to be a sex drive hormone. Estrogen, which is common in many birth control pills, has been linked to a reduction in testosterone levels in the body. This is because estrogen contributes to the increase in sex hormone-binding globulin. It traps some of the testosterone in the body.

In a study appearing in the Journal of Sexual Medicine scientists found that the level of sex hormone-binding globulin in women taking birth control pills was four times higher than in women who had never used hormonal contraceptives.

Another factor that might lead to lower testosterone levels is the lack of ovulation. Most oral contraceptives work by releasing hormones into the body that mimic pregnancy. In return, this helps to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation. However, some women experience a rise in the testosterone levels mid-cycle. The increase in testosterone causes some women to experience a spike in their sexual desire.

However, since ovulation does not occur when taking birth control pills, there is no spike in testosterone. Therefore, a person might miss this rise in sexual appetite once they get on the pill.

Birth control pills can affect lubrication

One of the side effects of low-dose birth control is that it may make it harder for a woman to get wet. Although this is not a sign of low sex drive, it does affect some women’s ability to get turned on. Read more on our separate blog: Do Birth Control Pills Impact Vaginal Lubrication?

Challenges in research

It is really hard to pin down what low sex drive means to different people. For some, it might mean that they are not that into it. Others might be repulsed by the thought of having sex. This is one of the reasons why studies keep giving different results on the connection between birth control pills and sex drive.

What to do if your pill is affecting your libido

If you feel that there is a link between your birth control pills and sex drive, then you should switch to another pill or method. Read on for information on both.

Switch to another pill

The beauty of oral contraceptives is that they come in different varieties. If your birth control is not working for you, you can switch to another pill with the help of your physician.

Pills containing drospirenone are known to be anti-testosterone. If your pills contain it, you can switch to a pill that has levonorgestrel which is considered to be pro-testosterone.

Switch to another method

If pills just aren’t working for you, you can opt for an alternative birth control method. An IUD is a good option since it does not prevent ovulation. The copper IUD may even be better since it is not hormonal.

Mikko Törmä

Mikko Törmä is certified pharmacist and has over 15 years experience in pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy and has worked also in Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Mikko is a professional writer who’s main focus is to make medical science simple to read and understandable, so that ordinary people can easily benefit from the research & recommendations made by professionals. His deepest interest is in the public health and to provide fair access to primary health care for everyone.

Pregnant On The Pill? Is it Possible?

24/11/2022/by Mikko Törmä

Is it possible to get pregnant on the pill? Yes.

While there is not any method of birth control that is 100 percent guaranteed, oral contraceptives are one of the most effective ones available. In fact, when a woman correctly uses birth control pills that contain both progestin and estrogen, she has a near-100% probability of avoiding pregnancy per year. Even when a woman occasionally forgets to take her pills, the annual effective rate of oral contraception remains at a fairly high level of around 91 percent – but statistically, that still means 9 women out of 100 experience an unintended pregnancy every year.

Over a 3 year time period the risk for unintended pregnancy with typical use is over 24x greater than with consistent, perfect use.

The vast majority of women who do conceive while on the pill report missing two or more pills within a one-month period or they were using prescription drugs like antibiotics or anti-depressants. Overall, 25 out of 100 women become pregnant after a three-year period of typical birth control pill use. Here the keyword is ‘typical use’, which means missing the pill occasionally.

If taken perfectly (roughly same time every day, with no missed pills), the same statistic is 1 pregnancy for every 100 women. Over a three-year time period, the risk for unintended pregnancy with typical use is therefore 24x greater than with perfect use.

What Should a Woman Do If She Gets Pregnant on the Pill

Any woman who believes that she may be pregnant while taking the pill should immediately stop using oral contraceptives and schedule an appointment with her doctor. The doctor can confirm whether she is pregnant and can discuss all the options and answer any questions or concerns.

As long as a woman catches her pregnancy soon enough, termination is still possible, if that is what the woman decides is the best option. A woman who decides to carry the baby to term needs to ensure that she is taking all the precautions necessary to give the child the best possible chance in life.

The Dangers of Getting Pregnant While Taking Birth Control

Many soon-to-be mothers worry that if they conceive a child while using birth control pills, there is a much higher percentage that the pregnancy will end in either a miscarriage or a stillbirth. This is not true. But there are health problems that may develop for women who conceive while using oral contraceptives.

One of the greatest dangers of getting pregnant on the pill is mistaking the signs of pregnancy as one of the side effects of using this form of contraception. This can delay prenatal care and lead to other health risks for both the mother and the unborn child. These signs can include missing a period, breast tenderness, and nausea. Women who suddenly develop any of these symptoms after using the pill for a few months with no problems should speak with a doctor to determine the cause.

The FDA has not officially verified any direct links between oral contraceptives and birth defects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not officially verified any direct links between continuing to take oral contraceptives and birth defects. A study on birth defects and oral contraception in Denmark seemed to coincide with the FDA’s stance.

In the Danish study, children of mothers who unknowingly used birth control pills during the early portion of their pregnancy had no more birth defects than the general population. But, on the other hand, some studies suggest oral contraceptives can increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy where the child develops outside of the womb, or in a rare birth defect that affects male babies (called hypospadias).

These are only guidelines and it is important to speak with your doctor about any medical issues which might concern you.

Mikko Törmä

Mikko Törmä is certified pharmacist and has over 15 years experience in pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy and has worked also in Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Mikko is a professional writer who’s main focus is to make medical science simple to read and understandable, so that ordinary people can easily benefit from the research & recommendations made by professionals. His deepest interest is in the public health and to provide fair access to primary health care for everyone.

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