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What are the Side Effects of Birth Control Pills?


Birth control pills are contraceptive pills used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills must be used under the supervision of a doctor and as directed by the doctor. Birth control pills used by women on their own or without consulting a doctor can cause unwanted negative effects on their bodies. Birth control pills should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.


What should be considered when using birth control pills and what are their possible side effects?

Birth control pills contain high levels of female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Due to these hormones, women who use birth control pills may experience some side effects due to the use of the pill. Birth control pills are not drugs that should be used by everyone, and therefore, the woman must have a doctor's approval. Birth control pills are not considered appropriate for women who smoke and are over 35 years old.


What are the side effects of birth control pills?

The most common complaint of women using birth control pills is nausea and occasional vomiting due to nausea. However, since the pills can disrupt the body's hormonal balance, severe nausea can occur, especially in the first two weeks. However, some women do not experience any side effects from birth control pills. The side effects of birth control pills vary from person to person.


One of the possible side effects of birth control pills is breast tenderness and fullness. Increased vaginal discharge, increased blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure, acne, worsening of migraine in women with migraine headaches, spotting between periods, mood disorders, and decreased libido (sexual desire) are rare side effects seen in some women using birth control pills.


In which cases should birth control pills be discontinued?

Birth control pills used under the supervision of a doctor can sometimes cause risky situations for women. A doctor should be consulted immediately if side effects of birth control pills are observed. As a result of the examinations the doctor will perform on the woman, he will either stop using the pills completely or will stop using the pills for a while until the side effect that caused the negative effect is eliminated.


Women who use birth control pills should immediately consult a doctor, especially if they experience vision problems. In rare cases, women have complained of visual impairment or double vision. In such cases, a doctor should be consulted immediately and the use of the pill should be stopped.


Birth control pills can rarely cause severe headaches. These headaches can negatively affect a woman's life during the day. If the headache reaches a level that prevents her from sleeping at night, the woman should immediately consult a specialist gynecologist and stop using birth control pills. In cases such as shortness of breath, numbness on one side of the body, weakness, and the woman constantly feeling weak, and swelling in the breasts, the woman should immediately stop using birth control pills and see her doctor.


New generation birth control pills have largely eliminated side effects

The estrogen dose of birth control pills used today, called new generation birth control pills, has been significantly reduced. Instead, progesterone, a female hormone secreted by the ovaries that has fewer side effects, has begun to be used. For all these reasons, the side effects of the new generation birth control pills used today have significantly decreased compared to the old birth control pills.


Especially the old generation birth control pills, such as weight gain, excessive hair growth and the risk of cardiovascular disease, have been eliminated. New generation birth control pills also have some benefits for women. Factors such as reducing the amount of menstrual bleeding, preventing tension on women before menstruation , and eliminating menstrual pain are among the benefits of new generation birth control pills.

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