Birth control pills are a type of prescription medication that contains synthetic versions of female sex hormones that prevent ovulation. Despite their effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, birth control pills pose a risk for side effects in some patients.

Side Effects

Side effects of birth control pills include spotting or bleeding between your periods, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting, reports Planned Pregnancy. Women who take birth control pills also might experience changes in libido.

Time Frame

The common side effects of birth control pills generally pose no long-term health threats and often diminish after the first two to three months of use, explains Planned Parenthood.

Risks

Birth control pills have the potential to raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels and cause heart attacks, blood clots and stroke in some women, warns the Mayo Clinic. Oral contraceptives also slightly increase your risk of developing cervical or liver cancers when used for long periods.

Warning

If you develop a severe headache, aching in one of your legs, pain in your abdomen or chest, trouble breathing or yellowing of your skin or eyes, seek emergency medical attention. These can be signs of severe side effects from birth control pills, warns Planned Parenthood.

Considerations

Women who are overweight, smoke or are over the age of 35 are most likely to experience severe cardiovascular side effects from birth control pills, according to Planned Parenthood. If you have a history of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or heart disease, it might not be safe for you to take birth control pills.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Birth Control Pill FAQ

Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Pill