Side effects of combined oral contraceptives
The administration of combined oral contraceptives can cause several common side effects:
Nausea / vomiting
If you feel nauseous or even vomit after taking contraceptives, it is recommended that the pills be taken with or without food at bedtime.
Small intermenstrual bleeding / spotting
If the administration has recently started, it is recommended to continue taking the pills, as this problem usually goes away on its own after the first 3 months.
To avoid these situations, take the pills at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if these bleeding is associated with diarrhea or vomiting and if you have taken this medicine (Rifampicin, Griseofulvin, anticonvulsants). If the problem persists or intensifies, the specialist should check for certain gynecological conditions.
Mild headache
If the patient has moderate or mild headaches, they can be treated with painkillers, and the prevalence of these manifestations should be reassessed after one month. Measure your blood pressure and check if the pain has really set in after taking contraceptives.
Sensation of tension in the breasts
Feelings of mild pain in the breasts are quite common when you start using combined contraceptives. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and rule out the possibility of pregnancy.
If the sensations persist or intensify, examine the breasts to rule out nodules and galactorrhea.
Slight increase in body weight
It is good to weigh and monitor your fluctuations before taking contraceptives. If you find that you have gained weight, analyze your lifestyle and identify if you have increased your food intake. Indeed, combined oral contraceptives can stimulate the appetite, which encourages people to eat more than they should.
Often, there is a slight weight gain of 1-2 kg, even if eating habits have not changed.
It is essential to maintain a balanced lifestyle, based on a varied diet and without being too rich in fats and carbohydrates and physical activity.
Amenorrhea (lack of menstruation)
If you have used combined oral contraceptives correctly and you are not menstruating, talk to your doctor. It will investigate if you have not had low bleeding, which you did not consider a real menstruation. The possibility of a pregnancy, which could be caused by improper administration, should also be ruled out.
You can read more about the benefits and risks of birth control pills here.
Careful!
The occurrence, intensity and type of side effects caused by combined oral contraceptives vary, depending on the type of pills, the correct administration and the body of each woman.
Consult your gynecologist about the reactions you experience!
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