There are more than tens of millions of people who use birth control pills, which are also known as oral contraceptives, to avoid getting pregnant, but there are some essential facts about the possible side effects commonly associated with their usage. These facts also need to be considered when taking these pills.

In most women, these birth control pills do not bear any side effects, but there are some who could possibly have side effects like irregular periods, headaches, fluctuations in weight, nausea, and such, especially during the initial months of taking the pill. There are quite a few types of oral birth control pills, and the effects they could possibly bear vary from woman to woman.

Some of the common side effects

• Irregular periods : In women who have just started taking birth control pills, spotting can easily occur within the first three weeks or even when one misses taking one of the doses. Usually, one wouldn’t need a sanitary napkin and a panty shield should be sufficient, but there are cases where the bleeding can get heavier and even last for a few days. If the bleeding happens even after one has been taking the tablet for quite a few months, it is important to reach out to the care provider.
• Nausea : This is a side effect that occurs only when one just gets started on the birth control pill, and it dies out just after a few days. Nausea is less likely to occur when one takes the pill right after their dinner or with a little bedtime snack.
• Headaches : These usually occur as a result of stress at work or studies or because one had too little sleep and is prone to sinus infections and migraines. In the case of a headache because of taking birth control pills, it ends up worsening. In case the doctor finds the pills to be the triggers of a headache, they would suggest that one goes off the pill for a short period or would prescribe some form of an oral contraceptive pill that consists of a lower amount of estrogen. In the event that one is prone to migraines, it is essential that they check with the doctor before starting to take a birth control pill.
• Mood changes : There might be many instances when one feels emotionally high or low when they are on the birth control pill, and it is very unlikely that the pill is the trigger for such mood changes. One of the best things to do when one feels such emotional turbulence is to get into the practice of exercising and take on a healthy diet. It is best to keep the doctor in the loop about the mood changes so that they can assess appropriately.

In most cases, the side effects occur only during the initial months of taking the pill. In case there are major changes impacting the health because of birth control pills, it is important to take a doctor’s advice before continuing the pills.