6 Really Weird Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

6 Really Weird Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
Submitted and Medically Reviewed By: Richard Honaker M.D.

Aching breasts, nausea, gaining weight, and experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle are the usual side effects of birth control pills. There are other contraception side effects that are not as commonly known to people. Some of those are just as irritating and gradually leave, but some could indicate severe and very dangerous health conditions.

Here are a few signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for, and how to react to these weird birth control side effects. These will help you identify the just weird from the more serious.  

Annoying Yeast Infections

Itchiness makes this one of the most bothersome side effects of birth control pills. Such infections become more probable for women with other risk aspects because of low estrogen levels. Those who eat more sugary foods, drink plenty of alcohol, poorly manage their diabetes, or have impaired immune systems are more likely to have more yeast infections.

You can get over-the-counter creams that are specifically formulated to get rid of the vaginal fungus or prescribed medication that can cure the yeast infection. If the infection is more persistent then it could be better if you change to another birth control. Natural birth control could become a more desirable alternative as well, but always consult a doctor before making any medical changes.      

Dry Eyes

Taking birth control pills can give you dry eyes because of changes in your hormones. Having dry eyes could affect your vision. If you have dry eyes combined with discharge or some sort of the change in your vision, the problem could become serious.

Try saline eye drops that can be purchased over the counter if there are no other symptoms. A study from the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that habitual or constant use of birth control pills could increase your chances of getting open-angle glaucoma.

Blood Clots

These are side effects that are uncommon but could become very serious. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that around three in 10 women get blood clots, because of oral contraception.

If you smoke, are over 35, overweight, or have delivered a baby recently, there’s an even higher risk for blood clots. The blood clot indications that you should be vigilant about are chest pains or difficulty breathing, which could be a sign of a clot in your lungs or heart. Swelling, warmth, and pain in your legs could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis or lower leg clotting. If you feel that you’re most likely experiencing blood clot symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

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Hormone-Induced Migraine Headaches

Women who are already getting migraines could notice that when they are on birth control, they experience more aggravating headaches. According to a study in Current Opinion in Neurology, lower estrogen levels can cause migraines.

Experts say that this can occur right before you get your period and in the latter part of your menstrual cycle. Don’t think much about the birth control pill effectiveness of other variants; talk to your doctor about birth control pills that have less placebo days or even change your contraception method entirely like opting for natural birth control. Hormonal problems that lead to migraines could lessen or even disappear.  

Depression

Women who have either personal or family history of depression or any other mood disorder have a bigger chance of having depression while taking birth control pills. According to a study that was published in JAMA Psychiatry (2016), the synthetic hormones in these pills could intrude in the balance of some neurotransmitters.

Since there are plenty of factors that could contribute in developing depression, it’s crucial that the cause should be identified. If the depression that you’re experiencing is caused by the birth control pills that you’re taking, your doctor can give you a prescription for a non-hormonal alternative or those that will deliver lesser levels of hormones.

Related: 6 Crazy Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control 

Painful Sex

Some birth control pills, especially those that have lower dosages, could be associated with constant pelvic pain and painful penetration while having sex. A dive in your estrogen levels could cause the mentioned uncomfortable conditions that could result in less lubrication, lower sex drive, and painful copulation.

To ensure that you don’t have endometriosis and/or fibroids, consult your doctor immediately about pelvic pain. To resolve the painful mating problem, ask your doctor about birth control alternatives. Don’t worry too much about birth control pill effectiveness. Your doctor will suggest an option that will be good for you.

Do you have pressing questions about your birth control pills? How about weird contraception side effects that have you up all night worrying? Well, we have answers. Our doctors are available via our Free Dr. Chat. Simply click the button below and talk to a doctor online today about your medical issues. It is free, and confidential, and you can do it from the comfort of your home.

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