The pill is a type of birth control. It works by preventing the body from producing an egg, which means that there is nothing for sperm to fertilize, and pregnancy cannot occur.
Birth control pills can also help with irregular, painful, or heavy periods, endometriosis, acne, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The specific side effects vary widely among individuals, and different pills cause different side effects. Some common side effects include spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches.
There are two main types of birth control bill. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, which is a synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone, while the mini pill contains progestin only.
This article looks at 10 common side effects of the pill, as well as its risks, long-term effects, and alternatives. It also discusses the cost of birth control pills and how to get them.
Birth control pills affect a person’s hormone levels, leading to various side effects. These effects usually resolve within 2–3 months, but they can persist.
In the United States, around 12.6%Trusted Source of females aged 15–49 years take oral contraceptive pills. They are safe for most females to use.
If the side effects last for a long time or are very uncomfortable, it is best to talk to a healthcare provider about trying a different brand or a different method of birth control.
The sections below will look at some common side effects of oral contraceptives.
