Contraceptives are meant to protect and prevent women from getting pregnant, and when taken correctly, they do the job very well. However, just like any medication, they have their downsides and the effects vary depending on each individual.
There are instances where some women would complain that certain contraceptives don’t work for them and there are various reasons for that. The most used birth control options according to the World Health Organisation are: “Oral pills, implants, injections, patches, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices, condoms, male and female sterilization.”
Several health publications detail the cons that come with using some of the contraceptive options mentioned above. It has been proven that the injection, pill and implant methods share almost the same side effects.
Medical News Today states that these three options can cause breast tenderness, mild nausea, headaches, migraines, weight gain, mood changes, missed periods, decreased libido, vaginal discharge, and eye changes. “Spotting is the most common side effect of birth control pills. It happens because the body is adjusting to changing levels of hormones, and the uterus is adjusting to having a thinner lining.”
Furthermore, it is stated that changes in female sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone can trigger headaches and migraines, and that weight gain may occur due to increased fluid retention or water weight.
“Hormones play an important role in a person’s mood and emotions. Changes in hormone levels, which taking the pill may cause, can affect a person’s mood.”
According to Planned Parenthood, over one year of using contraceptive injections can weaken bones, but they return to normal after stopping. Breast and cervical cancer risks are said to slightly increase but decrease after discontinuation.
National Health Services mentions that, “Side effects of the contraceptive implant include headache, sore breasts, weight gain, acne, and thrush or bacterial vaginosis.”
