Picture this. You are young, in the best of health and living life king-size. You’re following your passion, travelling places, and living the dream. Everything is going well in life until you get pregnant.
Sure, life is full of surprises. But we are sure, this is not the kind of surprise you would want especially when you have a lot of things planned for the days to come. Unplanned pregnancies can catch you off-guard and sabotage your goals. This is where contraceptives come to prevent pregnancies and help you live the life you planned to in the first place.
And when it comes to contraceptive pills they have always sparked a debate about the safety of its usage. Are they even safe? – well, that’s the most common question asked.
Today, we will be answering this very question in this blog post.
Are contraceptives safe?
Yes, if you are a healthy woman, contraceptives can be safe to take in most cases. However, it’s always suggested to take advice from your doctor. Some contraceptives can react with certain lifestyle habits, medical conditions and medicines you are already taking. In such instances, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking contraceptives.
Even though contraceptives are generally safe, some contraceptives do have the following risks:
Some contraceptives (combination pills) that have estrogen in them come with a risk of blood clots. Blood clots can cause strokes and heart attacks in patients. While 1 in 10,000 women are at risk of forming blood clots, the risk gets elevated to 3 in 10,000 women if they take contraceptives. containing estrogen, particularly drospirenone. Contraceptives that contain only progestin do not come with these risks.
Other than that, contraceptives can cause some short-term side effects within the first few weeks of usage. These side effects can include nausea, headaches, irregular periods, lower sex drive, and breast tenderness.
It is pivotal to note that the possibility of having any of these complications after taking birth control pills is significantly low for most people. Much to the disbelief of many, pregnancy is more likely to cause some adverse health issues than the pill. Your doctor will best help you figure out which types of birth control will be the most effective and safest for you.
Who should not take contraceptives?
The following group of people should refrain from taking contraceptives:
- Individuals who smoke excessively should refrain from taking contraceptives. Smoking and contraceptives don’t go hand in hand; they increase the risk of blood clots.
- Women who have or have had breast cancer.
- Individuals who have had serious health issues such as a heart attack, stroke, or angina.
- People who have migraines.
- People with high blood pressure.
- Patients with liver disease.
- Diabetic patients.
What are the warning signs to look for?
As mentioned above, contraceptives are safe in most cases. However, if you observe any of the following signs, seek medical help without delay:
- Sudden back/ jaw pain accompanied by sweating, nausea, or breathing troubles.
- Sudden chest pain or discomfort.
- Soreness or ache in the leg
- Severe pain in the stomach.
- Severe headache
- Aura — (seeing flashing, zigzag lines)
- Skin/eye yellowing
Some common questions asked about contraceptive methods
Here are a few more common questions asked about contraceptive methods:
Do contraceptive pills affect your ability to get pregnant later in life?
No, as per studies, taking contraceptive pills doesn’t affect your possibility of getting pregnant later. In other words, it doesn’t affect your fertility.
Should you take contraceptive pills while breastfeeding?
It is recommended that you wait for at least 3 weeks after giving birth. Combination contraceptive pills can impact the quantity and quality of breast milk. Contraception will not harm your baby’s health. It is very unlikely.
Do all methods of contraception have the same effectiveness?
No, the effectiveness of all contraception differs. While some contraceptives can offer 99% effectiveness, others can be less effective. Please consult your doctor to know the best contraceptives for you.
Can contraceptive pills prevent sexually transmitted diseases?
No, only condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Others are designed to prevent pregnancy.
Can women of all ages take contraceptive pills?
Yes, women of all ages can take contraceptive pills. However, the risk can increase with age. Please consult with your doctor before taking contraceptives.
Closing thoughts
Contraceptives have proven to be safe and effective when it comes to protecting unwanted pregnancies. However, it is essential for individuals to have open and honest conversations with their healthcare providers to understand the potential side effects and choose the contraceptive method that best suits their needs and health profile. By making informed decisions and staying informed about the latest research and developments, individuals can confidently and responsibly navigate their reproductive health while enjoying the benefits that contraceptives offer.
