Authored by Content Cookie in Pregnancy
Published on 01-24-2009
Most women prefer birth control pills as a shield from pregnancy. Although the usage of birth control has been made less risky, it is still not advisable for women who have high blood pressure, experience migraines and for those who are diabetic. Many women who take the pill do not complain of side effects but some might experience minor side effects. Some of the common symptoms are nausea, irregular menstrual bleeding, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, mood swings, and in some cases even blood clots.
There is a greater risk of blood clots, even stroke or heart attack associated with intake of birth control pills. Women who indulge in smoking and consumption of alcohol tend to face a higher risk in developing these conditions. Women suffering from major health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and various other abnormalities should consult their doctors before taking any birth control precautions. Some of the other serious side effects of using the birth control pill are aggravation of migraine headaches, increasing blood pressure and gall bladder disease. There are also some cases of liver tumor reported in some women.
Breast cancer is one of the other significant risks associated with the use of birth control pills. Women using birth control pills are more likely to develop breast cancer before menopause. These women must have used birth control pills for a longer period of seven to eight years or must have started taking birth control pills at a very early age. In some women, the use of birth control pills may increase the growth of an existing breast cancer, which may not have been detected so far. Other recognized risk factors include obesity and infertility.
Developing blood clots is another common symptom associated with the intake of birth control pills. A blood clot can arise in a vein or artery and can have different symptoms depending on where it is contained. Normally, there can be clots in the legs, heart, lungs, abdomen, eye, or brain. This can also lead to a stroke. This is more often seen in women who indulge in smoking and consumption of alcohol.
Women who experience such serious complications should consult their doctors immediately as these symptoms can become potentially serious. Some symptoms experienced by women are blood clots, visibility problems, problem in speech, breathing problems, or sudden severe body ache or headache and severe pain in the abdomen. Women should also take care to consult the doctor immediately for any pain in the chest, arms or legs, numbness or weakness. Women can also face irregularity in their menstrual cycle even after stopping the intake of birth control pills and need to see their doctor about any irregularities they experience.
Many a times it is not possible to predict or analyze all the symptoms or complications one can face due to intake of birth control pills. Women should avoid smoking and intake of alcohol. There are no effective preventive measures for the common dangers associated with the intake of birth control pills. However, one should always refer a doctor in time to avoid major complications.
