That’s why it’s essential to learn all you might about the pill.
By educating yourself, you’re free to make betterchoices about contraceptives.
Women’s knowledge has significantly improved since the pill became available, but misinformation still exists.
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And some women wonder whether it causes adverse effects like bloating or weight gain.
Here are some common pill facts you should know.
Hopefully, they will clear up any confusion about this birth control method.
It’s a common question.
The estrogen in the pill can make some people feel bloated.
This can make you feel as if you weigh more even if you don’t.
But this effect typically goes away.
Theprogestinin the pill may increase your appetite.
In turn, you may eat more.
Eating more can lead to weight gain if not balanced with diet and exercise.
Also, some people may experience water retention.Switchingto a lower-dose pill can reduce this effect.
People often start using the pill during a time of life that corresponds with weight changes.
Although the weight changes are usually unrelated, this contributes to the pill’s reputation for causing weight gain.
There’s no medical reason for a healthy person to do so.
you’ve got the option to take the pill consecutively as long as you need it.
Still, doctors recommend reviewing your contraceptive needs after 15 years of using the pill or at age 35.
The pill is one of the mosteffective contraceptives.
Taking a break may increase your risk of getting pregnant if you’re sexually active.
You should know that it’s possible to get pregnant immediately after stopping the pill.
Irregular periods and other signs that point to fertility problems might only emerge when you stop taking the pill.
So, intermittently stopping the pill makes sense if you’re not sexually active.
It can be a good time to check in with what your hormones are doing.
If you take a break, pay attention to whether you are ovulating and your periods are regular.
Be assured: The birth control pill is one of the world’s most researched and prescribed medications.
Experts confirm it’s a safe and well-tolerated contraception method.
It canminimize premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
you might also use it toskip your period.
Or you could choose an extended-cycle pill that reduces the number of periods you have each year.
These pills are entirely safe as well.
Long-Term Use Doesn’t Affect Fertility
There’s no connection between taking the pill and infertility.
Fertility can return almost immediately after stopping the pill.
That’s why it’s important not to miss one of your pills.
Some people may face a delay in becoming pregnant after stopping pill use.
This is especially true for those who had irregular periods before starting it.
Age is one of the reasons for the confusion about the pill and infertility.
Many people who use the pill delay childbearing until their late 30s.
This is a time when female fertility naturally begins to wane.
Not All Pills Are the Same
Some believe that all birth control pills are the same.
However, there aredifferent brands and varieties of birth control pills.
They can contain different levels of hormones.
Or they may have different doses at various times throughout each pill pack cycle.
Oral contraceptives fall into two main categories:
Each pill brand may affect a person’s body chemistry differently.
They may also offer slightly varying benefits or side effects.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns to help you find a pill that’s best for you.
Opill is the first and only birth control pill available without a prescription.
Smoking and Overweight Are Risks
If you smoke, be honest with your doctor about it.
For this reason, most doctors won’t prescribe combination pills for women over 35 years who smoke.
However, you don’t have a regular menstrual cycle when you use the pill.
Since youdon’t ovulate, there’s not a time when you are more fertile.
Suppose you use a typical 28-day (four-week) combination birth control pill.
No ovulation means no egg for a sperm to fertilize and no chance of becoming pregnant.
The first week (week one) of taking pills is the most critical.
It’s less risky to miss pills in the middle of a pack (weeks two and three).
Forgetting to start your next pack on time extends the pill-free/placebo week past seven days.
There Are Other Uses for the Pill
The uses of the pill go beyond contraception.
Teenagers have to show the healthcare provider they understand the risks and benefits of their decision.
Pills,IUDs, and implantsare proven to be safe and effective in teens.
The Pill May Affect Risk of Some Cancers
Some people worry that the pill can cause cancer.
For most women, this isn’t entirely true.
Generally speaking, using the pill doesn’t increase your overall cancer risk.
In fact, the pill can have a protective effect against certain cancers.
Research is limited for people who have a higher risk of cancer because of family history.
Long-term use of contraceptives is associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer.
However, the risks generally decrease over time after stopping the pill.
The effects on liver cancer risks are not well-defined.
Studies looking into this association with the pill are inconsistent.
A Word From Verywell
Birth control pills have varying effects on different people.
Every one of us is different.
Only you and your doctor can determine whether the pill (and which pill) is right for you.
Ask your doctor any questions you have and share your concerns.
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