Are birth control pills safe? This is the first question that would pop up in a woman’s mind when the situation demands so but the hesitancy is still strong. If you too have been pondering, just ensure they are consumed safely. It is common knowledge that these pills work and that they can be relied upon to take care of a woman’s sexual health. All you need to keep in mind are some considerations instead of repeatedly asking yourself, “Are pregnancy pills safe?”
Is the Birth Control Pill Safe?
Millions of women have used the birth control pill safely for over fifty years as an effective way to avoid pregnancy. Many women are also known to use birth control pills regularly, and they don’t end up with any serious health conditions.
Can I Take The Birth Control Pill?
Now, the moot question is — are contraception pills safe for you? Studies have shown that birth control pills do not suit everyone. Here are some things you should know about “Is it safe to take birth control pills?”
- Smoking and Estrogen: You should not take combination pills that contain estrogen if you smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day. This is because smokers have a higher chance of getting serious heart problems such as stroke and heart attack, which are linked to estrogen.
- Moderate Smoking: You must discuss with your healthcare provider whether combination pills are a safe option if you smoke fewer than 15 cigarettes a day or use any other nicotine product.
- Progestin-only and Non-Hormonal Options: You may want to try progestin-only pills (POPs) if you smoke. They are also called mini pills. You can also consider other methods of birth control that do not use hormones. This includes the birth control shot, implants, or intrauterine devices (IUDs). These methods are not as dangerous as those that use estrogen.
- Comprehensive Health Evaluation: It is essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation before taking birth control pills. This is to know — is contraceptive pill safe — based on your health history and any existing conditions.
- Alternative Contraceptive Methods: Discuss all available methods, including hormonal and non-hormonal options, to find the most suitable and safe form of birth control.
- Precautions for All Users: Healthy individuals should also know about the risks and side effects that may come with birth control pills. They include blood clots, particularly among women with certain underlying conditions.
Risks of Birth Control Pills
Even though most people think birth control pills are safe, it is important to know the risks they bring along. Heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots are more likely to happen if you take pills that have estrogen and progestin in them. These problems can be hazardous even though they do not occur often. Combination pills that contain progestin and estrogen are usually riskier than estrogen and other hormones.
When thinking about birth control, it is important to talk to your doctor about your medical background and the medication you may be taking. This will help make sure the pill is a good choice. Moreover, one in a thousand women who take the pill every day will still get pregnant. Birth abnormalities are not more likely if you get pregnant while on the pill, though.
It is also important to know that birth control pills do not pose very high risks for most women, but pregnancy can come with a lot more risks. Your doctor can tell you how safe are birth control pills and pick the birth control method that works best for you.
Is it Safe to Take the Pill While Breastfeeding?
It is important to pick a way that will not affect milk production or the baby's health if you are breastfeeding and want to use birth control. Some birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin. So, they are usually not suggested right after giving birth. This is because they might decrease the quality and amount of breast milk in the first three weeks. If you are nursing, doctors usually advise a three-week buffer period post-delivery before taking combination pills. These pills might add hormones to breast milk, but there is not much evidence that they have any significant impact on the baby.
Meanwhile, progestin-only pills, also known as mini-pills, are considered safe to use while breastfeeding. They do not impact the amount of breast milk produced and are deemed safe regarding the baby’s health.
Effect of Birth Control Pills on Periods
High-dose hormonal pills such as emergency contraceptives or morning-after pills can significantly disrupt a woman's menstrual cycle. Taking these pills often leads to irregular bleeding or delays at the onset of the next menstrual period. These side effects result from substantial hormonal adjustments these pills induce to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
Women may experience varied reactions, with common side effects including changes in menstrual timing, nausea, pain, and breast tenderness. These disruptions are generally temporary, with normal cycles typically resuming within the next few months. However, users should be aware of these potential effects and consult healthcare providers if irregularities persist or if there are concerns about using high-dose hormonal contraceptives.
In addition to these, frequent use of emergency contraceptives is not recommended as a primary birth control method. Repeated high hormone exposure can increase the risk of more severe menstrual disturbances and may impact long-term reproductive health. Regular birth control methods with lower hormone amounts, such as daily pills, patches, or IUDs, may offer better balance and dependability for people who want stabler cycle control and fewer side effects.
Conclusion
We hope by now you have stopped wondering, “Are pregnancy pills safe?” The birth control pill is a proven, safe method of contraception, supporting family planning and offering therapeutic advantages through various stages of life, ensuring its sustained value and reliability. Importantly, health insurance is a must, regardless of your existing health condition.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.