Birth control is radically influencing women’s health and autonomy. While many are familiar with common side effects, there are lesser-known impacts that every woman should be aware of.
These side effects go beyond the obvious, surprisingly affecting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This blog post explores some unexpected ways birth control can affect your body and mind.
Table of Contents
Emotional and Mental Health Changes
Many women don’t realize that birth control can have a significant impact on their mental health. A UCLA Health study indicates a potential link between hormonal birth control and an increased risk of chronic inflammation and depression. The study concludes that women using hormonal contraceptives react differently to stress than those who don’t use them. It can cause mood swings, anxiety, or even depressive symptoms after starting hormonal contraceptives.
For some women, switching to a different form of contraception or adjusting the dosage can help manage these side effects. However, first, consult a physician if you experience drastic mood swings.
Impact on Libido
Another lesser-known side effect of birth control is its impact on sexual desire. CNN highlights that some women report decreased libido or changes in sexual function while on hormonal contraceptives. The reason is that estrogen secretes a protein, limiting free testosterone in the bloodstream. This results in reduced sex drive, changes in vaginal lubrication, or even differences in orgasm intensity.
These effects aren’t universal, and many women experience no or reverse changes. But if you notice shifts in your sexual health after starting birth control, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider. Several options are available, and finding the right fit for your body and lifestyle is crucial.
When Birth Control Fails: Device Breakage
In some cases, non-hormonal birth control methods like the copper IUD can fail due to device malfunction. For instance, TorHoerman Law confirms that Paragard, a widely used copper IUD, can break inside the body during removal. This resulted in complications such as organ damage, infertility, and chronic pain requiring corrective surgery.
In such cases, it’s essential to seek medical intervention promptly. Women who have experienced such issues often turn to a Paragard lawyer to discuss their legal options and receive compensation for medical costs. These incidents, while infrequent, highlight the importance of being aware of the risks associated with non-hormonal birth control devices.
Unexpected Cardiovascular Effects
While many women use birth control without issue, it’s important to be aware of potential cardiovascular risks. TIME notes that estrogen-based contraceptives increase the risk of blood clots and stroke in some women. They increase clotting factor levels by deceiving the body into assuming it’s pregnant.
However, the National Blood Clot Alliance says this risk is minimal. Only 1 in 3000 women is in danger from one. However, those with certain stroke and blood clot risk factors like smoking or high blood pressure should consult their physicians before considering contraceptives. This doesn’t mean birth control is unsafe, but it does highlight the importance of personalized risk assessment. Your doctor can help you assess the benefits and risks based on your health profile.
Hair Loss and Skin Changes
Hormonal contraception can also harm hair and skin. Many women start birth control to help with acne, but the effects on your skin can go beyond just clearing up blemishes. HowStuffWorks points out that hormonal contraceptives can sometimes lead to hyperpigmentation or melasma — patches of darkened skin, usually on the face.
You can also expect some oiliness, and these pills disrupt androgen levels, stimulating sebum production. Likewise, it can also cause hirsutism, characterized by coarse hair growth in unwanted areas. While these changes are often harmless, they can be distressing for some women.
Moreover, these skin-cleaning hormones can sometimes cause hair thinning or loss. Synthetic progestin in birth control has androgenic activity, meaning it replicates male hormone effects. Medical News Today states this can alter your hair growth cycle, thus increasing shedding or thinning over time. Women with a genetic tendency toward hormonal-driven hair loss or hypersensitivity to hormonal disturbances are more likely to experience it.
For some women, these effects are temporary, and hair growth returns to normal once the body adjusts to the new hormone levels. However, if hair loss continues, you should explore a different form of contraception or consult a dermatologist.
Cancer
The relationship between birth control and cancer is complex and often misunderstood. According to GoodRx, studies show that using contraceptive pills may slightly increase the odds of certain cancers, like breast and cervical cancer. However, the risk is relatively small for younger women and tends to increase with age. Furthermore, if you quit taking the pills, the risks will subside.
Conversely, hormonal contraceptives may lower the risk of other cancers, such as ovarian, colorectal, and endometrial cancer. The overall impact varies depending on factors like the type of birth control used and the duration of use. It’s vital to discuss your unique risk parameters with your doctor to make an unbiased call about the right contraceptive for you.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. Can birth control affect my eyesight?
Yes, it’s possible. Some women develop dry eyes or vision lapses during birth control. Moreover, hormonal contraceptives also increase the risk of glaucoma. If you notice any vision problems, talk to an ophthalmologist. They can help diagnose if your birth control is the cause and prescribe solutions.
Q2. Can birth control help conditions besides preventing pregnancy?
Yes! Birth control can help manage conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, anemia, and heavy periods. It may also reduce the likelihood of certain cancers. However, benefits vary according to the birth control method and individual health factors. Always turn to your healthcare advisor for individualized assistance.
Q3. Can birth control impact long-term fertility?
Generally, no. Most women regain normal fertility soon after quitting hormonal birth control. However, your menstrual cycle will need a few months to regulate. If you have doubts about your fertility after stopping birth control, talk to a fertility specialist.
Birth control is a private matter, and what works for one woman may not be ideal for another. The side effects we’ve discussed don’t happen to everyone, and many women use birth control for years without issues. However, being aware of these potential effects frees you to make rational choices about your health.
Always weigh your options and any uncertainties with a healthcare practitioner. They can help you evaluate the benefits and harms of different methods and find the best fit for your body and lifestyle. Remember, your health journey is unique, and you deserve a contraceptive solution that aligns with your needs and values.
