There will always be controversies surrounding the topic of contraception and its economic effects on a certain country. Millions of women who have taken birth control are more likely to live better lives than those who don’t.
If you’re looking into birth control, there are certain side effects that you may need to know first. These birth control side effects can sometimes be very difficult to manage.
Having a guide with all the common birth control side effects can help you prepare and manage them better. Check out the article below to learn more.
What is Birth Control?
Birth control, also known as contraception, is a method that prevents fertilization or pregnancy in women.
There are a lot of different types of birth control ranging from daily pills to devices inserted into the vagina.
Many birth control methods are far more effective at preventing pregnancy than others. Women can also have varying side effects depending on the type of birth control they’re using.
Choosing the right birth control is important as it can also prevent sexually transmitted infections and it can even help build your future.
How Does It Work?
There are different kinds of birth control and each one has a specific mechanism that prevents pregnancy.
Birth control pills use hormones that prevent the onset of pregnancy. Devices that are inserted into the vagina prevent and remove sperm cells from reaching the egg cells in the uterus.
Injections control your hormones so you don’t ovulate and decrease the risk of being pregnant.
5 Common Birth Control Side Effects
Many birth control pills and other methods of contraception are very effective at preventing pregnancy.
While they are taken to control your hormones, they also have some side effects on your body.
Many of these side effects tend to be annoying for many while other side effects can pose a serious health problem in the future.
These are the common birth control side effects.
Breast Tenderness
One of the most common side effects of taking birth control is breast enlargement and tenderness. This usually happens after taking birth control pills.
You can use a supportive bra to reduce breast tenderness. Try to lower salt and caffeine in your diet as well.
This usually gets better after a few weeks. If the side effect continues, you should check it with your doctor who prescribed your birth control.
Spotting
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding is another common side effect of taking birth control pills. This effect usually lasts around the first 3 months of taking the pills.
Users will get mild cramps during spotting but these symptoms will go out on their own after several months.
If you are still experiencing spotting after the first few months or heavy bleeding that won’t go away after 3 days, you should contact your provider.
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea or the lack of a monthly period is another common side effect of birth control. Since birth control prevents you from releasing egg cells from your ovaries, there are instances that you might not have your monthly period.
Amenorrhea also happens when the user is under stress, has hormonal issues, or is currently sick.
A pregnancy test should be required before you take any new birth control pills just to rule out any issues. Talk to your doctor if this has become bothersome for you.
Nausea and Headaches
Nausea and headaches are quite common for women who have recently taken birth control pills.
They are also very prevalent in women who have taken shots of birth control. This is very common for those who just started taking pills.
Normally, this will go away within a few days but you can also try taking your birth control pills with food.
Weight Gain
Weight gain often happens when you take birth control no matter the method. Many users often report fluid retention in the breast and hip area which can increase your weight.
If this happens, try to avoid eating salty food or skip your morning coffee.
This can help reduce fluid retention and provide you with the relief that you need. Weight fluctuations are common occurrences for women who take birth control.
Economic Effects of Birth Control
While there are many side effects of birth control, there are also positive economic and financial effects of birth control especially for women.
Not only does it prevent unwanted pregnancy that may cause financial strain in an individual, but it also helps promote wellness to women all over the world.
This is why birth control is an important aspect of every government.
It prevents overpopulation which causes even more strain to the government as well as prevents the increase of poverty in a certain country.
Improve Educational Opportunities
Women who have access to birth control are 20% more likely to enroll in college. This means that they can have more opportunities for work later on in life.
Women in their early 20s who have access to contraception earn more when they reach the age of 40 as opposed to women who do not have access.
By 50, they earn 8% more than women who have not taken any contraceptive methods. This also helps the family as children whose parents have practiced contraception have higher chances of better learning and earnings in the future.
Reduce the Gender Wage Gap
Another great reason to take birth control is that it also allows you to take on your dream career. Women who take contraceptives and manage birth control have better chances of getting to their dream jobs.
It can even help them pursue new careers which then reduces the gender wage gap.
Being able to earn the same amount of benefits and salaries as their male counterparts increases the likelihood of a better economy for a country.
Conclusion
Birth control has always been a subject of discussion for many decades now. Even with birth control, women will have to undergo different kinds of side effects. It is best that you can identify these side effects so you will know how to treat and manage them properly.
