Since the pill’s approval on May 9, 1960, it’s been one of the most carefully studied medications in history. Women’s knowledge has significantly improved since the pill became available, but misinformation still exists. 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.
While some people seem to gain weight on the pill, research has shown no association overall between weight gain and birth control.
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.
The progestin in 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. Switching to 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.
The pill is one of the most effective 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.
On the other hand, you might have underlying fertility issues you’re not aware of when you’re not trying to get pregnant. 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.
About 151 million women worldwide use the pill. For many women, their quality of life is better while taking the pill than when not.
It can minimize premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. The pill can also help regulate your menstrual cycle, so you know exactly when you will have a period (known as a “withdrawal bleed”).
You can also use it to skip your period. Or you can choose an extended cycle pill that reduces the number of periods you have each year. These pills are entirely safe as well.
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.
Oral contraceptives fall into two main categories:
Combination pills: Contain estrogen and progestin Progestin-only pills: Contain progestin but not estrogen
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.
Women who are overweight or obese may also be at greater risk for oral contraceptive failure. However, the research isn’t clear, as noted in a 2016 review of 12 studies.
However, you don’t have a regular menstrual cycle when you use the pill. Since you don’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. In that case, you need to take seven consecutive days of active pills to prevent ovulation. 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). Missing pills at the end of week four may mean you haven’t taken the pills needed to stop ovulation during the next month.
The pill The patch Mirena IUD Depo Provera NuvaRing
Women may use the pill and other hormonal contraceptives solely for non-contraceptive advantages, such as:
More regular periods Controlling the timing of your period Stopping ovulation pain Reducing menstrual cramps Lowering the risk of anemia resulting from heavy periods Minimizing symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Additionally, for some women, pill use can provide protection against:
Excess facial and body hair Ectopic pregnancy Acne Noncancerous breast growths Ovarian cysts and cancer Pelvic inflammatory disease Osteoporosis Menstrual migraines
Have normal blood pressure Don’t have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke Don’t smoke
The pill may be especially beneficial for perimenopausal (around menopause) people in their mid-to-late 40s who have heavy or irregular periods.
A prescription is the only way to get the pill. In general, healthcare providers don’t need a parent’s permission to prescribe the pill to a teenager, but this varies with state laws. Teenagers have to show the healthcare provider they understand the risks and benefits of their decision.
In fact, the pill can have a protective effect against certain cancers. For people at average risk for cancer, the pill may reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers.
Research is limited for people who have a higher risk of cancer because of family history.
The risk of breast cancer is dependent on many factors, such as:
Your age when you first started menstruatingYour age at menopauseYour age at your first pregnancyNot having children
All of these factors can change hormone levels and affect breast cancer risk.
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.
