Women swear by birth control pills or “the pill’ to delay or prevent pregnancy, and this much is true. In fact, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the pill is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy. This means that about 99 out of 100 women who use the pill as they will not get pregnant in 12 months. Barring improper use, the pill remains a very effective contraceptive. However, not without a few trade-offs
First, let’s learn the basics of the pill
Contraceptive pills are synthetic forms of your reproductive hormones - progesterone and estrogen. However, they are of different types and hormonal components. Some contain both forms of the hormones and others contain only progesterone. Oral contraceptives that contain only progesterone are called progestin-only contraceptives or the “mini-pill,” while the ones that contain both hormones are called combination pills.
Whichever type your doctor recommends, here are some potential side effects you should keep in mind before using the oral contraceptive pill:
This is called breakthrough vaginal bleeding. After you start to use contraceptive pills, you may experience vaginal bleeding between your periods. This bleeding usually happens because your uterus is adjusting to the new levels of reproductive hormones you are consuming in the pill.
Although breakthrough vaginal bleeding with the pill is harmless and resolves on its own, you should visit your healthcare provider if you experience heavy bleeding for more than 3 days.
Remember we said birth control pills contain synthetic forms of the reproductive hormones in your body, so they will have effects on your breasts. While on the pill, you may experience heaviness and pain in your breast but not to worry, these symptoms typically resolve after a few weeks of taking the drug.
If the pain or swelling becomes persistent and discomforting, please visit your healthcare professional as soon as you can.
Contraceptive pills can worsen headaches and migraines; however, this is dependent on the type and dosage of the pills. If you use a low-dose pill, you may not experience this or may only experience a mild headache. This symptom improves as you continue using the pill, but ensure to seek medical help if you experience a severe headache.
Many women who use contraceptive pills find that they gain weight after starting it. This is true, and studies suggest that fluid retention in the body caused by the pill may be a cause. 
So don’t fret when you notice that you’ve added a few extra pounds when you start the pill, its the pill causing it, and you can shed the extra weight off by exercising and staying away from fatty food and refined carbs.
Have you or your partner noticed you act a type of way since you started the pill? Well, look no further; its the pill. Scientists have figured out that taking oral contraceptives could cause mild mood and emotional changes, such as irritability and frequent mood swings, and may increase your risk of depression.
But that’s not a reason to discontinue yet. Seek medical advice and practice tips to boost your mental health while you are on the pill.
Don’t be caught off guard with this one. If you take the pill, you may miss your periods. And the reason is simple: birth control pills prevent ovulation, which may delay or prevent your next period from coming. However, not all women experience this; other women may just have very light periods.
However, please note that if you miss your period while taking the pill, you may need to have a pregnancy test done before starting the next pack. This is so you’re sure the missed period isn’t a sign of pregnancy.
Remember, oral contraceptive pills have a high success rate if you use them as prescribed. Just be aware of these possible symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider before getting a prescription.
