Every day, gynecologists explain to their patients the possible side effects of the birth control pills being prescribed for them. Some side effects are relatively harmless, while some have serious implications for the woman who experiences them. Any side effects that make a woman feel uncomfortable or uneasy should be promptly reported back to her doctor.
Acne or No Acne
Some women find that they break out in acne when using birth control pills. Acne breakouts are dependent on the amount of progestin and estrogen that are contained in the pill. Some birth control pills are prescribed to decrease breakouts.
Blood Clots in Lungs
Side effects of the birth control pill can include blood clots in the lungs. Patients are informed of this side effect by not only their physician or pharmacy, but also by the company who is making that particular pill. The company provides information in writing with every package of pills. Some symptoms of blood clots in the lungs can include coughing up blood and chest pains that are sharp. A woman experiencing any of these symptoms should contact her physician immediately.
Blood Clots in Legs
Another serious side effect of taking birth control pills is the possibility of blood clots in the legs. If a woman taking birth control pills experiences symptoms in her legs such as swelling or cramping, she should notify her physician right away.
Bleeding
It is natural for some women to experience cases of light bleeding or spotting from their vagina in the weeks between their periods. A side effect of taking some birth control pills could be a heavier bleeding during this time. Heavier bleeding is not a normal side effect and the patient needs to report this bleeding to her doctor with great haste.
Stroke Symptoms
Headaches can be a common, if less serious, side effect of taking birth control pills. However, if the headache is felt in addition to other signs such as a change in how the woman speaks, and leg or arm numbness, this could be the signs of something far more serious such as a stroke.
Allergic Reactions
Birth control pills also cause some women to experience an allergic reaction. Rashes, along with hives and wheezing, are signs of this side effect. Notifying the physician who prescribed the birth control pill would be advisable.
Lumps
The breasts feeling tender or becoming a little larger in size can be a common symptom of a period. Feeling a lump in the breast, however, can be a side effect of taking birth control pills or, in some cases, something even more serious. Either way, a woman should inform her doctor as soon as possible of this condition.
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