Convenient and highly appreciated, the pill has some disadvantages and some side effects. Here’s what they are and what to do about them
The contraceptive pill is an oral hormonal contraceptive, appreciated by more than 100 million women worldwide for guaranteeing coverage and because it is particularly convenient. There are many advantages, some disadvantages and few or fewer side effects. Let’s try to see together what they are.
How contraceptive pill works
What is it about exactly? The contraceptive pill is an oral drug, composed of a mix of female hormones , estrogen and progesterone, which, if taken regularly, inhibit ovulation. There are two types of pills, both with hormonal content: the combined pill and the mini-pill . The two types differ because the former contains a synthetic version of both estrogen and progesterone, while the latter contains only a synthetic version of progesterone. In terms of coverage and use, there are no huge differences.
Advantages and disadvantages
The contraceptive pill is almost always chosen by women who are in a stable relationship, with a stable partner and with whom a short-term pregnancy is not expected. It is possible to stop taking the baby at any time, but it is in any case inconvenient to start taking hormones for a short period (it is still a drug and the body needs some adjustment time to “get used to” taking it) .On the other hand, the pill has guaranteed coverage in very high percentages to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and for this reason it is not the contraceptive indicated for occasional intercourse. Another disadvantage may be that of daily and regular intake, more or less at the same time every day. On the other hand, however, it does not provide for the interruption of the relationship or the insertion of physical barriers of any kind (unless you want or have to combine the condom in case of forgetfulness or occasional partners).
When it is not recommended
Now at very low hormonal dosages and available in various formulations, the contraceptive pill is recommended for young, older and even breastfeeding women . The gynecologist and consulting room can identify the best and most suitable type for every need and situation. In very few circumstances it is contraindicated, and usually in the face of important diagnoses , such as in the case of cancer of the uterus or breast; of liver tumors; of heart and vascular diseases; or liver or kidney failure. 
The side effects
Being a drug, however, some side effects are expected, depending on the dosage and the “tolerance” of the organism. It is always good to consult a doctor at the time of the onset of discomfort, to verify its severity and risk. Here are the main side effects of the pill, which are likely but do not always occur.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting caused by the pill, indeed by the hormones it contains, are less and less frequent , and there are very few women who complain about them. They can occur in the first months , in the period of adjustment. Nausea usually subsides after the first three months, but if it persists, it is advisable to seek advice before interrupting the intake on your own. In case of nausea it is good to choose light foods, absorb with bread and crackers, and prefer small but frequent meals so as not to add weight.
Headache and migraine
The relationship between headache and the pill is very personal and still depends on the variation of hormone levels. Some women’s migraine gets better with taking the pill; while for others, especially during off days with low estrogen , the attacks become more frequent and acute. In very few cases, with the start of contraceptive treatment, headaches appear even though they have never suffered from them. Magnesium is a great remedy for headaches , to be taken in powder form diluted in water (ask your doctor for formulation and dosage).
Breast tension
As occurs physiologically during ovulation, it is also possible to experience a sensation of swollen and tense breasts when taking the pill . It doesn’t necessarily happen, but eventually the discomfort can be perceived 1 or 2 weeks before the cycle, especially in young women between 20 and 30 years old. Hot water compresses can provide relief, we avoid rigid bras and only in case of very strong pain is it recommended to take painkillers.
Water retention
Feeling of swollen legs and water retention are effects and annoyances that have almost completely disappeared in the latest generation pills, with a rather low hormonal dosage. It is possible that the phenomenon is strengthened in women and girls who already suffer from it, or with a slow metabolism (for which weight could also increase). It is important, when taking the pill but in general, to pay attention to a healthy diet and to do physical activity and sport, which help to drain and keep the body healthy.
Spotting
This is intermenstrual bleeding. It usually happens in the first months of taking it, and in any case only to 10% of women taking the contraceptive pill. If the losses are abundant or persist, it is advisable to consult the gynecologist to verify their nature and evaluate the possible suspension of the drug.
Less desire
A decidedly unwanted effect that often terrifies young women is the decrease in desire and libido, caused by alterations in the hormone levels of all hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, but also the patch and the ring. In fact it can happen, but especially in the long term, after years of hiring, and in any case also based on the nature and timing of the relationship (it is quite physiological that in stable and lasting relationships, passion has peaks and declines of desire). The pill could also lead to vaginal dryness , and in this case it would be good to use lubricants to avoid pain during intercourse. In any case, even with low-dose pills, one is recommended break of a few months every three years of intake, to allow ovulation and the return of libido.
Serious side effects
Then there are other side effects of a more serious dimension, for which to intervene immediately with the advice of a gynecologist, such as: cardiovascular pathologies ; hypertension (blood pressure should be monitored while taking the pill, at least every 6 months/one year); increased blood clotting (which is why it is probable that the pill should be suspended before invasive operations). The percentages are really very low but it’s good not to belittle or ignore all the symptoms.
The healing pill
However, the contraceptive pill also has several advantages and it is not uncommon for it to be recommended to improve some discomforts. Specifically it can be useful for regularizing the cycle , since the pill, especially in the long term, makes the cycle regular and less intense, also decreasing menstrual and pre-menstrual pain . The pill is also recommended in adolescence and puberty to improve skin and hair health, and against acne because it reduces sebum production. 
