Contraception is a safe method of birth control for women. However, whether taking a pill, using a IUD or a diaphragm, using a patch or receiving a Depo-Provera shot, users should be aware of the potential side effects.
Types of Contraceptives
Contraception can be swallowed in pill form, inserted in IUD/diaphragm form, received in a patch or endured through a shot. Some popular birth control brands include Seasonique, Yaz, Yasmine and Loestrin 24 Fe. Birth control pills come in different durations, including 28-day pills, such as Yaz and Loestrin, which contain 24 days of hormones and four days of placebo pills. Due to the artificial hormones, all of these pills may cause side effects. For those first using hormones, breakthrough bleeding is a major side effect. This can occur for several months after beginning to take birth control.
Function
Birth control is responsible for mimicking the hormones that the body produces by providing artificial hormones (estrogen and progestin). This helps to suppress ovulation in women. The hormones also increase and thicken the cervix mucus, which also helps protect against sperm. This is a major reason why fertilization of the egg does not occur with the use of contraceptives.
Features
While all contraceptives have some type of side effects, others have long-lasting effects that make the negative effects worth the trouble. Birth control pills, such as Yaz, are used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD) and acne. This is the first pill used to treat the symptoms of PMS and mood swings in women.
Misconceptions
Many using birth control believe that the use of the pill protects them from STDs. However, for full protection it is imperative that a condom is used in conjunction with birth control pills, IUDs, patches or a shot. Condoms are the only protection against direct contact and bacteria that may result in HPV and HIV. Even then, condoms do not offer 100 percent protection.
Warning
It is important to note that if breakthrough bleeding continues for several months, to consult your OB/GYN. Spotting is normal for the first three months, but if bleeding persists heavily for more than a week afterward, hemorrhaging can result. Consult a doctor right away.
Tags: birth control, control pills, side effects, artificial hormones, Birth control pills, breakthrough bleeding, pills such
