- Birth control pills like Depo-Provera cause some women to miss periods, especially within the first year. With irregular or decreased periods, it's much more difficult to tell if a woman is pregnant because the usual way to detect pregnancy is a missed period.
- Skin rashes, cramps, hives and severe itching can occur when someone is allergic to latex condoms. If a sexual partner feels uncomfortable while using latex condoms, stop the sex immediately and see a doctor.
- The Ortho Evra (birth control patch) warns women that they could possibly be at risk for cervical cancer.
- Both the Ortho Evra patch and various birth control pills may cause some women to gain weight in a surprisingly quick time frame. Regular exercise can help mediate the effects of weight gain.
- Breasts can become extremely sensitive to the touch, especially during sex while using birth control. It may feel similar to the way breasts feel while a woman is on her period.
- As with any medication, the body has to become accustomed to this new medicine. Because of this, some birth control may cause nausea. This could trick a woman into thinking she is pregnant, or she may assume she's not when she is. See a doctor if the nausea lasts more than a couple of months.
- Blood spots may occur in women who are using birth control pills or a birth control patch. Sometimes spotting is the only thing that occurs, and periods become almost nonexistent; while other times, the spotting can be daily.
