- When the birth control pill was first introduced, it contained high doses of hormones, and therefore proved to have dangerous side effects to women. Today, birth control pills contain far lower doses of hormones and are therefore much safer.
- Most negative side effects of the birth control pill are relatively mild and not dangerous, and include spotting between periods, nausea and/or vomiting and breast tenderness.
- Serious effects of the birth control pill include high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attack or stroke. These conditions, as a result of the birth control pill, are quite rare, but do occur, so women should always talk with their doctors.
- Chances of serious side effects are increased for women with certain risk factors including smoking, having high blood pressure, being extremely overweight or being over 35. Women with these risk factors should avoid the pill and closely consult their doctor if taking it.
- It is often stated that the birth control pill is linked with breast cancer, however, most studies have shown that the birth control has little to no effect on breast cancer development.
