Birth control medication is statistically the most popular form of contraception in use. Once limited to the iconic once-a-day "birth control pill", contraception is now available with or with-out hormones, as well as in a variety of forms: mini-pills, injections, patches, and intrauterine devices. So, too, are the types of birth control side effects and their prevalence according to numerous reports by patients, doctors, medical research and pharmacology companies.
The following side effects are commonly associated with birth control medications: mood swings, nausea, swollen or tender breasts, weight gain, and lighter menstrual periods.
Less Common Types
The following side effects are less commonly experienced in association with birth control medications, yet considered to be far more serious when they are experienced: aching or swelling in the legs and thighs, blurred vision, severe headaches or migraines, stomach pain, and chest pain.
Misconceptions
Birth control does not increase the risk of cancer, Women's Health Magazine reports. It has no effect on breast cancer and actually reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers over a woman's lifetime.
Benefits
Hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills, tends to stabilize the hormone levels in women who use it, resulting in a reduced number and intensity of mood swings.
Theories/Speculation
According to a review of 70 different studies by the Centers for Disease Control, birth control does not directly contribute to weight gain. More appropriately, birth control side effects should include a difficulty to lose weight.
