What are the side effects of long-term oral contraceptives?

Many women do not care about taking contraceptive measures during sexual intercourse, but are worried that they may get pregnant afterwards, so they often take contraceptive pills to inhibit fertilization. Long-term use of this type of hormone drugs will have great adverse effects on physiology and other aspects. The following editor will talk about its seriousness. Everyone must read the following article in detail.

1. Early pregnancy-like reaction. Pregnancy-like reactions are common, accounting for about 50% of the number of people taking the medicine. Symptoms are usually severe at first, then become mild and gradually disappear, which may be related to the body's gradual adaptation. A small number of people experience mild early pregnancy-like reactions in the early stages of taking the medication, such as nausea, dizziness, weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, etc. It usually occurs within 1-2 weeks of taking the medicine. The reason is that the estrogen level is temporarily excessive, causing water and sodium retention in the body and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Generally, after taking the medicine for 2 to 3 months, the reaction will disappear or alleviate naturally. Scheduling the medication time before going to bed at night can make the daytime reaction lighter. For those with more severe reactions, vitamin B6 can be taken, 20 mg each time, 3 times a day. If there is still no relief, you can consider changing your contraceptive pill and choose one with lower estrogen content.

2. Menstrual disorders. Decreased menstrual flow or amenorrhea. This situation often occurs after taking short-acting contraceptives. This is because the drugs inhibit ovulation, the ovaries secrete less estrogen, the amount of estrogen contained in the drugs is also less, the endometrium cannot grow normally, the endometrium is thin, so the menstrual flow is reduced, or even menstruation stops. Reduced menstrual flow has no effect on your health. If you miss your period for 2 consecutive months while taking the medication, you should stop taking it and use other contraceptive measures. Most people can return to normal on their own. Amenorrhea often occurs after taking long-acting contraceptives. At this time, progestin drugs such as medroxyprogesterone or norethindrone can be used, or progesterone can be injected. You can also use short-acting contraceptive No. 2, taking 2 tablets every night for 5 to 6 days. Menstruation usually occurs within a week after stopping the medication.

In short, the harm caused by long-term use of birth control pills to women is almost immeasurable. If you don’t pay attention, it may lead to infertility. Therefore, the editor strongly reminds everyone to take it seriously. Don’t think that everything will be fine if you take birth control pills. You must do a good job of prevention from the root. You can choose to use condoms, etc.