Will the pill work for you?

If you’ve read parts of this blog before or follow me on twitter then you will know that I had a hysterectomy in 2012. This was after having endometriosis and if you want to know more about what I went through, you can read the post I wrote for Zusterchap.

One of the downsides to a condition like endometriosis is the fact that your doctor will try you on every type of contraceptive pill going to see if that will ease the side effects of the endo. What I found when I was being given various pills and tablets from the doctor and very little information. This is where I feel as a blogger I can make a difference in the world (even if it’s just to one or two people) and share information from around the web that I wish I’d been able to find when I was looking for info rather than the horror stories which was what I actually found.

When I was being given new pills I’d always have a list of questions for the doctor:

Should I expect any side effects?
What are the side effects I can expect?
Is there an alternative if this doesn’t work for me?
Any other advice for me?

So should you expect side effects if you go on the pill?

The answer is if you’re looking for a way to practice safe sex, you may want to consider using a method of contraception. However, with so many different types on offer, it can be tricky deciding which one is right for you.

While there are a variety of contraceptive pill types available, the combined pill is the most popular. Also referred to simply as “the pill”, this birth control method needs to be taken at the same time each day for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break. During this time, you will have a bleed similar to that of a period. After the break, you will start taking the pill again.

Although you may understand how the combined pill works and how you can benefit from taking it, you might be worried about the effect it could have on your body. So that you’re fully up to speed with this particular method of contraception, keep reading.

The side effects

Many women who take the combined pill do not experience any side effects at all. However, in some cases, users suffer minor symptoms, including mood swings, nausea, sensitive breasts, and headaches. These side effects usually occur within a few days or weeks of starting this method of contraception and they normally pass over time. It’s also common to have some light bleeding between your periods at first, but this should settle after you’ve been taking it for some time. If you’re on the pill and these problems persist, you should speak to your doctor.

There is a very low risk of experiencing some more serious side effects too, such as increased blood pressure, so it’s crucial that you go for regular checks at least every six months. There is also a link to an increased risk of breast cancer, so if this runs in your family, the combined pill may not be suitable for you.

The alternatives

Should you feel that the combined pill is not the right fit for you, you could try an alternative method of contraception. From condoms to the contraceptive injection, to the intrauterine device, there are a whole range of different types of birth control that you could try instead. To learn more about the options that are available to you, you should speak to your GP or refer to a trusted online source.

If you’re keen to avoid using the combined pill due to its potential side effects, it’s important to note that you may experience similar symptoms with another type of contraceptive too.

While there are some side effects associated with it, the combined pill is generally a safe and convenient method of contraception to use.

My advice

One of the most important things I learnt from the time I had endometriosis and now being a few years post op is that you are the one that knows your body. Not the health professionals – you! Feel that the drugs aren’t doing what they’re meant to or that you just don’t feel quite right then go back and tell them. Make a diary or take notes with you so you don’t forget anything and if you know what treatment you think will be right for you then push until you get what you want. It took me years to get the operation I wanted and I hate to think what state I would be in if I hadn’t pushed for what I knew was right for me.

Does the pill work for you or do you have a question about endometriosis?

Leave me a comment or find me on Twitter.

This was a collaborative post.

You’ll Also Love

My May Advertisers