Birth Control Pill Side Effects and Menstrual Changes

Side effects of taking pre-conception contraceptive pills one month later?

Hello Doctor: My girlfriend has been taking birth control pills for over a month and has experienced side effects such as breast swelling, light bleeding, and headaches.
Normally, her period should have arrived by now, but it hasn't.
Could this be due to the side effects of the birth control pills affecting her cycle, or is there a possibility of pregnancy? We have had sexual intercourse, but there was no ejaculation inside; it was all external.
Thank you, Doctor.

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/13

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical consultation but rather a remedial course in sexual education.
For such inquiries, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Service's "Sexual Wellness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Adolescent Contraceptive Guidance Consultation" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.

Hello, the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) must be taken at the same time every day.
When taken correctly, it can achieve a 99% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy.
During the usage period, if menstruation occurs or there is bleeding, there is no need to stop taking the pill; continue to take it as scheduled.
Once the body adjusts to the contraceptive, abnormal bleeding should cease.
However, if irregular bleeding persists for more than three months or if there is heavy bleeding, it is advisable to consult a physician.

Common side effects of contraceptive pills include: headaches, dizziness, heavy or irregular menstruation, nausea, vomiting, edema, increased cervical mucus, cervical hypertrophy, increased appetite, weight gain, skin itching, acne, fatigue, depression, flushing, feelings of weakness, breast tenderness, and increased risk of yeast infections, among others.

Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/06/13

More Info

When it comes to understanding the side effects of birth control pills and their impact on menstrual cycles, it's important to consider several factors. Birth control pills, particularly combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, can indeed cause a variety of side effects, including breast tenderness, headaches, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.
In your girlfriend's case, the symptoms she is experiencing—breast swelling, light spotting, and headaches—are common side effects of hormonal contraceptives. These side effects occur as the body adjusts to the hormones introduced by the pill. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding can happen, especially in the first few months of starting the pill, and this is usually not a cause for concern.
Regarding the absence of her expected menstrual period, this can also be attributed to the hormonal changes caused by the birth control pill. Many women experience lighter periods or even missed periods while on the pill, particularly if they are taking a low-dose formulation. This is due to the way the pill works to suppress ovulation and alter the uterine lining, making it less likely for a period to occur.
However, it is also important to consider the possibility of pregnancy, especially since you mentioned that there were sexual encounters, albeit with withdrawal (pull-out method). While the withdrawal method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and if there was any failure in the method, there is a chance of pregnancy.
If your girlfriend has missed her period and is experiencing these symptoms, it would be wise for her to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. These tests are generally reliable and can provide peace of mind. If the test is negative and her symptoms persist, it would be advisable for her to consult with a healthcare provider. They can assess her situation more thoroughly, possibly adjusting her birth control method if necessary or addressing any underlying issues that may be causing her symptoms.

In summary, while the side effects she is experiencing can be attributed to the birth control pill, the missed period could also indicate pregnancy. It is essential to take a pregnancy test and consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Birth control pills can significantly affect menstrual cycles, but understanding these changes and monitoring them is crucial for reproductive health.

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