Side Effects of Pre-Contraceptive Pills: A Guide for Women

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello, doctor.
I'm really concerned about this issue.
My girlfriend started taking the oral contraceptive pill (brand: Aiyue) on the first day of her period.
She had no issues on the first and second days, but by the third day, she began experiencing side effects, including dizziness, which continued until the seventh day when she finished the pack (she took the first pill at 10:30 AM, and the subsequent doses were taken about 30 minutes to 1 hour later than usual).

The day after finishing the pills, we had sexual intercourse using the withdrawal method, and then she started experiencing various symptoms, such as breast tenderness, a feeling of heaviness in the uterus, and light spotting.
Initially, we thought it was her period, but it has been 7 to 8 days, and she continues to have light bleeding, which started as brown and later changed to red and then back to brown.

By the tenth day, she began feeling a dull ache in her uterus and lower back pain (she has been taking the contraceptive pills consistently after the first week).
We believe these symptoms are side effects.
The symptoms do not occur in the morning but start appearing around noon.
A few months ago, she used emergency contraception.

Doctor, could you please advise if these are side effects of the oral contraceptive pill? Thank you for your guidance.

Peng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/25

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you can start taking the contraceptive pill on the fifth day of your menstrual period.
It doesn't have to be taken at the exact same time; a general timeframe is sufficient.
As long as you take it regularly, it will be effective for contraception.
If you experience any discomfort after taking it, it may indicate that the pill is not suitable for you, and I recommend consulting a gynecologist to adjust the medication.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/02/25

More Info

When it comes to understanding the side effects of pre-conception contraceptive pills, it's important to recognize that these medications can have a range of effects on women's bodies. The experience of side effects can vary significantly from person to person, and many factors can influence how an individual reacts to hormonal contraceptives.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that the contraceptive pill, such as the one your girlfriend is taking (愛月錠), contains hormones that can affect the menstrual cycle and overall hormonal balance in the body. Common side effects of hormonal contraceptives include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, and irregular bleeding. The symptoms your girlfriend is experiencing—such as breast tenderness, a feeling of heaviness in the uterus, and spotting—are not uncommon, especially in the initial months of starting a new contraceptive method.

The spotting or light bleeding that she is experiencing, particularly if it is brown or red in color, could be a result of hormonal fluctuations as her body adjusts to the new medication. This is often referred to as "breakthrough bleeding," which can occur in the first few months of starting the pill. It is generally not a cause for concern unless it is excessively heavy or accompanied by severe pain.

Regarding the timing of taking the pill, consistency is key for maximizing its effectiveness. While taking the pill within a window of a few hours is usually acceptable, significant deviations from the regular schedule can potentially reduce its effectiveness. However, if your girlfriend has been taking her pills regularly after the initial few days, the likelihood of reduced contraceptive efficacy is low.

The symptoms of dizziness and discomfort that she is experiencing could also be attributed to the hormonal changes induced by the contraceptive pill. These side effects can sometimes diminish after the body adjusts to the medication, which typically takes a few months. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable for her to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any other underlying issues or to discuss the possibility of switching to a different formulation of the pill that may be better tolerated.

It's also worth noting that if she had previously taken emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it can temporarily disrupt the menstrual cycle and may contribute to irregular bleeding patterns. This could explain some of the symptoms she is experiencing, especially if the timing of her last use of emergency contraception coincides with the start of her current contraceptive regimen.

In conclusion, while the side effects your girlfriend is experiencing can be concerning, they are not uncommon for someone starting a new contraceptive pill. Monitoring her symptoms and maintaining open communication with her healthcare provider will be crucial in managing any side effects and ensuring that she finds a contraceptive method that works well for her. If she continues to experience significant discomfort or irregular bleeding beyond a few months, seeking medical advice would be the best course of action.

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