Side Effects of Birth Control Pills: Your Concerns Addressed

Side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question.
I have been taking the Alesse 21-day birth control pill for six months, but after finishing the pack in February, my period did not arrive until the sixth day after finishing the pills.
I started taking the birth control pills again on the day my period started.
Since March 6, I have experienced abdominal pain, breast tenderness, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Could these symptoms be side effects of the birth control pills? Later, when I had two pills left (on March 10), I started noticing brown discharge.
On March 13, after finishing the pills, I began to bleed.
Does this count as my period? Additionally, I had unprotected intercourse on March 11, 12, and 13, with ejaculation inside.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

J, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/14

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should be menstruation, and you are likely not pregnant.
The correct way to start taking birth control pills is on the fifth day of your period.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/03/14

More Info

When it comes to understanding the side effects of birth control pills, particularly the one you are using (Alesse, a combination oral contraceptive), it's essential to recognize that these medications can indeed cause a variety of side effects, some of which you are experiencing.
Firstly, it's not uncommon for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle when starting or continuing on birth control pills. The delay in your period after finishing the pack could be attributed to the hormonal changes induced by the pill. Birth control pills work by regulating hormones to prevent ovulation, and this can sometimes lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle, especially in the initial months of use or when there are changes in how the pills are taken.

The symptoms you mentioned—abdominal pain, breast tenderness, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting—are known side effects of hormonal contraceptives. These side effects can occur as your body adjusts to the hormones in the pill. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any other potential issues.

Regarding the brown discharge you observed, this can often be a sign of old blood leaving the body, which can happen at the beginning or end of a menstrual period. The bleeding you experienced on March 13, after finishing your pill pack, could indeed be your withdrawal bleed, which is a common occurrence when stopping the active pills. This bleed typically mimics a menstrual period and is a result of the drop in hormone levels after the last active pill.

As for the concern about potential pregnancy, if you had unprotected intercourse during the days leading up to your withdrawal bleed and the active pills were taken correctly, the likelihood of pregnancy is low. Birth control pills are designed to provide effective contraception when taken as directed. However, if you missed any pills or did not take them consistently, this could increase the risk of pregnancy. If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, it would be prudent to take a home pregnancy test or consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing could very well be side effects of the birth control pill, and the changes in your menstrual cycle are not uncommon. However, if you have any doubts or if your symptoms are severe, it is always best to seek medical advice. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance and support based on your specific situation, ensuring that you have the most accurate information and care.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Birth Control Pill Side Effects: What to Expect

Hello, I started taking birth control pills for the first time this month from a regular pharmacy. I heard from the pharmacist that there can be side effects from birth control pills, such as hair loss, acne, or eczema, so I plan to take vitamin supplements alongside them. I'...

Dr. Wei Fumao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Currently, the dosage of contraceptive pills is generally lower, but similar side effects as you mentioned may still occur. However, it is necessary to try them to determine if these side effects will manifest.

Understanding Birth Control Pills: Side Effects and Fertility Concerns

Hello Doctor: I have been taking birth control pills, but later a colleague seriously told me that taking the pills has side effects and can be harmful to the body, possibly leading to infertility in the future. However, I have been taking them for several months and feel no disc...

Dr. Wei Fumao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Please choose a lower dose contraceptive pill. A triphasic pill is preferable, and it is best to take it for six months followed by a one-month break (to reduce excessive suppression of ovulation during the medication break).

Understanding Birth Control Pill Side Effects and Their Impact on Health

Hello Doctor, I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill (Mireille) for almost a year since last year, but recently I have been experiencing significant headaches a few days before my menstrual period for the past two months. The headaches can even last until the second day o...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you can continue to observe for a while. If there is still no improvement, you may try switching to a different brand. If there is no improvement after that, then discontinue the medication and monitor for a period of time. Wishing you good health.

Managing Side Effects of Birth Control Pills: Tips and Nutritional Needs

Hello, doctor! I have a habit of taking contraceptive pills, but I occasionally feel nauseous and bloated, even though I have chosen a lower-dose medication. Are there any ways to improve this? Additionally, should I supplement with any extra nutrients while taking oral contracep...

Dr. Wu Huiling reply Pharmacology
The principle of oral contraceptives is to use medication to keep a woman's body in a constant state of pregnancy. Common short-term side effects include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, edema, headaches, elevated blood pressure, increased blood sugar, acne, and nervousn...