The birth control pill is a widely used contraceptive. However, many users underestimate the side effects of the pill – for themselves and the environment. Here you can find out which risks you should deal with.
The pill: not as harmless as its reputation
When young women are looking for a method of contraception, gynecologists usually prescribe birth control pills for them. The main argument in favor of the pill is that it prevents pregnancy very safely and easily and that most women tolerate it well. However, the pill can cause a number of side effects.
The pill contains hormones that the female body naturally produces itself. When you take the pill, your body’s hormones become unbalanced and the body becomes unresponsive to pregnancy. This is one radical intervention in your hormonal balance. You have to be aware of that.
The side effects vary from woman to woman and also depend on the pill you take. You can download the instruction leaflet for most brands from the Internet if you haven’t kept it yourself. Note that some symptoms can also be caused by other factors – such as stress – can be triggered.
Physical side effects of the pill
Common and occasional physical side effects are:
- headache (PDF)
- Breast pain, breast discomfort, breast tenderness (PDF)
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Inflammation of the genitals, vaginal yeast infections: Your vaginal flora may be unbalanced by taking the pill. It can happen that the protective bacteria do not work as usual. Then it can lead to infection or fungus as well Bladder infections come. When the pill reduces the levels of the hormone estrogen, the vagina is no longer able to keep itself sufficiently moist. This can cause pain and itching during sex.
- dizziness
- migraine
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larger breasts: Many women see this side effect as positive.
- Intermenstrual bleeding
Psychological side effects of the pill
Common and occasional psychological side effects are:
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Depressive moods: A study by the University of Copenhagen found that women who take the pill are more likely to get a prescription for depressive symptoms. Less often it can be persistent depressions come.
- More appetite (PDF): Many women gain weight because of this when they take the pill.
- Listlessness
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less desire for sex: some users complain of a reduced libido, i.e. less interest in sexual interaction.
Residues of the pill in the groundwater: consequences for the environment
The side effects of the pill on the environment should not be underestimated either. The hormones contained in the pill are flushed through the female body and through the toilet into our water cycle. The hormonal components are so small that they cannot be collected by sewage treatment plants. Since so many women take the pill as a contraceptive, the level of the hormone estrogen in the water has been shown to have risen. The hormone ends up in lakes and other bodies of water, as well as ours Drinking water and our food.
A study by Lund University in Sweden looked at the hormone’s influence on salmon, trout and roach. The researchers came to the conclusion that the fish show a changed genetic makeup and behavior under the influence of estrogen. The genetic balance of the fish is thus upset. They have been shown to have problems hunting and reproducing. In the worst case, this could lead to entire fish populations being wiped out. That, in turn, would have a negative impact on many ecosystems.
Note: Hormones also get into the water through other drugs.
Alternative: hormone-free contraception
First of all, you have to get gynecological advice as to whether the pill can even be prescribed for you. In general, you then have to weigh up the relationship between the possible side effects of the pill and its benefits. If you can tolerate it well, there is no reason why you should stop taking the pill, as it is a relatively safe and straightforward contraceptive.
However, the side effects may be too burdensome for you. In that case you should think about that Stop taking the pill. Be sure to talk to your gynecologist about your symptoms. They may be able to prescribe you a different pill that you can tolerate better.
Alternatively, you can sign up with Contraception without hormones deal with. These include, among other things, the copper coil, condoms or natural family planning. Perhaps these methods are better suited to you and your body – and they are less harmful to the environment.
Read more on Techzle.com:
- Green sex is on the rise: 9 tips for a sustainable love life
- These condoms are sustainable, fair and vegan
- Pregnant: How do I protect my child from hormonally active pollutants?