Posted: May 11, 2016 Contributor: administrator
5 Strange Side Effects From Taking Birth Control – And What To Do About Them
Hormones are those special chemical messengers in your body that control essentially everything. Whether you are about to start taking birth control or thinking about switching methods, it is important to keep in mind that birth control triggers hormonal changes in your body and sometimes, well… weird things can happen. Here’s a list of possible side effects that you may not be expecting and what you can do about them.
1. Your Gums May Bleed
According to WebMD, there are 5 points in your life when you are more at risk for oral health problems: during puberty, your monthly menstrual cycle, when using birth control pills, during pregnancy and at menopause. Fun! But don’t worry; it will subside. Just be sure to tell your dentist at your next appointment.
2. Dark Spots Start to Show Up on Your Skin
Hormonal birth control can sometimes cause hyperpigmentation of the skin, also known as melasma. It can be a tad embarrassing at first, but there are prescription creams available if hyper-pigmentation persists.
3. It Hurts to Have Sex
Low-dose birth control pills have been known to cause a dip in estrogen levels in the body, which can, in turn, cause low libido and decreased lubrication. Opting for a bottle of KY on your next pharmacy run may not be a bad idea if you’re experiencing painful intercourse.
4. You Have an Issue Wearing Contacts
Taking the pill can cause dry-eye symptoms, which can make wearing contacts uncomfortable, according to the American Optometric Association. Over-the-counter saline eye drops will help relieve these symptoms.
5. You May Throw Up
Starting birth control can sometimes have a similar effect as a woman experiencing “morning sickness” during pregnancy. Hormonal changes often cause nausea, so be sure to take your pill with food, or try changing birth control methods or brands if symptoms continue.]]>