Contents:
- Medical Video: Women's Health : Long-Term Birth Control Side Effects
- Some effects of taking birth control pills in the long run
- 1. Decreased sexual desire
- 2. Thyroid problems
- 3. Cancer risk
- 4. Other side effects of birth control pills
- Until when can you take birth control pills?
Medical Video: Women's Health : Long-Term Birth Control Side Effects
Birth control pills or oral contraceptives are chosen by many women to prevent pregnancy. Although fairly effective, there are still dangers lurking, especially in the long-term side effects of using birth control pills. What are the effects of taking birth control pills for a long time that women should pay attention to?
Some effects of taking birth control pills in the long run
1. Decreased sexual desire
In 2006, a study was published in Journal of Sexual Medicine concluded that taking birth control pills for a long time can cause sexual dysfunction in women.
In particular, the study found a decrease in sexual desire and arousal and reduced vaginal lubrication in 124 women who used long-term birth control pills. The women also reported a decrease in satisfaction when having sex, and intimate relationships became more painful because the vagina felt drier.
2. Thyroid problems
Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by high levels estrogen in the body as the effect of taking birth control pills in the long run. High estrogen levels cause the liver to produce excessive globulin production.
Globulin works to bind thyroid hormones in the blood so it cannot enter cells. This decreases the amount of thyroid hormones in the body. In fact, thyroid is needed to carry out the body's metabolic functions and burn fat and sugar. Symptoms of thyroid problems include the body lacking energy so often tired.
3. Cancer risk
The National Cancer Institute states that there are several studies that have shown an increased risk of breast cancer in women who use birth control pills for a long time.
Women aged 45 and above have a higher risk of developing breast cancer because of the effect of taking long-term birth control pills. It is known that several types of cancer, namely breast cancer, are caused by the hormone estrogen that builds up. So when you take birth control pills containing synthetic estrogens for a long time, the higher the risk of breast cancer.
4. Other side effects of birth control pills
The effect of taking other long-term birth control pills is the increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, weight gain, hypertension and migraine headaches.
This effect will likely increase if accompanied by smoking habits. Taking birth control pills in the long term is also associated with nutritional deficiencies such as lack of vitamins B2, B6 and B12, depression, and increased anxiety.
Until when can you take birth control pills?
You can take birth control pills as long as you need contraception or until you reach the age menopause. Note that your condition is generally healthy without certain medical conditions.
This applies to the use of combined birth control pills or birth control pills with the hormone estrogen or progestin only. You should schedule regular control with your doctor to monitor how your body responds to the use of birth control pills in the long term.
Birth control pills are not recommended for certain women, for example if you are a smoker or if you are over 35 years old.
You are also not recommended to use birth control pills if you have a medical condition such as a condition of blood clotting disorders or having uncontrolled high blood pressure.
