Health Risks of Birth Control

Although the majority of birth control methods are safe, there are still health risks to using bith control. Internal birth control such as the pill or injections can cause blood clots, especially in women older than 35, and who smoke. Another form of birth control, intrauterine devices, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes as well as other reproductive organs.

The Facts

• Internal birth control, which includes birth control pills, birth control shots and IUDs carry the most risk of causing health problems. This is because they actually cause alterations in a woman's body. Birth control pills and shots cause either a rise or reduction in estrogen and progestin. IUDs, because they are inserted directly into the uterus, cause changes in the uterine lining.

  External birth control devices (male and female condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps and spermicidal agents) can cause allergic reactions if the woman is sensitive to any of the materials or ingredients used in any of these birth control methods. Also, leaks, tears or breaks can allow for the passage of sexually transmitted diseases.

Significance

• Knowledge of the health risks associated with birth control and awareness of what to look for will allow the woman (or man) to seek medical attention as soon as possible before a condition worsens.

Identification

• Symptoms of blood clots caused by birth control pills or shots are severe pain in the legs (if the clot originates there) or sudden, severe chest pains and extreme shortness of breath. These symptoms are an indication that the blood clot has traveled to the lungs.

  Pelvic inflammatory disease may show no symptoms or symptoms that are so vague that the woman passes them off as of no consequence. Other symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen, fever, vaginal discharge that has a very bad odor and pain during intercourse and when urinating.

  If an STD has been transmitted, symptoms will vary depending on the type of disease. For instance, genital herpes is characterized by painful warts on the genitals, while Chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea all manifest themselves in painful discharge, sores on the genitals and burning during urination.

  Allergic reactions to external birth control may include swelling of the genitals, rash, blisters, or more rarely, difficulty breathing because of a swollen airway. Both men and women can have allergic reactions to external birth control.

Considerations

• Because the possibility of health risks does exist, both men and women should carefully consider which method of birth control is safest for them. Base your decision on your medical history and your family's medical history, your age and whether or not your smoke tobacco.

Warning

• Some health risks especially blood clots can be life-threatening if immediate medical attention is not sought after. Attention should be paid to any unusual symptoms and they should not be ignored.