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Long Term Side Effects of Birth Control

Birth control pills have been in use since the early 1960's. There is controversy over the long-term side effects of hormonal birth control. You should look at the facts and health considerations to make an informed decision about your choice of birth control method.

  1. Hormonal Birth Control Methods

    • Birth control by hormones is available in several methods including pills, shots, patches, implants and the contraceptive ring. All of these methods work in the same way, preventing the egg from maturing and developing in the woman's ovaries. In a woman's natural cycle, hormone levels drop and trigger ovulation. Taking estrogen and progesterone maintains a constant hormone levels and prevents ovulation.

    Sexual Dysfunction

    • The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study in 2006 linking birth control pill usage to sexual dysfunction. The dysfunctions include decreased desire, arousal, a decrease in lubrication and sex-related pain. Decreased levels of testosterone in women using oral contraceptives due to increased globulin levels were given as the main cause of sexual dysfunction. There have been no hard conclusions and further research is needed.

    Breast Cancer

    • The use of estrogen is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, especially in women over the age of 45. This group of women's risk factors includes use of earlier birth control pills that contained higher levels of hormones than today's low dosage pills. Women with a family history of breast cancer may increase their chances of developing breast cancer by taking birth control pills. The longer the pill is used, the greater the risk. There are conflicting breast cancer studies and the debate continues.

    Other Side Effects

    • Some of the other negative side effects include an increased risk of cervical cancer, blood clots, heart attack, stroke, weight gain, high blood pressure, and gall bladder disease and migraine headaches. Long-term use of synthetic hormones also causes the body to lose important nutrients such as B2, B6 and B12. Some women have reported an increased incidence of depression while taking birth control pills.

    Safe Alternatives

    • The birth control pill is 99 percent effective. However, if you want to avoid exposing yourself to potential health risks, there are safe alternatives available. The male condom is highly effective although some object to this method because of inconvenience and decreased sensitivity. Female condoms are also available with an effective range of 79 to 95 percent. The cervical sponge works by using spermicidal agents, and it can be worn for 24 hours and does not require a prescription. Diaphragms have an effective rate of 86 to 94 percent, but require a doctor's visit for fitting. Spermicidal foams can be highly effective when combined with other methods. The effective rate of spermicidal foam alone is 71 to 82 percent.

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