What Is the Birth Control Pill?
The birth control pill, often just called "the pill," is a medication taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones, usually estrogen and progestin (or sometimes just progestin), which work mainly by:
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Preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).
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Thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
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Thinning the uterine lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
The pill is highly effective when taken consistently and correctly—over 99% effective with perfect use, around 91% with typical use. In addition to birth control, it can also help with regulating periods, reducing menstrual cramps, managing acne, and treating conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.
The birth control pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While it’s very effective at preventing pregnancy, it offers zero protection against diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, herpes, HIV, and others. To reduce the risk of STIs, it’s important to use condoms—either alone or in combination with the pill for dual protection. This approach helps prevent pregnancy and keeps you protected from infections.
While the birth control pill is safe and effective for many people, it’s important to know that, like any medication, it can come with side effects. These effects vary from person to person—some may experience none at all, while others might notice physical or emotional changes as their body adjusts to the hormones. Understanding these potential side effects can help you make informed decisions and know what to expect, especially during the first few months of use.
Spotting Between Periods
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding refers to light bleeding that occurs outside of your regular period. It’s usually just a few drops of blood and can appear as pink, red, or brown discharge. Spotting is a common side effect of the birth control pill, especially during the first few months of use.
Here’s why it happens:
The pill contains hormones that regulate your cycle, but your body may need time to adjust to this new hormonal balance. During this adjustment phase, the lining of the uterus may shed slightly, causing light bleeding between periods.
Other reasons spotting might happen on the pill include:
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Missed or late pills
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Taking the pill at different times each day
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Changing pill brands or types
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Low-dose pills, which sometimes don’t provide enough hormones to fully stabilize the uterine lining
Spotting is usually harmless and temporary, but if it continues beyond a few months or becomes heavy or painful, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider.
Nausea
Nausea is one of the more common side effects people may experience when starting the birth control pill. It’s usually mild and tends to improve after the first few weeks as your body gets used to the hormones. Taking the pill with food or at night can often help reduce this symptom. If nausea persists or becomes severe, it’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider—sometimes switching to a different formulation can make a big difference.
Breast Tenderness
The hormonal changes—particularly the increase in estrogen—can cause the breast tissue to feel swollen, sensitive, or sore. This discomfort is usually temporary and tends to subside within a few weeks or months. Wearing a supportive bra and avoiding caffeine or salty foods may help ease the sensitivity.
Headaches and Migraine
Headaches and migraines can sometimes occur when starting the birth control pill, due to shifts in hormone levels—especially estrogen. For some, these changes might trigger new headaches or make existing migraines worse, while others may see an improvement in their symptoms. The pattern often depends on your sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations. If headaches are mild, they may fade as your body adjusts.
Weight Gain
Some women report feeling heavier or noticing changes in their body after starting the pill, but research hasn’t found a direct or consistent link between birth control pills and significant weight gain. What often happens, especially in the first few months, is water retention or bloating, which can make clothes feel tighter without actual fat gain.
Hormonal shifts may also affect appetite or how the body retains fluids. If these changes become noticeable or uncomfortable, you might want to try Period SOS—a topical supplement made with powerful natural ingredients shown to help relieve bloating, water retention, and other PMS-related discomforts.
Mood Changes
Hormonal birth control can influence brain chemistry, which is why some people may experience emotional shifts, such as feeling more irritable, anxious, or down in mood, after starting the pill. If you notice that your emotional well-being is affected, it’s important to track your feelings and speak with a healthcare provider.
Sometimes, switching to a different pill or exploring non-hormonal options can make a real difference. Additionally, incorporating natural ingredients like Wild Yam—one of the key ingredients in Period SOS—can help alleviate mood swings naturally.
Missed Periods
Occasionally, the pill can cause changes to your menstrual cycle, including missed periods or lighter-than-usual periods, especially if you're on a continuous or extended-cycle pill. This happens because the hormones in the pill suppress ovulation and regulate the uterine lining, which can sometimes result in a period not occurring at all. While this can be completely normal, it’s important to monitor any changes.
Decreased Libido
For some women, hormonal birth control can lead to a decrease in libido, or a reduced interest in sex. This happens because the hormones in the pill can affect the levels of testosterone, a hormone linked to sexual drive. While this side effect is not universal, it can be noticeable for some individuals, especially in the first few months of use.
Vaginal Discharge
Changes in vaginal discharge can occur when using hormonal birth control, with some people noticing an increase or a change in consistency. This is usually due to the hormonal fluctuations caused by the pill, which can affect cervical mucus. Some may experience thicker or more abundant discharge, while others might notice a decrease. In most cases, this is harmless and temporary. However, if the discharge is accompanied by an unusual odor, itching, or discomfort, it could indicate an infection, and it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
To help maintain vaginal health and prevent infections, consider adding Glow’s Intimate Hydrator to your routine. It’s OB/GYN-approved and formulated with collagen and hyaluronic acid, helping to prevent UTIs and keep you feeling fresh.
Eye Changes
Some women may experience eye changes when using hormonal birth control, such as dryness or discomfort, especially if they wear contact lenses. This can occur due to hormonal fluctuations that affect the moisture levels in the eyes. In rare cases, hormonal birth control can also impact vision or cause the eyes to feel more sensitive to light. If you notice significant changes, it's important to consult your healthcare provider to rule out any serious issues.
Long-Term Effects of the Birth Control Pill
While the birth control pill is safe and effective for most users, it’s important to consider how long-term use might affect your health. Over time, extended use can have both benefits and potential risks, which may vary depending on your individual medical history and lifestyle.
Cardiovascular Problems
Because the pill contains synthetic hormones, prolonged use has been linked in some cases to increased risks of cardiovascular problems—especially in people who smoke, are over 35, or have preexisting conditions. These risks include high blood pressure, blood clots, and, in rare cases, stroke
Cancer
Research has explored a possible connection between long-term use of the pill and a slightly increased risk of certain cancers, such as breast and cervical cancer. While the data isn’t conclusive, staying informed and discussing your personal risk factors with a healthcare provider is key to making the best decision for your body.
Final Thoughts
Birth control pills have transformed reproductive health, offering freedom, regulation, and relief for millions of women around the world. But like any medication, they’re not one-size-fits-all. Understanding the potential side effects—both short- and long-term—can empower you to make choices that truly support your body and your lifestyle. If you ever feel unsure about how the pill is affecting you, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted healthcare provider. Your comfort, well-being, and peace of mind matter—and there’s no shame in exploring what works best for you
