Do Birth Control Pills Cause Weight Gain?

If you take birth control pills (oral contraceptives), you're probably happy with the convenience and reliability. You may still have concerns about the effects of birth control on your health and other options.

Are Birth Control Pills able to delay or stop my period?

Yes, you can. Inactive and active hormonal pills had a 21-day shelf life. Birth control pills used to be packaged in seven day packages. The inactive pills can cause menstrual-like symptoms .

There are many choices today, from 24-day active pill regimens and 4 days inactive to all-active regimens.

Some extended- cycle pill regimens have active hormone pills every day for three months, followed by a week of inactive or low-dose estrogen pills. During that time, you may experience periods similar to menstrual bleeding. Extended-cycle medications can be used to stop menstrual-like bleeding.

There are many benefits to extended or continuous-cycle programs. They reduce the hormonal changes responsible for cramping, bleeding and headaches. These allow you to skip your period for important occasions or on trips. You can use continuous regimes to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding if iron is low.

Unscheduled bleeding, spotting and other symptoms are common during the first months of continuous or extended-cycle treatment. These effects usually subside with time.

Can I take regular birth control pills to prevent a period? Or do special pills need to be taken? You can choose from a variety of birth control regimens that will prevent your period for 3 months or up to one year. It is possible to stop your period by continuing monophasic birthcontrol pills. These pills contain the same hormonal dose as the active pill for three weeks. You can prevent your period by stopping the use of these pills.

Do I have to stop using birth control pills if I want to have a child?

Usually ovulation begins again a few weeks after stopping birth control pills.

You can become pregnant as soon as your ovaries are stimulated again. This could happen during your first period without the pill. Take a pregnancy test if you've had unprotected sex and your period hasn't returned.

Are There any advantages to waiting a few months after stopping the Pill before trying?

The risk of miscarriage and harm to your fetus is not increased if you are able to have a baby immediately after taking off the pill. Birth control pills are not stored in your body.

Most often, periods resume within a few weeks of stopping taking the pill. If your periods have been irregular since you began taking the pills, it is likely that they will be more frequent after you stop taking them. It may take a couple of months before you return to regular ovulation cycles.

Consider using an alternative form of birthcontrol if your body isn't ready to have children after you stop taking the Pill.

What happens to my periods if I cease taking the Birth Control Pill?

You may experience what is known as "post-pill amenorrhea", which can be defined as a lack of periods for up to three months. The pill prevents your body from making hormones involved in ovulation and menstruation. It can take some time before your body starts producing the hormones once again after you have stopped taking it.

Usually, menstrual cycles resume after three months. However, if the pill was used to regulate menstrual periods, you may not see your period for several months.

If you don't have a period within three months, take a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant and then see your doctor.

Will a pregnancy test be accurate if I'm taking the birth control pill?

You can get accurate results from a pregnancy test while you're on the pill. Pregnancy tests work by measuring a specific pregnancy-related hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) - in your blood or urine. The active ingredients in birth control pills don't affect how a pregnancy test measures the level of HCG in your system.

What happens if birth control pills are taken while I am pregnant?

Do not worry if your baby was born while you are still taking your birthcontrol pill.

This accident has occurred for many years. However, evidence is lacking that hormones from birth control pills cause birth defects. You should stop using birth control pills if you become pregnant.

What if I need emergency contraception and can I take multiple birth control pills?

It's possible to use standard estrogen-progestin birth control pills for emergency contraception, but check with your doctor for the proper dose and timing of the pills.

If you haven't had protected sex, certain types of pills will prevent you becoming pregnant. These pills are often called "the morning -after pill".

Morning-after pills can be either made with levonorgestrel (Plan B One Step or EContra One Step), or ulipristal Acet (ella, Logilia).

Levonorgestrel is available to all ages over-the counter. After unprotected sexual activity, Levonorgestrel works best when taken within 3 days.

Ulipristal acetate is a nonhormonal medication available only by prescription. The medication must be consumed in one single dose, within 5 days of unprotected sex.

For emergency contraception, an intrauterine device made of copper or one containing 52mgs levonorgestrel can be used. Your doctor should place these IUDs within five days of your unprotected incontinence.

How does my weight affect the efficacy of emergency contraceptives?

Obese people with higher body mass (BMI) than 30 may have difficulty using emergency contraception, especially when they use levonorgestrel. A woman who uses levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive could still fall pregnant. When using ulipristal, BMI is less of an issue. Body weight does not affect the ability to use an IUD as emergency birth control.

I am tired of taking birth control pills and would like to discontinue. Do I have to stop taking birth control pills at all?

For your general health it doesn't make a difference if you stop taking the pills. You can expect to experience some bleeding when you stop taking the pill. This could affect your period rhythm. You can always stop the pill at any moment.

What is the best time to get pregnant while taking inactive drugs?

Taking the inactive pills doesn't put you at higher risk of unintended pregnancy. If you're taking birth control pills exactly as directed, they're about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

But if you miss a pill - or several pills - during a cycle, you might be at higher risk of unintended pregnancy during that cycle. If you are unable to take your pills, consider using a backup contraception like a condom.

Do birth control pills cause weight gain ?

This belief is common. However, studies show that there is little to no weight gain from birth control pills.

Instead, you may be retaining more fluid, which can make you feel as if you've put on weight, particularly in your breasts, hips and thighs. The estrogen in birth control pills does affect fat (adipose) cells, making them larger but not more numerous.

Is there a way to reduce the risk of developing cancer from birth control pills?

The majority of data shows that taking birth control pills doesn't raise your risk of developing cancer.

The risk of developing certain types of cancers increases if you use birth control pills more frequently than recommended. But, the risks decrease once you discontinue using them.

Regarding breast cancer risk, the results are mixed. Some studies show a link between birth control pill use and a slight increase in breast cancer risk, but the risk is very low. Other studies have shown no significant increase in breast cancer risk. The risk of breast cancer appears to decline over time, even if birth control is stopped. If you have a family history of breast cancer, birth control use does not appear to increase the risk.

You may be less likely to develop other cancers by taking the birth control pill. This benefit can continue for many years even after you have stopped using it.

Are birth control pills able to lower cholesterol?

The cholesterol level can be affected by birthcontrol pills. How much of an effect depends on the type of pill you're taking and what concentration of estrogen or progestin it contains. Birth control pills with more estrogen can have a slightly beneficial overall effect on your cholesterol levels. These changes won't cause significant health problems and they don't impact your overall well-being.

Do birth control pills affect blood pressure? Your blood pressure may be slightly increased by birth control pills. Regular blood pressure checks are recommended for birth control pill users. Talk to your doctor if you have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

What are the risks of blood clots from birth control?

The estrogen contained in combination hormone birth control pills and in the ring or patch is not recommended if you have a history of blood clots - venous thromboembolism (VTE) - or if you are at high risk of blood clots. Progestin-only contraceptives, such as an implant or minipill, are better options. An IUD or barrier method of contraception is also a good choice. Progestin or progesterone also can increase the risk of blood clots, but the risk is less than with estrogen.

Are birth control pills still available for me if my age is over 35?

You can still take birth control pills if you are healthy and don't smoke after 35 if you have not already.

Due to the possibility of cardiovascular disease and heart attack, contraceptives are not recommended for people over 35. You will need to stop smoking before birth control pills can be safely continued.

Is it possible for antibiotics to decrease effectiveness of birth control pill?

The effectiveness of birthcontrol pills is not affected by antibiotics, except for the one antibiotic, Rimactane (Rifampin). Rifampin does decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing ovulation, but this antibiotic isn't widely used today.