Patient's question:
I want to know the detailed side effects of birth control pills. I'm not very fond of using condoms, and I already know the side effects of emergency contraception pills. I would never let my girlfriend take them. However, I've heard that besides long-term and short-term birth control pills, you have to take them for many days each month. But they don't cause much harm to the body and may even be slightly beneficial. So, I want to understand in detail whether long-term and short-term birth control pills have any side effects. Please explain to me in detail the methods, effects, and whether there are any side effects of these two types of birth control pills. Emergency contraception pills don't need to be mentioned, thank you.Doctor's answer:
Taking medication for twenty-one days, there are also short-acting birth control pills, and long-acting birth control pills that are taken only once a month. Long-acting birth control pills have a higher hormone content and cause more side effects. If pregnancy occurs unexpectedly, it may have adverse effects on the fetus, so they are no longer recommended for use now. Short-acting birth control pills taken for twenty-one days have a lower hormone content and fewer side effects, and they also provide some protection for the ovaries. When used properly, breastfeeding success rates are also higher. However, long-term use may interfere with liver function and increase the risk of thrombosis and breast diseases.