Does the birth control pill have side effects

Patient's question:

Does the birth control pill have side effects?

Doctor's answer:

Hello: Side Effects of Contraceptive Pills
　　In the first few months of taking oral contraceptives, irregular bleeding (breakthrough bleeding) may occur during the menstrual cycle. However, as the body adapts and adjusts, the bleeding usually stops. Some women may experience several months of amenorrhea after stopping oral contraceptives, but this has no permanent effect on fertility. Other side effects, such as nausea, breast tenderness, edema, and high blood pressure, may be related to estrogen-containing contraceptives. Low-dose pills rarely cause these side effects. Side effects like weight gain, acne, and nervous sensitivity may be related to progestin, and low-dose pills rarely cause these symptoms. Some women may experience a weight gain of 1.5–2.5 kg due to fluid retention, and weight gain may be more pronounced due to increased appetite.
　　Severe side effects are rare. Over the first few years of taking oral contraceptives, the risk of developing gallstones may increase but then decline. Among women taking oral contraceptives, 1 in 30,000 to 1 in 500,000 may develop benign liver tumors (adenomas). If a tumor ruptures, blood can flow into the abdomen, causing severe symptoms. Adenomas usually disappear on their own after stopping the medication.
　　Women taking high-dose contraceptives have a 3–4 times higher risk of thrombosis compared to those not taking medication. As the estrogen content in the dose decreases, the risk of thrombosis also decreases. However, it remains higher than for women who have never used estrogen. If a woman taking medication suddenly experiences chest pain or leg pain, she must stop taking the pill and seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may indicate the formation of a deep vein thrombosis in the leg.