Oral Contraceptives: Side Effects & Pregnancy Risks You Need to Know
- Women's Choice Network
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
“Rates of unintended pregnancies are particularly high in young women, a finding that may be associated with their tendency not to use contraceptives correctly and/or consistently. For millennial women, busy lifestyles and associated stress may impact on daily activities, including taking an oral contraceptive pill.” — National Library of Medicine
No contraceptive method is foolproof. If you think you may be unexpectedly pregnant, make an appointment today. All Women's Choice Network services are available at no cost to you.
How Effective Are Oral Contraceptives at Preventing Pregnancy?
There are two types: the combined oral pill and the progestin-only pill. The combined oral contraceptive contains the hormones progestin and estrogen, whereas the
progestin-only pill contains just one hormone (progestin). For better efficacy, it is usually advised that the daily dose is taken at the same time each day. Both options have a 7% failure rate with usual use and 1% when used consistently and correctly.
However, according to the National Library of Medicine, 39% percent of surveyed participants had forgotten to take their contraceptive pill at least once in the past month; 39% also admitted to not taking it at the same time each day. This means the failure rate increases.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Oral Contraceptives?
Oral contraceptives do not protect against STIs and should be avoided in women who smoke or have a history of blood clots. Side effects vary by the type of hormone method, but common side effects for these methods include, but are not limited to:
● Blood Clots (some women are at a high risk)
● Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Changes
● Weight Gain
● Decreased Libido
What If I Get Pregnant While Taking Contraceptives?
If you think you are pregnant or have become pregnant while taking contraceptives, make an appointment today for free testing, ultrasound confirmation, and nurse consultation. Women's Choice Network can confirm how far along you are, rule out an ectopic pregnancy, share all your reproductive health options, and help you plan your next steps.
References:
1. Contraception | CDC. (n.d.-b). https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
2. 2. Johnson A, B. (2005). Insertion and Removal of Intrauterine Devices. Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(1):95-102
4. Collins, D. (n.d.). Danica Collins.
https://undergroundhealthreporter.com/fact-or-myth-are-birth-control-pills-carcinogens/#:~:text=FACT%3A% 20Birth%20control%20pills%20join%20tobacco%2C%20asbestos%2C%20plutonium%2C,%E2%80%9Ca% 20known%20and%20probable%20cancer-causing%20agent%20to%20humans.%E2%80%9D
5. Caetano, C., Peers, T., Papadopoulos, L., Wiggers, K., Engler, Y., & Grant, H. M. (2019). Millennials and contraception: why do they forget? An international survey exploring the impact of lifestyles and stress levels on adherence to a daily contraceptive regimen. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 24(1), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/13625187.2018.1563065
6. American Pregnancy Association
https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/birth-control-pills-patches-and-devices/contraceptive-s ponge/#:~:text=The%20failure%20rates%20are%3A,the%20sponge%20correctly%20every%20time