Despite its widespread usage and popularity, the pill has several negative effects that many women are unaware of. Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t take the pill for an extended period of time.
Infertility return delay
If you’ve been using the pill for a long time before deciding to start a family, you may be waiting a long time for your fertility to return.
According to Fertility Plus, those who have been utilizing the pill for two cycles are half as likely to conceive as those who utilize other birth control methods. The hormones in the pill take time to leave your body, and after that, your body must readjust to a life without them. This is a problem that requires some forward-thinking because you’ll have to stop taking the pill for up to two years before attempting to conceive.
Changing mood
The birth control pill has been linked to depression and low spirits, which is attributed to the fact that it reduces testosterone levels in the body. The pill also interferes with the metabolism of B6 in your body, which is a vitamin that has been linked to depression and mood regulation.
Folic acid insufficiency
A folic acid deficiency has been linked to the pill in many women who use it for a long time. Folic acid is required for the maintenance of a healthy cervix. A lack of folic acid can lead to an increased risk of HPV and cervical precancerous changes. It’s possible that the pill contributes to these illnesses and others.
Erosion of interest in sex
Progestogen-based pills have been found to lower libido and the desire for sex. This is thought to be due in part to testosterone levels and their connection with the contraceptive pill. Although not all women experience this adverse effect when taking the pill for extended periods of time, it is an issue that many women report and which frequently leads to its abandonment as a contraceptive method.
Blood clots
Long-term oral contraceptive usage has been linked to a modest upswing in the chance of blood clots and heart attacks in postmenopausal women over the age of 35. These adverse effects can also befall people with a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. This is why women are advised to review their contraceptive choices and methods every five years after they reach the age of 35.
