The contraceptivepill (contraceptive pills or, more correctly, hormonal contraception) is currently one of the most popular methods of preventing conception. Probably its effectiveness is most responsible for the popularity of this method of contraception - well, the effectiveness of hormonal contra ception is even above 90%.

The contraceptive pill, however, is nevertheless a medicine. As is the case with any other medication, hormonal contraception is distinguished by both contraindications to its use and the possible side effects of taking these drugs. How is it with the latter - what are the most common side effects of hormonal contraception?

Contraceptive pills can lead to a wide variety of disorders, of which the most commonly mentioned are:

1. additional intermenstrual spotting,
2. occurrence of breast tenderness,
3. changes in vaginal mucus (some women have increased vaginal mucus production while others have the opposite - some users of hormonal contraception experience a significant reduction in vaginal discharge and may suffer from vaginal dryness),
4. headaches,
5. mood disorders (typically in the form of lowered mood),
6. nausea and abdominal pain,
7. decreased libido,
8. weight gain,
9. episodes of amenorrhoea.

The vast majority of the side effects mentioned - e.g. nausea or additional intermenstrual spotting - are most severe at the beginning of contraceptive pill use, later, over time, the intensity of such side effects decreases significantly or even disappears altogether. However, if the side effects of hormonal contraception persist over a long period of time (e.g. you are constantly experiencing breast tenderness) and if it is unclear whether the symptom is a side effect of the contraceptive pill or is due to something else (e.g. delayed menstruation can be a side effect of oral contraception, but can also be due to pregnancy), then it is best to consult your doctor.