Medical Conditions
Women with certain medical conditions may still be acceptable candidates for this form of contraception, since an unintended pregnancy often leads to a worsening of chronic diseases. Low-dose combination OCPs can be safely used if you have either diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), as long as you are willing to be monitored by your doctor and take the medications he/she has prescribed.
Women who are not allowed to take estrogen for medical reasons, or experience estrogen-induced headaches or severe breast tenderness, should not take the regular Pill, as estrogen is a main constituent present in combination OCPs. These women may elect to use mini-pills, which contain only progesterone.
Side Effects
Although not life-threatening in nature, the annoyances of breakthrough vaginal or menstrual bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, and bloating can have a dramatic impact on how you feel about taking the Pill.
Weight gain is the number one concern expressed by patients. Some newer Pills studied do not cause significant weight gain in the first year of use. Some women have attributed weight gain to feeling hungrier and eating more while using the Pill. Raise your awareness to help avoid the temptation to eat more by teaching yourself to count calories. A consultation with a nutritionist and exercise trainer can help modify eating behaviors.
