Is The “Pill” Really Worth The Risk?

On July 13, the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) approved the country’s first-ever birth control pill that will not require a prescription. 

Now more than ever, it is crucial that people truly understand how birth control pills work and what they can do to the body. While these pills are effective in preventing pregnancy, the potential harm to our health far outweighs the “benefit.” 

Here’s why. 

WHAT ARE BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?

The birth control pill is a type of oral contraception that contains hormones to prevent pregnancy. In order to achieve a 99% of effectiveness, they must be taken every day. 

There are two types of birth control pills. One is a combination of estrogen and progestin. The other one, known as the “minipill” contains just progestin. So, what do these hormones do?

There are some differences between how the combination pill and the minipill work. The combination pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. In other words, it stops ovulation. On the other hand, the minipill thickens the cervical mucus so that sperm cannot travel through to fertilize the egg. The minipill may or may not prevent ovulation.

While there are some differences in the ingredients and levels of “strength” between these two types of contraceptive pills, they both come with a level of risk — a risk that needs to be addressed.

MY STORY

I am no stranger to birth control pills. In fact, I’ve been on the pill three times in my life. All three times, I experienced negative side-effects. For that reason, each time I was on them, it was only for a short period of time.

Since the very first time, I could feel the immediate negative effects on my physical and mental health. For starters, I gained a few pounds, and often felt bloated. Moreover, although I wasn’t typically a moody person, I noticed how I became more moody while l was taking the pill.

You may be thinking: gaining a few pounds and being a little more moody than normal is not the worst thing ever, right?

The issue goes beyond that.

It is important to understand that those were just some of the immediate effects that I personally felt and experienced. In reality, my body was fighting hard to keep up with that cocktail of synthetic hormones. Plus, the side effects of birth control can vary from person to person, and we may or may not physically feel them. So, just because someone doesn’t have any immediate side effects or symptoms, that doesn’t mean that our body is not feeling the effects of the pill.

SIDE EFFECTS

Even when someone doesn’t feel the side effects, the body is still being directly impacted by the hormones present in the pill. Here are some of the potential side effects of birth control pills:

• Gallbladder disease: Long-term use of birth control pills is associated with a higher risk of gallbladder disease. Researchers concluded that both estrogen and progesterone have shown to increase the risk of gallstones.

• Higher risk for cancer: Studies have shown that women who take birth control pills (especially long-term) have a higher risk of breast and cervical cancer.

• Skin issues such as acne, rashes, dry skin: According to Verywell Health, birth control pills can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, and can cause rashes and/or cystic acne. Due to the high level of hormones present in these pills, women may also develop hormonal acne.

  It is important to acknowledge that many women are prescribed birth control pills to help with their severe acne and balance their hormones. The issue with this is that birth control pills as “medication” are not really fighting the root cause of the issue. Usually, when a woman suffers from acne or hormone imbalance, there is an issue with the gut that needs to be addressed. Birth control pills are just a “band-aid” solution that can lead to even more issues in the long run.

• Blurred vision and headaches

• Anxiety & depression: Unfortunately, mood-related issues are a common occurrence among women who are taking birth control pills.

• Weight gain

• Yeast infections

• Low-libido: Combined oral contraceptives lower testosterone levels, which is a hormone that helps regulate our sex drive. This effect may persist even after discontinuation of oral contraceptive use.

• Blood clots: According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, birth control pills increase the chance of developing a blood clot by 3 to 4 times. While the risk is considered “small,” blood clots can be very dangerous to the point where they can be fatal.

• Heart attack and stroke: Birth control pills also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. This goes hand-in-hand with the previous point as blood clots can lead to stroke.

• Nausea

• Liver damage: Long-term use of birth control pills also increase the risk of liver tumors such as adenomas and hemangiomas.

• Irregular bleeding

NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO THE “PILL”

Every person is free to put whatever they want in their body, and this article is by no means intended to judge those who take birth control pills. However, it is important to understand that what we decide to put inside our bodies matters — especially when we are trying to reach optimal health.

So what is the best way to prevent pregnancy in the most natural and non-disruptive way possible?

Condoms: Let’s start with the “most obvious” answer to this dilemma. Whether people like them or not, male condoms are the most popular and some of the most effective ways to avoid pregnancy and STDs. They are accessible and effective.

Caya Diaphragm for Non-Hormonal Birth Control: A diaphragm is a type of hormone-free contraception method. It consists of a reusable cup that fits inside the vagina and over the cervix, creating a barrier between the uterus and sperm. A diaphragm is 88% effective. The diaphragm comes with its own risks and side-effects, so I encourage you to do your own research before making a decision.

Rhythm method: For this method, it is crucial that you know your body and your cycle. The rhythm method consists of knowing your menstrual cycle to identify your fertile vs. infertile days. Most women don’t find this method effective, but when done right, it can be highly effective and the most natural way of preventing pregnancy — or getting pregnant if that’s what you desire.

High Tech NFP: Check out Wellness Mama’s list of Natural Family Planning tracking devices and options.

Whenever we do something to disrupt a normal bodily function, our health will pay the price in one way or another. Some may never feel the consequences after years of taking the pill, while others may suffer the consequences immediately.

The real question here is: is the pill really worth the potential risk to your health?