What are the long term effects of birth control?

Birth control is a topic that has been discussed for decades. It seems like almost everyone you talk to either knows someone or they themselves have used some sort of contraceptive at one point in life, and there are all kinds! From pills to patches, condoms, rings…the options seem endless (maybe), but the question remains – what are the long-term effects? Let’s take a look at some possible outcomes.

Effect #1: You May Experience Mood Swings

Ah yes, mood swings – every woman’s favorite subject. Unfortunately, birth control methods containing hormones (like pills) can throw your mood into whack-a-mole mode. One minute you may be on top of the world dancing and praising your existence (yay), then next thing you know tears start flowing down your face when someone calls to say how much they love you.

Effect #2: Weight Gain Could Be an Issue

Unfortunately..it appears taking certain forms of birth control could lead to those pesky extra pounds sneaking up on you even though your diet hasn’t changed drastically (oh no). Some women who use hormonal-based contraception report weight gain as being common side-effect… so maybe think twice before indulging in too much ice cream.

Sub-Effect: Fluid Retention Can Also Occur

As if weight gain wasn’t enough torture already! For many people taking oral contraceptives, fluid retention is pretty likely resulting in symptoms such as bloating and puffiness (like a water filled balloon) . Ain’t nobody got time for that!

Effect #3: Lowered Libido? Maybe…

Sex drive comes naturally until it begins playing tag with hormone levels which can occur during pregnancy or menopause…or by using certain types of birth control, according multiple studies (which really sucks!). For some,a lower libido means the end of the world- which is a bummer especially when they’re trying to start or maintain their relationships.

Effect #4: Your Chances of Developing Blood Clots Could Increase

Blood clots, those pesky things we hear so much about on medical emergency shows. Unfortunately, using certain birth controls pills increase your risk of developing blood clots (yikes) . This is more likely to happen in people with existing health conditions that affect blood clotting and specifically smokers or women who have reached menopause.

Sub-effect: Risk Can Also Include Heart Attack And Stroke

For many individuals taking birth control isn’t just a matter of popping-a-pill because as mentioned earlier it puts them at higher risk for heart attacks(:skull_and_crossbones: )and strokes :(face_with_head-bandage:) . That’s definitely not funny but sometimes visuals help drive home the importance!

Effect #5: Mental Health Effects Could Arise

As noted before, hormonal method based birth control can wreak havoc in upping levels and inducing mood swings that may lead to serious mental health issues such as depression(<– sad emoji) – this topic has begun getting more attention lately making it an even bigger issue. It’s hard enough trying to keep our emotions under control without additional help from contraception(dictator!).

Sub-Effect : Anxiety Is Another Possible Side effect

Anxiety(deep breathing) can be yet another side effect experienced by users of hormonal-based contraceptives especially pills (burnt out face?). Increased anxiety together with other mental effects could make life very uncomfortable – hope you aren’t easily swayed ladies (wink).

Effect #6: Birth Control May Affect Future Fertility

Some females view long-term use of contraceptives simply delaying what comes naturally i.e., having children according multiple studies(boo hoo)! This can be attributed hormonal based birth control also makes changes to fertility with some people taking longer than expected to achieve pregnancy when they finally decide.

Effect #7: High Blood Pressure Can Result

Many studies show there may be a connection between blood pressure and using certain forms of contraception(scary), meaning that if you have pre-existing hypertension? Or if your family has history of high blood pressure? You might want to start considering the non-hormonal form like condoms…or shgiver me timbers!

Sub-Effect: Increase The Risk Of Stroke And Heart Attack

People often ask, “what is so bad about combining birth control pills and smoking?” It’s important to factor in increased risk for stroke or heart attack (this fact just cannot be emphasized enough(gasp)).

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it goes without saying that birth control comes at some potential costs, but these effects don’t necessarily happen proactively. Always talk with your doctor before starting on any new medication – including contraceptives – because what works best for someone else may not apply similarly to you. Here’s hoping this helps enlighten wayward minds looking answers regarding long term effects of using contraceptives!

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