How the pill affects your body
THE pill has many benefits outside of contraception; in fact it is used by many women for other conditions not related to birth control. Like other hormonal methods — injection, skin implant or intrauterine device — the pill works by creating an environment within the womb that makes pregnancy near impossible.
Many women have also been prescribed the pill to combat issues from acne to heavy periods, and there are other conditions that you will notice during and after taking the pill.
These include:
1. Acne
According to obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Ryan Halsall, many contraceptive pill users will find that their acne improves while on the pill. “Stopping can cause your acne to return to its previous levels,” he said.
2.Sex drive
Due to the hormonal changes that the pill causes, Dr Halsall said some women experience a decreased sex drive while on the pill– an effect that is fully reversible after discontinuing the medication.
He cautioned women to be responsible if the reverse happens. “This return of your sex drive is even more reason to utilise other methods of contraception if pregnancy isn’t on the agenda,” Dr Halsall said.
3.Weight
“Weight gain is a common complaint among pill takers. On stopping the pills, many find their weight control easier,” Dr Halsall said.
4. Menstrual cycle
Dr Halsall said pill users are usually delighted to find that their periods are more regular, shorter, lighter and less painful. But once the pill is stopped, the delight might end.
“Many women take the pill to treat irregular, heavy or painful periods. Unfortunately, stopping the pill can cause a return of these symptoms, although usually not immediately,” he said.
5. Breast size
Dr Halsall said if your breasts increased in size while on the pill, then expect them to come back down to pre-pill proportions.
6. Pregnancy
Dr Halsall said if contraception is stopped, the obvious thing is that you can get pregnant. “It’s important to note that your ability to get pregnant after stopping these medications may be as early as one week. So if pregnancy is not on your agenda, use alternative methods like the condom,” he said.
— KIMBERLEY HIBBERT
