 Side effects
The information here is offered as a guide. If you have any worries at all when you are on the pill, it is best to see your doctor right away. There are two very common problems while your body is adjusting to being on the pill 1. Spotting or bleeding between periods
Slight staining or break-through bleeding is likely to occur if you have taken your pill late or have missed one. This is more likely if you're on the POP (progestogen-only pill, or mini-pill as it is commonly known). Also, it is very common during the first 1- 3 months on the pill and it usually doesn't mean that anything is wrong. Don't stop taking your pills as you will not have any protection and could get pregnant. If it happens more than one month running, or lasts for more than a few days, make an appointment with your clinic or doctor. 2. Missing a period
If you miss a period altogether, you may be worried that you're pregnant, but if you have been taking your pill at the same time every day, and haven't missed any days, this is extremely unlikely. If you have not taken your pills correctly, have been having sex and missed two periods in a row, stop the pill, use another method of contraception and arrange to see your doctor for a pregnancy test right away. Other possible adverse effects include
- Weight gain (usually temporary)
- Mood changes
- Breakthrough bleeding/spotting
- Headaches
- Missed period
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Breast tenderness
Speak to your doctor about any of these problems. Many of them can be solved by a change of pill such as the pill with drospirenone. Serious side effects of the pill The warning signals - A very few women can develop serious complications on the pill. Uncommon though these are, you must stop the pill and call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms: When to call the doctor
- Severe abdominal pain
- Chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing blood
- Severe headache that makes you dizzy, weak or numb
- Blurred vision, double vision or loss of sight
- Severe pain in the leg
- Deep depression
- Yellow skin (jaundice)
- Breast lump
- Sudden speech problems
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