Sexual Health Birth Control Using the Pill Birth Control Pills: Side Effects and Complications By Tracee Cornforth linkedin Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues. Learn about our editorial process Tracee Cornforth Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on November 21, 2019 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on February 15, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Common Side Effects Rare Side Effects Complications When to See a Doctor While most people who use birth control pills don't experience any problems, oral contraception may cause side effects and risks—as well as benefits. Common side effects range from bleeding between periods, irregular menstruation, and water retention, to breast tenderness and mood changes. And while it is also relatively uncommon, people over 35 who smoke are more likely to get blood clots while on "the pill," as it's called. BSIP / UIG / Getty Images Common Side Effects There are a range of common side effects associated with birth control pills. These include: Bleeding or spotting between periodsIrregular periodsWeight gain or water retentionNauseaBreast tendernessMood swingsAcneRaised blood pressure diarrheaDizzinessIncreased appetiteVaginal discharge Consult your doctor if these don't subside after two or three months. The may switch you to another birth control pill. Rare Side Effects Generally speaking, a healthy person who doesn’t smoke is unlikely to experience serious side effects from oral contraceptives. That said, the hormones in birth control pills can pose some risks for some people. In rare cases, birth control pills can be life-threatening. More serious side effects from birth control pills may include: Blood clotsLiver tumorsHeart attackCancerStroke Overall, birth control bills do not appear to significantly increase the risk of cancer. However, evidence has found that the risks of breast and cervical cancers are increased in people who use oral contraceptives, but the risks of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancers are actually decreased. Breast Cancer There is some evidence that people may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer due to the hormones estrogen and progestin found in birth control pills. A large 2017 study found that overall, people who were currently taking oral contraceptives, or recently stopped taking them, had a 20% increase in the relative risk of breast cancer when compared to those who never used oral contraceptives. A relative risk is used when comparing two groups, in this case, oral contraceptive users versus non-users. The study also found that longer oral contraceptive use was associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Higher concern does exist for some people who have: A family history of breast cancerChanges in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes Cervical Cancer People who have consistently used oral contraceptives for five or more years have a greater risk of developing cervical cancer than people with a cervix who have never used oral contraceptives. The longer oral contraceptives are used, the risk of cervical cancer increases. But fortunately, the risk of cervical cancer has been found to decrease over time after the use of pills stops. What Is Cervical Cancer? Stroke A 2015 review of 24 observational studies determined that the risk of ischemic stroke was increased for oral contraceptive users when compared to non-users. The researchers also found an increased risk of (ischemic) stroke with increasing amounts of estrogen found in oral contraceptives. Complications Skipping your pill for one day will increase your risk for pregnancy. Sometimes, breakthrough bleeding can indicate an underlying medical condition. Light spotting is less concerning than heavy or continuous breakthrough bleeding, in which case you should consult your doctor. Record when you bleed, how much you bleed, and how long it lasts. These details can help diagnose the cause of your bleeding. Once you begin to use the pill, you should have your blood pressure checked. If your blood pressure can be successfully managed (either through diet and exercise or medication), your doctor will most likely allow you to continue your pill use. Smoking and birth control pills can be a bad combination. If you’re a smoker and over 35, combination oral contraceptives should not be used. Instead, smokers are often prescribed progestin-only pills. Combination oral contraceptives should also be avoided if you've had a heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or liver tumors. When talking with your doctor about oral contraceptives, be sure to tell them about any medications you're taking and any prior medical problems. When to See a Doctor/Go to the Hospital If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. These may be symptoms of a blot clot: Leg swellingLeg painRedness of skinIrregular heartbeatShortness of breath or difficulty breathingChest painCoughing up bloodLightheadedness/faintingLow blood pressure A Word From Verywell While the side effects explained in this article speak to the potential negative impacts associated with birth control pills, there are also benefits to taking oral contraceptives. These include milder menstrual cramps, lighter periods, improved acne, and protection against certain types of breast disease, ovarian cysts, anemia, and perhaps uterine and endometrial cancer. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives). Updated September 15, 2015. National Cancer Institute. Oral contraceptives and cancer risk. Updated February 22, 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Updated September 11, 2018. Harvard Health Publishing. New guidelines aim to help women prevent stroke. Updated March 14, 2014. Planned Parenthood. How safe is the birth control pill? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Know the risks, signs & symptoms of blood clots. Updated February 7, 2020.