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What are the major side effects of the pill?
Basically, I started being sexually active recently and I'm an 18 year old girl in the UK and I notice my boyfriend doesn't really like wearing condoms because he can't feel a thing, so I have been thinking about going on the pill, but I have several concerns:
Firstly, all my friends that are on it are only on it because they have very bad periods and it apparently helps, however, I'm one of those lucky girls where my periods are not heavy and barely cause me any pain so I'm not moody or whatever, I don't want to go on the pill and suddenly get bad periods and become emotional and moody! is this a likely side effect?
Also I don't want my mother to know, so is it possible to get it done in private? or would my mother have to come with me?
And finally, a list of possible side effects would be helpful, for example, I heard gaining weight is one and I would rather not do that haha.
Summery: Will the pill cause any major changes to my body/personality and how can I get on it in private? thank you :)
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Maybe give some free advice about: Birth Control Pills?
I am 17 and I was put on the pill when I was 15 to stop my very heavy/painful periods. However, now I also use it as a contraceptive. There are possible side effects, however there is no way of knowing if you will get them or not, because everyone is different and there are many different brands you can get.
I can not say what side effects you will get so I will tell you mine.
I have not gained weight because of the pill, some people gain weight and some people lose it because of the pill (I know someone who has lost weight because of it).
For me, the pill has made me more moody and I get terrible mood swings, however I was not exactly stable with my personality before hand, so it has only increased my moodiness which I already had. I don't know anyone personally who has has moodiness from the pill a part from me though.
Some other side effects are:
breast tenderness and breast enlargement
an increased or decreased in sex drive (I have this (decreased))
fluid retention
headaches (I have this)
nausea
rise in blood pressure (I have this)
However, side effects shouldn't worry you if you are thinking about taking the pill, because when you need more packs of them, you go to the doctor and have a check up, were they measure your blood pressure and make sure you are staying healthy. At the moment because I am getting quite a few side effects (which have only came on recently) I may be put on a different brand/type that will not cause any problems for me. The one I am on is called Mercilon and I would not suggest it.
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Hi, I'm seventeen and from the UK.
I went on for both reasons (contraception and bad periods). My period are brilliant now, and on top of that I have NO side effects. I haven't put on weight, and I never have any emotional side effects. So no, they are not likely side effects.
If you are worried, the doctors do like three-six months check ups with you. I am on a repeat prescription and when I go to hand it in they check to see if I am a due for a check up - and if so the doctor asks how you are and just checks blood pressure etc etc.
My mum has no IDEA. I just rang my doctors, booked an appointment, got a prescription, the end. You're mum would not find out.
Summary : It is HIGHLY unlikely any of those side effects will happen. I have not put on weight, my moods are fine and my period is great. On top of that it comes the same week and same day every month as well (last friday of every month) so I can plan things around it. You period will usually arrive exactly the day it is supposed too. It also shortens your period, I am only on my period for three days MAX.
Those side effects are unlikely to happen, and you do get checks up to make sure you ok :)
I'm on microgynon if this helps.
PS - if you do go on the pill, and then you finish the packet and you go on your break, it takes like 4 days after you have finished the packet to come on your period incase you panic and think your pregnant.
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Side effects are different for everyone, and can also differ by what kind of pill or what brand of pill you take. Weight gain and moodiness are common side effects. Decreased sex drive and weird vaginal discharge are also not uncommon. Since the pill "tricks" your body into thinking its pregnant, most of the side effects of the pill are similar to symptoms of pregnancy.
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you should be able to get a prescription from your doctor without parental consent, since you're 18. then again, i don't know the laws of stuff like that in the UK.
a list of possible side effects:
water weight (at most, about 10 lbs, i believe)
moodiness
lighter periods
no cramping during periods
cleared acne
blood clots (especially if you smoke)
stroke (especially if you smoke)
heart attack (especially if you smoke)
now, all of these aren't definite, they are just possible. the more severe ones are possible and may have been reported, but i'm not sure. i just know what the commercials say.
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