5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Take The Pill Long-Term
Although it has become one of the most popular and common forms of contraception, the pill has side effects that many women do not realize. As well as having an effect on libido and your mood, the pill can also lower and slow the rate of conception, meaning that those who take it for a prolonged period of time are more likely to encounter fertility issues and are more likely to seek advice from an IVF clinic in London, or in other major cities across the UK. Here we take a closer look at five reasons why you shouldn’t take the pill long-term.
Delay in return to fertility
If you have been using the pill for a prolonged period of time before deciding to start a family, then you could be looking at rather a long wait for the return of your fertility. On average, it takes those who have been using the pill twice as long to conceive as those who have been using other forms of contraception. The hormones in the contraceptive pill take time to work their way out of your system, and the body then needs to adjust to life without them. This is an issue that requires some forward planning as you can need to stop using the pill for between 1-2 years before trying to conceive,
Mood altering
The contraceptive pill has been linked to depression and low mood, and this is thought to be linked to the fact that it lowers levels of testosterone in your body. The contraceptive pill also interferes with the metabolism of B6 in your body, and this is a vitamin that has been closely linked to depression and mood regulation.
Folic acid deficiency
The pill has also been linked to a folic acid deficiency in many women who take it for a prolonged period of time. Folic acid is important as it helps to keep the cervix healthy. A lack of folic acid can lead to an increased risk of HPV and cervical dysplasia. It is thought that the pill could play a role in these conditions and others.
Lower libido
Progestogen-based pills have been shown to have an effect on levels of libido and the desire to have sex. This is thought to be linked with testosterone levels and their interaction with the contraceptive pill. Although not all women experience this side effect when taking the pill in the long term, it is an issue that many women report and often leads to it being discontinued as a form of contraception.
Blood clots
Long-term use of the oral contraceptive pill has been shown to slightly increase the likelihood of blood clots and heart attacks in women over the age of 35. Those who have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes are at further risk from these negative effects. This is why women are advised to review their contraceptive options and methods when they reach the age of 35.
