Many women have heard rumors about combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC). They may be afraid to take CHC because they're not sure if it's safe or if it will cause unpleasant side effects. Here are the facts…
Are CHC dangerous?
No. CHC have been available for 40 years. During that time, they have been studied extensively and improved many times. Today's CHC are very safe and have few minor side effects. In fact, for most women, taking CHC is much safer than having a baby.
What are the side effects?
Taking CHC may cause nuisance side effects that vary from woman to woman. For some women, small amounts of bleeding may occur between periods (breakthrough bleeding), especially during the first 3 months. This effect is not harmful and usually disappears after a few months. Missing doses of the pill can also be followed by breakthrough bleeding. During the first month or so, some women may have nausea (upset stomach), although this occurs infrequently. If you are taking the pill, taking it just before going to bed can help control this problem.
Does the pill cause breast cancer?
A group of experts recently examined data from all over the world regarding breast cancer and CHC. They found its use does not increase the long-term risk of breast cancer. Women currently using them had a very slight increased risk of breast cancer being diagnosed, but that finding is likely due to more frequent and careful screening.
Does CHC cause other cancers?
CHC use actually decreases the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus and cancer of the ovary. Some studies have suggested that long-term use of CHC might increase the risk of cervical cancer; however, this is not proven. All women should have regular Pap smears to look for changes in the cervix.
Does CHC cause heart attacks or strokes?
No. There is no increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke among healthy users who do not smoke cigarettes. Smoking is far more dangerous than taking CHC.
Does CHC cause blood clots?
It may cause a small increase in the risk of blood clots, but the risk of clots is much less than during pregnancy. Blood clots among healthy women are rare.
Will CHC make me gain weight?
Most women who use CHC do not experience a change in weight.
Will CHC make my face break out?
Some women worry that CHC might cause acne (pimples). The truth is that most of today's CHC usually help clear up existing acne for most women.
Does CHC cause birth defects?
No. CHC does not affect the health of future children or cause birth defects, even in the unusual event when a woman gets pregnant while using CHC.
Will CHC make me infertile?
No. A woman's fertility usually returns soon after stopping CHC.
Do I need to stop taking CHC every so often to give my body a "rest?"
No. There is no medical reason for taking a "rest" from CHC use. In fact, stopping and restarting CHC increases the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
Are there benefits to taking CHC other than preventing pregnancy?
Yes. CHC has many health-related benefits. Women who use CHC have more regular menstrual periods, lighter bleeding, and fewer menstrual cramps. In addition to protecting women against two cancers, CHC reduce the risk of developing non-cancerous breast cysts, infections of the fallopian tubes requiring hospitalization, and iron deficiency anemia (low blood count). CHC also protects against pregnancies that occur outside the uterus (tubal or ectopic pregnancy).