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Last Updated:
Jan 3rd, 2010 - 00:09:53
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Question
I have been on the birth control pill since July 1989. Is it safe for me to continue on the pill or should I at this point find another alternative? I don't plan on having anymore children. Are there any serious side effects from being on the pill for so long if so what are they?
Thank you.
Answer
Dear Ivette,
You didn't state your age, how many children you have or at what age you started taking the pill. However, you did state that you have been on the pill 18 years.
First it's important to understand how the pill works. It can work as a contraceptive, suppressing ovulation (the release of an egg). If ovulation occurs, the sperm can be prevented from reaching the egg because of thickened cervical mucus. It can also work as an abortifaciant if ovulation occurs (3-5% of cycles) and conception occurs. The pill acts by preventing the attachment of early human life to the uterus. Common side effects: may delay the return of normal fertility, breast tenderness, breast cysts, depression, weight gain, headaches, nausea & vomiting, and irregular bleeding. Less common but more serious side effects: elevated blood pressure, heart attack, blood clots and stroke. Risks increase for women over 35 years and those who smoke. Oral contraceptive pills decrease the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, but they increase the risk of breast, cervical and liver cancer. A summary of studies examining the effect of oral contraceptives on invasive cervical cancer shows the following increased risks: for any use (30%); long-term use (62%); use before age 25 (65%); use before 20 (80%). If you are like most women, you have never read the insert that comes with your contraceptive pill. I would recommend you read that insert.
Natural family planning is just as effective as the pill and doesn't have any of the health risks. You might want to consider attending a NFP class to learn more about this method. I hope this is helpful.
Winnie Neill
Winnie and her husband, Bob, have been using, teaching and promoting NFP for 29 years.
She serves on both the NFP Advisory Board in Sacramento and the CANFP board of directors.
© Copyright 2005 by CANFP
The information on this page and web site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment by a physician.
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