The contraceptive pill sparked a sexual revolution for women in the 1960s, but how much do we really know about its side effects?
Hormonal contraceptives are used by 3.5 million women in the UK alone, allowing them to prevent pregnancy on their terms, but many of the side effects affecting women today haven’t improved since its inception.
While the advantages of the contraceptive pill are well-documented, how much do we really know about the side effects women endure?
From low libido to depression, weight gain and irregular bleeding, some women suffer symptoms that drastically affect their quality of life, despite being recognised as “normal” by the medical profession.
One of the biggest risks for women of taking the combined pill is an increase in the chance of developing deep vein thrombosis, which, while only affecting two in 10,000 women, can be fatal.
There is also an increased risk of breast cancer associated with certain contraceptives, along with a higher chance of getting cervical cancer or having a stroke.
A recent study found women who take the pill, had implants, patches or intrauterine devices, were 23 per cent more likely to suffer from depression, with anxiety, mood swings and low mood all commonplace side effects of female contraceptive methods.
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