Survey study, 1995

What side effects do women experience from birth control pills?

Over half reported no change. Most women who did notice a change said it was negative. Only pelvic pain improved with birth control use.

Early or limited evidence 145 female university students, current and former birth control pill users

What they did

145 female university students (both current and former birth control pill users) filled out a questionnaire about how the pills affected their physical and mental well-being.

What they found

Over half reported no effect. Of those who noticed a change, the vast majority said it was negative. Pelvic pain was the only symptom that women reported improved with birth control use.

What it means for you

Many women experience unwanted side effects from birth control pills. This study only included current and former users, so it misses women who stopped taking pills due to side effects.

145

women surveyed

over half

reported no effect

About the study

Original title: University students' subjective experiences of oral contraceptive use
Authors: Condon JT, Need JA, Fitzsimmons D et al.
Journal: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology
Year: 1995
Study design: Survey study
Read the paper: doi.org/10.3109/01674829509025655

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Oral contraceptives and drospirenone Quality of life and daily functioning Students and academic performance

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