And some of the newer low-dose birth control pills may even help protect against heart disease by raising good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol levels. Most of the side effects of today's Pill are not life-threatening and commonly include nausea, breakthrough bleeding, mood changes, weight gain and breast tenderness. Some women don't tolerate the Pill very well at all in terms of these side effects and have had terrible experiences with it, while others tolerate it very well. The most serious problems can include a slightly increased risk of heart disease in women smokers over 35, but there are also certain conditions that completely preclude use of the Pill. Uncertainty remains about whether long-term use of the Pill increases the risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer in some women, and despite many studies, the data is still inconclusive.
Most studies show no increase in risk, but others have suggested there is a link.
Presumably, the risk is smaller, if at all present. Many of you women have grown up with birth control pills as a regular part of their lives. Talk about it in the Boards. Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.