Birth control pills (BCPS) are potent synthetic steroid hormones used to inhibit ovulation.
As a form of birth control, they offer 99% effectiveness. This means 1 in 100 women using
oral contraceptives as prescribed for one year will become pregnant. The benefits of
BCPs include decreased menstrual flow and cramps and a decreased incidence of uterine
and ovarian cancer. There is also a decreased incidence of benign tumors and anemia in
women on BCPS. Unlike barrier methods, the pill offers no protection against venereal
disease. There are, however, potential side effects from taking these pills and some
of these include:
- Blood clots or thrombosis can occur anywhere in the body. These clots may arise in
the extremities and move to the lungs which can cause pulmonary embolism.
Some cases of pulmonary embolism can cause prolonged hospitalization and death.
Other complications of blood clots may be liver damage, blindness, stroke or heart attack.
The risk of thrombois and embolism increase with age and smoking.
- May cause temporary infertility due to delayed ovulation.
- May cause or elevate existing high blood pressure.
- May cause jaundice or abnormal liver function tests resulting in the possibility of
serious liver disease. These effects are usually reversible when the pills are stopped.
Benign liver tumors may occur very rarely in women taking birth control pills.
- May cause breast tenderness.
- May cause mental depression or nervousness.
- May aggravate migraine headaches or diabetes.
- Other medications taken with birth control pills may alter the effectiveness of the birth control pill.
Conversely, the birth control pill may alter the effectiveness of other medications. Certain antibiotics (Ampicilin, Tetracycline, Griseofulvin, and Rifampin) and antiepileptics (barbiturates, phenytoin) and Butazolidin can decrease the effectiveness of the pill. You should notify your doctor of all medications taken and/or being considered prior beginning therapy.
- The birth control pill is not as effective in the first month of use, and therefore additional forms of birth control (specifically barrier methods) should be used in addition to taking birth control pills during the
first month of use.
- The pill must be taken daily and if one or more pills are missed in cycle, a barrier form (condom, foam, sponge, diaphragm) of birth control must be used until the end of the cycle.
- Birth control pills may make your periods lighter than normal.
- If you fail to have a menstrual period while on the pill, you should notify your physician.
- Taking birth control pills while pregnant may cause birth defects.
- There may be an increased risk of gallbladder disease with prolonged use of the birth control pills.
Minor side effects may include irregular bleeding, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, bloating, weight change (either increase or decrease), swelling of the hands or legs, increased skin pigmentation, rashes and/ or
changes in sex drive.
I have read and understand the above side effects and complications of taking the
birth control pill. The alternative forms of birth control were discussed along with the
risks and benefits of each. I feel the contraceptive benefits of the pill will
outweigh the risks and wish to take the oral contraceptive pills. I agree to inform my doctor
promptly of any side effects of this medication.
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Patient's Name: |
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Patient's Signature: |
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Date: ________________ |
The undersigned health care provider has
gone over this consent form with the patient and answered any questions and explained any terms that were unfamiliar to the patient.
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Health Care
Provider's Signature: |
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Date: ________________ |
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