Some women do not experience any significant side effects when using hormonal birth control like oral contraceptives, even finding that the discomfort of their period has been reduced significantly. However, some women experience side effects that are severe enough to cause them to switch pills or try another, non-hormonal method of birth control.

Every woman reacts differently to different kinds of birth control, making trial and error necessary. How do you know when to switch birth control, or when to keep with the same kind and treat the symptoms?

It must be kept in mind that if you switch to a new birth control pill, you must wait two or three months for your system to get used to it. There is no point in switching right after you start a new kind of birth control; the side effects, such as breakthrough bleeding, may go away on their own once your body gets used to the new medication.

After a few cycles, if you are still bothered by the symptoms enough to want to switch, discuss this with your doctor. It may just require an adjustment of dosage or type of hormone, or a non-hormonal form of birth control may work better for you.

If you have decided to stay on your current prescription of hormonal birth control, there are things you can do to relieve annoying side effects.

Reducing Birth Control Side Effects

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If You Have Water Retention:

There are several ways to reduce water retention. You can take a mild over-the-counter diuretic. Some kinds of birth control pills contain a diuretic. You can also reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. If you are taking a diuretic, make sure to drink plenty of water so you do not become dehydrated.

If You Have Nausea:

If you do not do this already, try taking your birth control pill at the same time every day with food. Many women take their pill in the morning, and if you do not eat breakfast, this could lead to nausea. You can also try drinking a cup of ginger tea if you are feeling nauseated.

If You Have Breakthrough Bleeding:

If you have breakthrough bleeding after you have taken the same kind of pill for several cycles, the problem might be that you are not taking the pill at the same time every day. Taking your pill at the same time every day keeps your hormone levels more stable and reduces both breakthrough bleeding and chances of becoming pregnant while taking the pill.

If You Have Weight Gain:

The link between weight gain and oral contraceptives has not been proven to be significant. If you have gained weight while on the pill or for any other reason, changes in diet and exercise can help you get rid of the extra weight.

If You Have Breast Tenderness:

Breast tenderness can be caused by water retention; if this is the case, try using a diuretic and cutting down sodium intake. It might also help to decrease consumption of caffeine.