Introduction
The contraceptive pill, usually referred to simply as the “pill”, has been the most widely used contraceptive in industrialized countries since the early 1960s. Understandably, the intervention in the body’s sensitive hormone structure can also lead to side effects. Serious complications such as thromboses (see: Thrombosis while taking the Pill) and high blood pressure are fortunately rather rare.
The most common side effects, on the other hand, include spotting and spotting bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles after stopping the pill (see: Menstrual disorders), migraines and a feeling of tension in the breasts. However, many women suffer from gastrointestinal problems, especially during the first few days of taking the pill. The most common complaints are abdominal pain, nausea and digestive disorders.
Treatment
In the case of abdominal pain caused by the pill, it is advisable to wait. Many women suffer from abdominal pain in the first days to weeks of taking the contraceptive pill. In most cases, however, this disappears within about two to three weeks.
If the abdominal pain is moderate and still bearable, the pill can therefore be taken further and the first cycle or the beginning of the period can be waited for. However, if the pain still persists at the beginning of the second cycle, i.e. when the second blister has started, a gynaecologist should always be consulted. If, on the other hand, the pain is very strong from the beginning or increases in intensity as the cycle progresses, it is recommended to stop taking the pill immediately and consult a gynaecologist.
Incidentally, painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol do not impair the effectiveness of the pill, so that they can be used without any problems to treat abdominal pain caused by the contraceptive pill. As it is also possible that the abdominal pain is due to a stomach ulcer (ulcus ventriculi), so-called proton pump inhibitors such as pantoprazole can be taken to inhibit the production of gastric acid. Indications of a peptic ulcer are stabbing pains in the left upper abdomen, nausea and belching, which can both increase and decrease with food intake. However, none of these medications should be taken over a long period of time, as this can lead to further side effects, including stomach ulcers and headaches. If you are unsure about your abdominal pain or about taking the pill, it is always advisable to consult a gynaecologist.
Discontinuation of the pill
Abdominal pain from the morning-after pill
The “morning-after pill” should never be considered a regular contraceptive. On the one hand, if taken frequently, its effect diminishes rapidly within a short period of time, while on the other hand it has significantly stronger side effects. In simple terms, the emergency contraceptive pill delays ovulation so that the sperm have no mature egg available for fertilisation.
However, this effect is not without consequences: especially abdominal pain and irregular periods and cycle disorders in general are quite common side effects. In addition, there may also be complaints such as nausea, fatigue, spotting and bleeding between periods, headaches and dizziness. However, these symptoms usually subside after a short time. A doctor should still be consulted if the abdominal pain is very severe or long lasting, or if the abortion bleeding is absent or very weak. If you are uncertain about taking the morning-after pill, a visit to the gynaecologist is always justified.