by Jennifer Katherine Jones

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

When choosing birth control, one must consider the side effects of each type of birth control. Some birth control methods have more side effects than others. Talking with your doctor about your concerns will help you decide which method is best for you, your partner, and your lifestyle. Also keep in mind that while some women experience side effects, some do not experience any. Smoking increases the occurrence of side effects, so it is best to stay smoke-free while taking birth control, especially if you are over 35.

Some common side effects of birth control are nausea, headaches, acne, increased blood pressure, breast tenderness, weight gain, and depression. Nausea is uncomfortable for anyone, especially women. Feeling nauseas make keep you from your everyday activities. Fortunately, there are many healthy ways to treat nausea. Nausea can be treated by adjusting your daily diet. Try to eat small meals throughout the day, eat slowly, avoid hard to digest food, and drink fluids between meals. OTC antacids and medications like Pepto Bismal can help with nausea. Taking your birth control pills at night may also prevent nausea associated with birth control. Talk to your doctor if you nausea is persistent.

Headaches can put a real stop on a women's day. You can try OTC drugs to make your headache subside, or try a more natural method. By applying an icepack to the painful area of your head can help alleviate your symptoms. Ask someone special to rub your neck and back, rub your thumbs in a circular motion around the painful area for 7-15 seconds and release. Getting away from bright light and loud noises will help. Also, taking a short nap, getting fresh air in a quiet environment can relieve some stress that may also be contributing to your headache.

In most women, birth control relieves acne, but in some it causes it. Acne can cause embarrassing scars and skin damage. Luckily there are many treatments out there to clear up that pesky acne. Washing your face gently one or two times a day, using water-based skin care products and make-up, and over the counter medicated creams, soaps, lotions, and gels. Whatever you decide to use for treatment, DO NOT squeeze pimples, it will can cause infections, worse acne, and scars. For more help with acne, talk with a dermatologist.

Increased blood pressure can be dangerous. High blood pressure puts a women at higher risk for heart disease, with is a leading cause of death in the US. Increased blood pressure can be treated

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