Pill Side Effects?
Question
I am 22 years old and have been on various BC pills since I was fifteen. I have been on Demulin 21 (Ethynodiol diacetate) for about a year, and I have some concerns.
I am not sure, but it is my understanding that this pill has a high level of estrogen, and no progesterone. Is it possible that this pill isn’t right for me? I have experienced break through bleeds, particularly during sex, I frequently have spotting, but this is not new, I seem to spot or have midcycle bleeding on every pill! Also I have been experiencing frequent yeast infections, which I have been led to understand is related to the estrogen levels, as well as hair loss (don’t know if that’s related at all). As well, I am beginning to notice very small varicose veins forming on my legs and hips, and although my grandmother has them, I am a healthy weight and activity level so I wonder if this is possibly related to the BCP as well.
I also have been to the emergency room twice for an undiagnosed something-what seems to be a urinary tract problem: not a UTI, but frequent urination, retention, back pain and nausea…. BUT I’m not sure if renal function is at all related to the pill.
Answer
Last Updated: June 11, 2013
Demulin is known as a relatively more estrogenic preparation. This could be causing the yeast infections and the mid-cycle bleeding, as well as the nausea.
One difficulty of evaluating bleeding is the bleeding may be caused by the pills. It is therefore best to get off the pills to observe the true natural cycle. If the bleeding persists, one could consider a polyp, a fibroid, or an infection such as Chlamydia. Chlamydia would also explain findings that suggest Urinary tract infection in the presence of a negative urine examination.
OCPs cause numerous vascular complications such as arterial and venous thrombosis, stroke, heart attack, pelvic vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and calf vein thrombosis. I am not aware of an association with varicose veins but it would not surprise me.
Nearly all contraceptives contain “progestins”. These compounds are really modified androgens, but are called progestins because women would not knowingly want to take male hormones. The male nature of these hormones is revealed in various ways. One is that they lower the female voice (permanently). If the hair loss was a result of a male hormone effect, this would be reasonable to me, although I am not really aware of hair loss as a pill side effect. Hair loss could also result from dermatological conditions, stress, and dietary problems such as anorexia nervosa.
Since these “progestins” are begun early in the cycle, they prevent the adequate growth of the lining of the womb. As a result, if a baby is conceived, the lining of the womb is hostile and the baby is likely to abort. While combination OCPs impair ovulation (egg release) they do not completely prevent it. With modern birth control pills, escape ovulation is about 5-15% with correct use. Missing one or two pills increases this to 35%. These pills are thus not only contraceptive, but also abortifacient.
Finally, one usually thinks of sex as an expression of love. One should reflect on whether contraceptive sex is truly love or merely exploitation. Does it make one feel fulfilled, or does it make one feel used? We are all searching for true love. If we could find true love, would it be worth giving up cheap thrills? Those who have found true love have been willing to give up their very lives for it.
I hope this helps your dilemma.
Dr. Paddy Jim Baggot
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