You may be relieved to learn that the risk of breast cancer from taking the birth control pill is very small, as revealed in research from the Mayo Clinic. However, there are many other side effects associated with the pill and the birth control patch. Learn more about these risks so you can make better contraceptive choices and protect your health.

Birth Control Pill Side Effects

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reassures that the birth control pill is safe and effective for most women. However, although today's pills have lower doses of hormones than pills from previous decades, they still cause side effects, and some are quite serious.

Studies published in the British Medical Journal indicate that some birth control pills have a higher risk of blood clot than others. Combined pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone have been associated with developing blood clots in the vein (deep vein thrombosis).

Women who took contraceptives containing desogestrel had a seven times greater risk of developing thrombosis compared to women who aren't on the pill. In contrast, women who took pills containing a progestogen called levonorgestrel had a much lower risk, about four times that of women not taking the pill.

Pills containing norgestimate  or drospirenone (for example, Yasmin®) were associated with a nearly six-fold extra risk. And pills containing cyproterone (for instance, Diane®), had nearly a seven times greater risk.

Other side effects of the birth control pill include a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, nausea, headaches, sore breasts, weight gain, irregular menstrual bleeding and depression, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In addition, the risks of taking birth control pills may be greater if you are age 35 or older, overweight, have diabetes or a blood-clotting disorder, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, reports Planned Parenthood. They recommend consulting a doctor right away if you experience chest or abdominal pain, leg soreness, jaundice, aura (seeing flashing lines before a headache), amenorrhea (no menstruation), or a lump in your breast.

Birth Control Patch Side Effects

The birth control patch, or Ortho Evra®, is a slim patch you apply once a week for three weeks at a time. When used correctly it is as effective as the birth control pill, with a failure rate less than one percent. However, it may not be as effective for women who are over 198 pounds, so they should use it in combination with condoms to avoid pregnancy, warns ACOG.

When you use the birth control patch you're exposed to 60 percent more estrogen than you would be if you're taking a birth control pill that contains 35 micrograms of estrogen. According to ACOG, the birth control patch has many of the same side effects as the birth control pill, including the risk of blood clots, headaches, and nausea.

In 2006 hundreds of women filed lawsuits against the manufacturer claiming they developed blood clots in their legs, lungs and heart after using the patch. The patch may also increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, especially if you smoke. Some users also report skin irritation at the application site, bloating, yeast infections and depression.

If you have high blood pressure, breast or uterine cancer, a blood-clotting disorder, diabetes, allergies, a liver disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke, you shouldn't use the birth control patch.

Whether you're already taking the birth control pill or the birth control patch (or you're considering using either), and have concerns about the risks, speak to your doctor about other contraceptive options so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and overall health.