All of the following are side effects of Oral Contraceptive Pills except: September 2010
**Core Concept**
Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) are a type of hormonal birth control that contain estrogen and progesterone, which can cause various side effects due to their effects on the body's hormonal balance and physiological processes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Oral Contraceptive Pills primarily act by inhibiting ovulation through the suppression of gonadotropin secretion. However, their side effects are a result of their influence on various bodily systems. The correct answer is one of the options that is not a typical side effect of OCPs. To differentiate between options, we need to understand the mechanisms of action and side effects of OCPs. For instance, OCPs can cause changes in blood lipid profiles, leading to increased triglyceride levels. They can also cause venous thromboembolism due to the procoagulant effect of estrogen.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Increased risk of myocardial infarction is a known side effect of OCPs, particularly in women with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or risk factors. This is due to the increase in blood pressure and cardiac workload caused by estrogen.
**Option B:** Weight gain is a common side effect of OCPs, particularly in the first few months of use. This is due to water retention and changes in appetite.
**Option C:** Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of OCPs, particularly in the first few weeks of use. This is due to the initial adjustment of the body to the hormonal changes caused by the pills.
**Option D:** Increased risk of osteoporosis is not a side effect of OCPs. In fact, long-term use of OCPs has been shown to increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that the risk of venous thromboembolism increases with the use of OCPs, particularly in women over 35 years of age who smoke or have a family history of thromboembolic disease.
**Correct Answer:** D. Increased risk of osteoporosis