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It is a common myth to believe that there is a direct mutual relationship between birth control pills and cold sores. Today, most people, mostly women believe that taking oral contraceptive pills make them prone to painful cold sores. So, there is a lot of discussion and questions generated regarding this connection, and whether birth control pills cause cold sores. |
Many women have complained of getting cold sores while taking their birth control pills. The cold sores are often said to be a side effect of contraceptive pills. This belief causes women to be hesitant, fearing out breaks of cold sores. This fear and hesitance can be overruled if there is correct information on cold sores and what causes them.
Cold sores are basically caused by Herpes simplex type I virus. Cold sores can be dormant in our body for a long time. They only become active when exposed to certain types of stress. Cold sores caused by Herpes simplex type I virus (HSV) are viral in nature. Stress usually weakens one’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to the HSV virus. Once this virus enters the body, the weak immune system is known to be weak in fighting off the attack. Many researchers and doctors believe that there is no direct connection between birth control pills and cold sores. They feel it is only a chance happening or a case of body which has been under stress.
The only way we can see any relation between oral contraceptive pills and cold sores are the low level of hormones in the body caused by these pills. Again, this happens due to the difference in response toward a pill by the individual woman’s body. This is more in case of some particular pills. One should consult an obstetrician and ask for another brand or type of contraceptive pills, which will not lower the level of hormones in their body. A physician can evaluate the medication history of the patient and decide the best course of action with his expertise.
It is proved that cold sores are caused by the level of stress in the body. One can easily control or stop an outbreak of cold sores by eating healthy, exercising and leading a stress-free life.
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