Birth Control Pills
September 12th, 2011 | Author: Guest AuthorOne of the very common methods of birth control used worldwide is hormonal contraception, or the birth control pills. It is known to be 99.9% effective in controlling pregnancy.
What are the birth control pills and how do they work?
The contraceptive pill is also known as “the pill”. This drug causes hormonal changes in the body organs of the female to prevent ovulation, or release of eggs during the monthly cycle. When there is no egg to be fertilized, pregnancy can be avoided. Another function performed by the contraceptive pill is that they thicken the mucus around cervix thus, resulting in making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize with any possible eggs that might have been produced.
How to use the birth control pills?
These pills are available in a package of 21 days or 28 days. One pill is taken every day at approximately the same time of day indicated. After all the pills have been consumed, pills without hormones are taken for the next seven days and are available in packs of 28 days. In case of using the package of 21 days, you have the option to take seven pills purchased separately or simply stop using them for seven days. If a pill is missed, the chances of pregnancy are increased and there might be a need of an additional form of birth control, such as condoms. Alternatively, sexual intercourse may be avoided for some time.
Types of contraceptive pills
There are the combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both can be started at any time. If combination pills are started within five days after the start of the period, there is protection right away. The protection of progestin-only pills will begin after 48 hours of use.
Are birth control pills effective?
Yes, they are. The chances of women getting pregnant are less than one in a hundred if the birth control pills are always taken as directed. These chances are raised to about eight in a hundred if directions are not strictly followed. The contraceptives are less effective in overweight as well as elderly women. Also, if taken with certain other supplements, such as those for yeast infections, HIV and seizures, the effectiveness of the birth control pills are reduced.
Other benefits of using birth control pills
Besides preventing pregnancy, there are many health benefits for women when using oral contraceptives.
- The menstrual cycle is highly regulated with the use of birth control pills. Also, the periods tend to be much lighter and with fewer cramps.
- The use of contraceptives pills reduces acne and results in better and clearer skin.
- The risk of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cyst formation are also reduced with the use of the contraceptive pill.
Concerns when taking contraceptive pills
- There might be certain side effects of birth control pills experienced by some women, such as spotting, nausea, headache, mood changes, or weight change.
- Birth control pills do not protect against HIV.
- Smoking cigarettes while taking birth control pills increases the chances of having the side effects.
- The contraceptive pill should not be taken if you are suffering from breast cancer or if you think you are pregnant.
- The hormones in the pill can cause decreased sexual desire in women.
- After discontinuing the use of birth control pills, for the periods to return to the normal cycle make take a few months.
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