The oral contraceptive pill is also known as the birth control pill, is a type of contraception that is taken by mouth in the form of a pill.
If you are a woman of reproductive age, there is a good chance that you have heard of oral contraceptive pills or “the pill.” Oral contraceptive pills are one of the most popular methods of birth control in the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about oral contraceptive pills. We will cover how they work, the different types available, and the benefits and risks associated with taking them.
What is an oral contraceptive pill?
The oral contraceptive pill is also known as the birth control pill, is a type of contraception that is taken by mouth in the form of a pill. Oral contraceptives are hormonal contraceptives that contain two hormones, progestin, and estrogen, which work together to prevent pregnancy.
The pill works by preventing ovulation, thinning the lining of the uterus so that it is less likely to implant an egg, and thickening the cervical mucus so that it is harder for sperm to travel through the cervix.
Mala N, Mala D, femilon, loette, saheli, Ovral-L, and norgestrel are some of the most common oral contraceptive pills available on the market.
How do birth control pills prevent pregnancy?
There are two ways that birth control pills can prevent pregnancy. The first way is by stopping ovulation. Ovulation is when the ovaries release an egg. The second way is by thinning the lining of the uterus. This makes it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Oral contraceptive pills are highly effective, out of every 100 women who use the pill, one or two will become pregnant.
The pill is not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, it is one of the most effective methods of birth control available.
Types of oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptive pills are available in two different formulations: the combined pill and the mini-pill. The combined pill contains both estrogen and progestin, while the mini-pill only contains progestin. Combined oral contraceptive pills are available in different doses, depending on the amount of estrogen they contain.
Combination oral contraceptives should not be given to women older than 35 years who also smoke because there is an increased risk of blood clots in these women or to women who have high blood pressure, heart disease, migraines with auras, liver problems, very high cholesterol, a history of blood clots, a history of stroke, or breast cancer.
The mini-pill or progestin-only pill is a good choice for women who can’t take estrogen, such as women over 35 who smoke. It’s also a good choice for women who are breastfeeding.
How are oral contraceptives taken?
Oral contraceptives come in the form of pills that are taken daily, typically at the same time each day. The pill works by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation, as well as thinning the lining of the uterus to make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.
A 28-pill pack has 21 hormone pills. The additional seven pills are placebo pills (containing iron) to help the user stay in the habit of taking a pill every day. Users who are just getting started with birth control should start on the first day of their cycles. Daily, one tablet is taken for 21 consecutive days, followed by a seven-day break (take placebo pills) during which time menstruation will occur. The 28-day cycle then begins anew.
There are also extended-cycle oral contraceptives that are designed to be taken for 12 weeks straight, followed by a one-week break during which time menstruation will occur. These types of pills are typically used by women who experience painful or irregular periods.
It’s important to take oral contraceptives at the same time each day to maintain their effectiveness. If a pill is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it’s been more than 12 hours since the last pill was taken, the missed pill should be skipped and the user should continue taking one pill per day until the pack is finished.
When used correctly, oral contraceptives are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, certain factors can reduce their effectiveness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, which can prevent the pill from being properly absorbed into the body. Other medications, such as certain antibiotics, can also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
If you’re interested in using oral contraceptives, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to see if they’re right for you.
What are the benefits of oral contraceptives?
In addition to preventing pregnancy, oral contraceptives offer several other benefits. They can help to regulate menstruation, reduce period pain, and clear up acne.
Oral contraceptives can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as ovarian and endometrial cancer. They may also protect against pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy.
What are the side effects of oral contraceptives?
The most common side effects of oral contraceptives are mild and may include vaginal spotting and abnormal bleeding (this usually decreases after the first 3 months of use), headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and weight gain. These side effects typically go away after a few months of use.
More serious side effects are rare but may include blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. These side effects are more likely to occur in smokers and women over the age of 35.
Oral contraceptives are a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. However, like all medications, they come with the potential for side effects. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
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