There are two types of contraceptive pills:
• The combination pill which contains Estrogen and Progestin.
• The progestin-only pill (generally knows as minipill).
Combo pills are more effective than progestin-only pills; though, few women cannot tolerate estrogen and choose the progestin pills. These pills are available in the market in several different brands.
HOW DOES IT WORK??
Birth control pills or contraceptive pills are artificial forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone taken by women to avoid pregnancy. The birth control …show more content…
pill prevents ovulation by maintaining consistent hormone levels. With no peak in estrogen level, the ovary does not get the signal to release an egg, which phases out the chances of fertilization and pregnancy.
These birth control pills also thicken the cervical mucus so that sperm cannot reach the egg.
ARE THESE PILLS ARE EFFECTIVE?
If birth control pills are taken daily at the same time, and each package is started on time, oral contraceptives are 99.9 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Generally, oral contraceptives are 93 to 97 percent effective, because women often miss pills or do not start a new pack on time. Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of pregnancy.
PROS AND CONS OF USING CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS:
The contraceptive pill is easy, safe and convenient to take. It does not hamper with having sex. Many women say taking pills has made their sex life better since it helps them feel more casual.
Women who don’t need birth control often opt to take the pill for other health benefits it offers. The combination pill which contains Estrogen and Progestin:
1. Make periods …show more content…
lighter
2. Ease menstrual cramps
3. Offer protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, which often results in infertility if left untreated
The combination pill also offers many other advantages, including a certain protection against:
1. Thinning of the bones
2. Acne
3. Anemia by iron deficiency
4. Ectopic pregnancy
5. Breast growths that are not cancer
6. Cysts in the ovaries and breasts
7. Endometrial and ovarian cancers
8. Severe infection in the uterus, ovaries, and tubes
9. Heavy and / or irregular periods
10. Premenstrual symptoms, including headaches and depression
11. Bad cramps
The contraceptive pill, like all drugs, has advantages and disadvantages and it is not a drug that can be taken indiscriminately by all women.
Therefore it better to know in which cases it can be taken and in which not. Regular usage of birth pills can lead to permanent infertility.
SIDE EFFECTS OF USING CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS:
Side effects depend on hormone concentrations. The pills with high contraction of hormones are considered the most dangerous. In general, there are two types of side effects, mild and severe.
Mild side effects include:
• Weight gain: It is possible because the pill has an effect to slow down the body metabolism which will affect the level of thyroid.
• Vaginal dryness and decreased libido: The inhibition of secretion of female sex hormones can lead to suffering from vaginal dryness due to the decrease of secretion and to decrease in sexual desire.
• A headache: The reason why one suffers this symptom is not yet clear but often resolves in little time or by changing type of pill.
• Insomnia and mood swings: The concentration of Estrogen and Progesterone in the pill may result in mood swings and insomnia.
• Breast tenderness: It is a fairly common side effect, if it does not create too much discomfort, can be considered
insignificant.
The serious side effects include:
• Breast cancer: The estrogen present in the pills may result in breast cancer; therefore it is advised to take suggestions from doctors.
• Increased cholesterol: Prolonged use of the pills may lead to an increase in cholesterol. The increase in cholesterol can hurt the heart as it increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.