Contraceptive pills, also known as birth control pills, are medications taken orally to prevent pregnancy. They are one of the most popular forms of birth control for women. Here’s everything you need to know about contraceptive pills.
How Do Contraceptive Pills Work?
Contraceptive pills work by releasing synthetic hormones that prevent ovulation. Ovulation is the process where the ovary releases an egg that can be fertilized by a sperm. If there’s no egg, there can be no fertilization.
Additionally, contraceptive pills change the cervical mucus, making it thicker and harder for the sperm to penetrate the egg, even if ovulation occurs.
Types of Contraceptive Pills
There are two main types of contraceptive pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills.
Combination Pills
Combination pills contain synthetic versions of both estrogen and progestin hormones, which prevent ovulation. They are the most commonly prescribed type of contraceptive pill.
Progestin-Only Pills
Progestin-only pills, also known as mini-pills, contain only synthetic progestin hormone. They are a popular choice for women who are breastfeeding, as estrogen can affect milk production.
How to Take Contraceptive Pills
It is recommended to take a contraceptive pill at the same time each day to ensure effectiveness. Combination pills are taken for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break where no pills are taken.
During this break, it’s common to experience a period-like bleeding. Progestin-only pills are taken every day without a break.
Effectiveness
Contraceptive pills are highly effective when taken correctly. The effectiveness of the pills depends on the type of pills and how they are taken. Combination pills are over 99% effective when taken every day at the same time.
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Progestin-only pills, on the other hand, are slightly less effective and have a failure rate of around 1-5%.
Side Effects
Like any medication, contraceptive pills have potential side effects. Common side effects include:.
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
Women with a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart disease should speak to their doctor before taking contraceptive pills as they can increase the risk of these conditions.
Who Can Take Contraceptive Pills?
Most women can take contraceptive pills safely. However, women who are pregnant, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or have a history of blood clots or heart disease should avoid taking contraceptive pills.
Women who smoke or are over the age of 35 may be advised to use alternative forms of birth control.
Where to Get Contraceptive Pills
Contraceptive pills can be obtained through a prescription from a healthcare provider or at a family planning clinic. Some pharmacies also sell contraceptive pills over the counter without a prescription.
Conclusion
Contraceptive pills are a highly effective form of birth control and are widely used by women around the world. Understanding how to take them and the potential side effects is essential.
Women who are considering contraceptive pills should speak with their healthcare provider to determine whether they are the right choice for their individual needs.
