Birth control pills

Birth control pills or oral contraceptives use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. There are two types: combined and only progesterone. Combination pills contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone. Oral contraceptives are commonly used to treat menstrual problems and reduce acne.

How do oral contraceptives work?

Oral contraceptives are designed to prevent pregnancy in one of three ways:

Prevent ovulation every month.
The cervix produces less and thicker mucus, so sperm cannot easily enter the uterus.
The lining of the uterus becomes thinner, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus during ovulation and fertilization.

How do you use oral contraceptives?

Oral contraceptives are purchased with a doctor's prescription. Oral contraceptives usually come in a pack of 28 pills, which contains 21 active hormone pills and 7 placebo pills.

You are advised to take the tablets at the same time each day.

What if I forget to take some of my oral contraceptives?

If you forget to take certain pills, you will have irregular menstrual bleeding and increase the chance of pregnancy. If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as possible. Take the next tablet at the usual time. If you forget to take two or more pills in a row, you should abstain from sex or use a backup method of contraception. You should also contact your healthcare provider to find out what to do next.

How effective are oral contraceptives?

If the pills are taken at the same time each day and each strip is started on time, oral contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. On average, birth control pills are 93-97% effective because women often forget to take their pills or don't start a new pack on time. Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of pregnancy.

What are the side effects or health risks of oral contraceptives?

The dose of the hormone has decreased over the years; thereafter, the risk associated with birth control pills dropped significantly.

The tablets may cause nausea, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, weight gain, mood changes or headaches.
Blood clots are a potential risk. Two in 10,000 women will have blood clots, compared to one in 10,000 women not taking birth control pills.
You should not use oral contraceptives if you have a history of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, liver disease, breast cancer, or if you are over 35 and smoke.
You should consult your doctor about birth control pills or alternative birth control methods if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

What are the health benefits of oral contraceptives?

Periods tend to be lighter with fewer cramps
When used for several years, the risk of developing ovarian and uterine cancer is reduced.
Reduces ovarian cysts, endometriosis, anemia and fibrocystic breast disease

Are oral contraceptives reversible?

Yes. For most women, ovulation and menstruation occur within four to six weeks after stopping the pill. If you haven't had a period for two to three months after stopping the pills, you should take a pregnancy test and see your doctor.