Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a type of birth control pill. A woman takes one daily pill containing varying amounts of hormones for 21 days, then takes sugar pills for an additional seven days. These hormones work together to prevent her from becoming pregnant.
Function
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical fluid and preventing implantation by changing the lining of the uterus.
Efficacy
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is over 99 percent effective with perfect use. This includes taking the pill at the same time each day and not missing any pills.
Warnings
Oral contraceptives, including Ortho Tri-Cyclen, can cause dangerous complications such as blood clots, heart attack or stroke. Other side effects include high blood pressure and liver tumors.
Benefits
Benefits to taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen include more regular menstrual cycles, less bleeding and cramping with menstrual periods, fewer acne lesions and lessened risks of endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Considerations
Women who are over 35 and who smoke should not take Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Neither should those who are pregnant, who have had a blood clot previously, or who have certain types of heart conditions or cancer.
