Women have many choices when it comes to contraceptives. If you've settled on an oral contraceptive pill, there are some things you should know before committing to any medication. "The Pill," or combination pill, has been around for 40 years. It is a combination of both estrogen and progestin, hormones our bodies make naturally. A second version of contraceptive pills is "The Mini Pill" and it is progestin only. Both pills work to avoid pregnancy by preventing eggs from being released, or by thickening a woman's cervical mucous to prevent sperm from passing into the uterus and fertilizing an egg.
What to Look for
Contraceptive pills are by prescription only, so your healthcare provider will need to be involved in your decision on which pill will work best for you. Knowing what you want out of your contraceptive pill will help make this decision easier. Women can use either the combination or progestin-only contraceptive pills to help control menstrual cramps or lighten their periods in addition to birth control. Both pills can also provide some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, a condition that can cause infertility when left untreated.
The combination contraceptive pill has some added benefit in controlling acne, benign breast growths, ectopic pregnancies, ovarian cysts and premenstrual symptoms such as headache and depression that the progestin-only pill lacks.
Common Pitfalls
Contraceptive pills are not right for every woman. Certain health problems, smoking and age can contribute to higher risk factors for rare but serious side effects such as heart attack and stroke. While taking oral contraceptive pills, you should be under the care of a healthcare provider. Women who take the combination pill will have slightly higher risk.
Contraceptive pills are nearly 100 percent effective when taken as directed. The combination pill must be taken every day and the progestin only pill must be taken at the same time every day to give you the maximum coverage against pregnancy. If you have a difficult time remembering to take medication, then contraceptive pills may not be for you.
There are certain medications and illnesses that can interfere with how well an oral contraceptive pill will work. Be sure to ask your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any medications in addition to your contraceptive pill.
Contraceptive pills are nearly 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, but are not capable of protecting you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or HIV in any way.
Member Comments