Health Guide

Contraceptive pill - Birth Control

Contraceptive pill -
The oral contraceptive pill is the safest and most effective form of reversible contraception. There are many different dosage forms and strengths, so that most women can find one that meets their needs. The main types are the constant dose two hormone pill, the two or three phase two hormone pill (hormone doses vary during month), and the one hormone mini-pill (see Medication Table). The pill has several positive benefits besides almost perfect prevention of pregnancy. It regulates irregular periods, reduces menstrual pain and premenstrual tension, may increase the size of the breasts, reduces the severity of acne in some women, and libido (the desire for sex) is often increased. It even reduces the incidence of some types of cancer.

Two different hormones control the menstrual cycle. At the time of ovulation, the levels of one hormone drops, and the other rises, triggering the egg's release from the ovary. When the hormones revert to their previous level two weeks later, the lining of the womb is no longer able to survive and breaks away, giving the woman a period. The pill maintains a more constant hormone level, and thus prevents the release of the egg. With the triphasic pills, the level of both hormones rises at the normal time of ovulation, and then drops slightly thereafter to give a more natural hormonal cycle to the woman, while still preventing the release of an egg. When the pill is stopped (or the sugar pills started) at the end of the month, the sudden drop in hormone levels cause a period to start.If taken correctly, the pill is very effective as a contraceptive. But missing a pill, or suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting can have a very pregnant result. Some antibiotics can also interfere with the pil. A few women do have unwanted side effects from the contraceptive pill. These can include headaches, break through bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, increased appetite and mood changes. If these problems occur, they can be assessed by a doctor, and a pill containing a different balance of hormones can be prescribed.

There is no need these days to take a break from the pill every year or so. This may have been the case in earlier years, but is no longer necessary. The effects of the pill are readily reversible. If you decide to become pregnant, you could find yourself in that state in as little as two weeks after ceasing it, with no adverse effects on the mother or child.

| Posted in » Pregnancy, Womens Health