The oral contraceptive pill (also called “the Pill”) contains hormones that prevent pregnancy and is taken once a day. The hormones in the Pill prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation), thickening the mucus in your cervix to stop the sperm from entering your uterus, as well as thinning the lining of your uterus so it is less likely that a fertilised egg will attach.
There are two types of contraceptive pills, both of which contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. Combination pills contain the hormones oestrogen and progestin. Progestin-only pills are called “the minipill” and may be suitable for women who are breastfeeding or who have a history of blood clots and strokes and should not take oestrogen.
The Pill should be taken at the same time every day, regardless of whether you have had sex or not. If taken correctly, the Pill is very effective in preventing pregnancy.
HOW TO:
Ask your healthcare provider if the combined pill is the right contraceptive method for you. Your healthcare provider will also explain how and when to start taking the Pill, as this depends on the type you use.
For the Pill to be effective, it has to be taken at the same time every day. Missing a pill increases your chances of becoming pregnant. Some women find taking the pill at the same time as a daily routine, such as brushing their teeth, helps them to remember. If you do miss a Pill, make sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes in the box with your Pill to find out when to take your next Pill. If you are in doubt or have any questions, speak to your healthcare provider.
Pros / Cons
PROS:
When taken correctly, the Pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
It does not interrupt sex
Some women find that their periods become regular, lighter and less painful
It may help reduce acne
It can help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
CONS:
You need to remember to take the pill at the same time every day.
It may cause temporary side effects such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings. If these do not improve, speak to your healthcare provider about changing the type of Pill
Though rare, some women may be at an increased risk of serious health conditions, such as blood clots and breast cancer
It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, so you may need to use condoms as well
SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience:
Changes in your monthly bleeding patterns,including:
Lighter bleeding and fewer days of bleeding
Irregular bleeding
Infrequent bleeding
No monthly bleeding
These changes in bleeding are normal and are not harmful. If you find them bothersome, speak to your healthcare professional.
Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Painful and tender breasts
Weight change
Mood changes
Acne (can improve or worsen, but usually improves)
No, there are many different types of contraceptive pills available, and each of them is slightly different. The important thing is to follow the instructions that come with your pill package exactly. It’s important to take the pills as directed because missing pills or taking them not on time make them less effective. If you have any questions about how to take the pill, ask your healthcare provider for further advice.
Hormones used in the pill are mostly a synthetic form of the natural hormones progestin and estrogen. Some contain only a progestin, e.g. progestin-only pill, others a combination of progestin and estrogen, e.g. the so-called combined pill. The combined pill mimics a pregnancy to your body, although you are not pregnant, what prevents you from ovulation. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to get through. The progestin only pill works by thickening the mucus at the entrance to the womb. In some women it may also prevent ovulation.
Some contraceptive pills can improve the condition of your skin and hair; others help with symptoms such as acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular menstrual bleeding.
No it is not necessary to take a ‘pill break’ unless you want to get pregnant. There is no effect on long-term fertility even if you take hormonal contraceptives for years.
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