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The
Pill
What is the pill?
The Pill is one of the most effective
forms of birth control. It contains two synthetic female hormones (estrogen
and progesterone), which prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the monthly release
of the egg from the ovaries. Oral contraceptives are almost 100% effective
when taken correctly. The mini-pill contains only one hormone, progesterone,
and has an efficacy rate of 97%.
Why the pill?
The Pill is probably the easiest
birth control method to use. There are two pill-taking programs: the 21-day
regimen and the 28-day regimen. With the 21-day regimen, you take one pill
each day for three weeks and then for one week you do not take any pills.
The cycle is then repeated. With the 28-day regimen, you take 21 pills
first, then seven placebos which contain no active drug. Most women prefer
the 28-day regimen because they find it easier to remember to take a pill
every day of the year. So just pop it and forget it. What could be easier?
Are there any
side effects?
As with most forms of medication,
the pill is not without its share of side effects:
-
Irregular bleeding the first few months
-
Spotting between periods
-
Increased appetite
-
Depression or moodiness
-
Headaches and/or dizziness
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Scant or missed periods
-
Weight change
-
High blood pressure
-
Breast tenderness
These side effects, though annoying,
will not damage your health. Further, they are usually temporary and disappear
within three months. If they persist longer, consult your gyneacologist.
What are the advantages
of the Pill?
-
It is convenient to use.
-
Unlike a condom, the pill does not interrupt
sex.
-
Periods are usually lighter and shorter.
-
Periods get regulated and occur every
28 days.
-
As it prevents ovulation, in addition
to its contraceptive action it also eliminates mid-cycle pain
which some women experience with ovulation.
-
The pill does not decrease a woman's
chances of getting pregnant once she's off the pill and wants to conceive.
-
Did you know that there are many health
benefits to the pill? These benefits include a reduced incidence of benign
ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, anemia,
rheumatoid arthritis and most importantly, endometrial and ovarian cancer.
And disadvantages?
-
In addition to its side effects, the
Pill has a few disadvantages:
-
They do not protect a woman from getting
sexually transmitted diseases. If there is a danger of contracting an STD,
always use a condom.
-
Some antibiotics can interfere with
the way birth control pills work in your body, so if you are on any prescribed
medication, inform your gynaecologist.
-
You need to be extremely particular
about not missing your pills. If you are the scatty-brain type, it's best
to skip this method of birth control.
-
Though serious problems related to the
use of birth control pills are very rare, the chances of developing blood
clots, heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes or liver tumors are
slightly greater in women who take birth control pills.
However, you
should NOT take the pill if…
-
You suffer from a history of blood clots,
heart related problems like angina or kidney failure.
-
You have a history of breast cancer
or other estrogen-dependent cancers of the reproductive organs.
-
You are in the acute stages of hepatitis.
-
You are a heavy smoker above the age
of 35.
-
You start getting migraines after getting
on the pill.
-
You have high blood pressure or diabetes.
-
You are about to undergo some major
surgery.
-
You are breast-feeding.
-
You are above the age of 50.
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