Types of Birth Control Pills
1. Combined
oral contraceptive pill (COCP)
2. Progestin-only
Pills (POP)
3. Emergency
Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
- Types
of Emergency Contraceptive Pill
- Risk
and Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills or Morning After Pill
Birth
Control Pills
Oral contraceptives are commonly known as birth control pills.
They do wonders in preventing unwanted pregnancy. The first ever birth control
pill approved by FDA was Enovid on June 23, 1960. This pill was being manufactured
by Searle in those days. This great innovation brought blessings for sexually
liberated women in U.S.
How menstrual cycle works for pregnancy?
Estrogen
level starts building up in the beginning of a menstrual cycle. Due to this, the
walls or lining in the uterus thickens for the preparation of a fertilized egg.
In a menstrual cycle, 14 days are important where estrogen hormones level goes
up very high and an egg is released from the ovaries. Once the egg is released,
the progesterone hormone level also rises lasting for 7 days. These are very crucial
days because endometrium does also rise for conception. Woman becomes very fertile
in these days. In case conception does not happen, the level of estrogen and progesterone
start declining and drop to the lowest level. Once the level drops, the lining
of uterus begin to shed finally resulting into menstruation.
How birth
control pills work?
Birth control pills suppress ovulation, which completely
stops ovaries releasing eggs for fertilization by sperm. Most pills are made of
two hormones called estrogen and progestin, which help in preventing pregnancy
in great ways.
Disadvantages of birth control pills
Well, birth
control pills have its own advantages and disadvantages. Some pills might cause
serious side effects specially if patient is smoker and above age of 35. This
could lead to the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke. Otherwise,
such kind of highly risky side effects are not seen in normal healthy patients.
Some other side effects required immediate doctor’s attention is chest pain, leg,
arm or groin pain, severe or sudden headaches, sever stomach pain or even weakness
or numbness in these body parts, swelling of hands, feet or ankles, dizziness
or fainting spells, rapid weight gain, vaginal bleeding during period, increase
in blood sugar or blood pressure, vomiting or yellowing of eyes or skin.
Birth
control pills consumers have also reported some mild side effects but they are
not of any serious nature and doesn’t require medical attention like breakthrough
bleeding, spotting, breast enlargement, mood changes, mild stomach upset, skin
rashes like acne or brown spots appearing, tiredness or weight gain. These side
effects may go away once your body becomes habituated to birth control pills in
few days. However, if problems persist, you must consult the physician or doctor
immediately.
Advantages of birth control pills
Where birth control
pills have their side effects, they are also proved to be very effective in other
areas. It helps women to have shorter, lighter periods, it gives very much relief
from severe cramps, a more regular cycle and relieving the symptoms of premenstrual
syndrome (PMS). Its benefits do not end here. In fact, it has been observed that
40% of women who are taking birth control pills for one year are less likely to
develop uterine or ovarian cancers, ovarian cysts, and breast lumps. Birth control
pills also protect against infections of fallopian tubes (Pelvic Inflammatory
Disease (PID), which otherwise would need hospitalization. It also protect against
pregnancies that might occur outside the uterus (called tubal or ectopic pregnancy).
FDA-approved birth control pill Ortho Tri-cyclen is also effective for moderate
acne treatment in female patients age of 15 or older and who achieved menstruation,
desire contraception
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common
cause of excessive hair growth in women. Oral contraceptives can improve or stabilize
up to 50% of cases caused by PCOS.
Another advantage of birth control
pills is that it is quickly reversible once you stop it. You may require only
two-weeks delay before you ovulate again and your period would follow within four
to six weeks after you took the last pill.
The study undertaken by The
Women's Contraceptive and Reproductive Experince (Women's CARE) has proved that
Caucasian and African-American women ages between 36 to 44 who were on birth control
pills had been able to remain on lower risk of breast cancer.
Next Combined
oral contraceptive pill
