Contraception Pill –
Table of Contents
The Pills
The pill (also: contraceptive pill) is still one of the safest contraceptives and is the most widespread method of contraception. There are different types of pills – from different manufacturers and in different dosages. Girls and young women in particular often prefer the pill. The pill is one of the very safe contraceptives. The prerequisite is daily intake at the same time of day, with the exception of the pill break. . .
This Is How The Pill Works
Greatest birth control pills are combination pills that comprise estrogen and progestin. These hormones:
suppress ovulation. As a result, the woman’s entire cycle consists of infertile days. This means that fertilization cannot take place.
change the cervical mucus in the cervical canal. This becomes thicker and more viscous. This prevents sperm from entering the uterus.
prevent the monthly build-up of the uterine lining.
The Different Types Of Pills
There are different types of pills – from different manufacturers and in different dosages. However, they all contain estrogen and progestin. In medicine, one also speaks of combination pills.
The pill preparations vary depending on the amount of hormone and the intake schedule. One distinguishes:
combination
Pill – monophasic pill
– biphasic and triphasic pill
Minipill (estrogen-free pill)
How Is The Pill Taken?
When first taking the pill, it is taken on the first day of menstruation. It protects from day one. A distinction is made between single-phase pills and two- and three-phase pills.
monophasic pill
With this type of pill, each pill contains the same amount of estrogen and progestin. It is taken every day – usually for 21 days. After that, the intake is interrupted for seven days. During this time, withdrawal bleeding usually occurs. Pregnancy protection is also provided during this break. On the eighth day, the first tablet of a new pack is started, even if the withdrawal bleeding continues.
There are also monophasic pills that are taken without breaks, although some pills, depending on the preparation, no longer contain any active ingredients. They serve to avoid revenue errors. The withdrawal bleeding usually occurs while taking the ineffective pills.
Two and three phase pill
These pill preparations have a different composition of estrogen and progestin in one pill pack for the first and second half of the cycle. Here the intake is strictly prescribed, ie the pills must be taken in the correct order so that they can work safely.
When Do I Take The Pill?
The pill is taken at the same time every day – with the exception of the pill break. For example in the morning after breakfast or in the evening after eating. So that the pill is not forgotten, it is advisable to make taking it a ritual – like brushing your teeth every day.
How Reliable Is The Pill?
The pill is one of the very safe contraceptives (Pearl Index 0.1-0.9). The prerequisite is daily intake at the same time of day!
Reliability Problems Can Occur In The Following Cases:
Taking the pill with other medicines: Some medicines (e.g. antibiotics, laxatives) can completely or partially stop the effect of the pill. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if slightly medication affects the effectiveness of the pill.
Stomach and intestinal problems: In the event of diarrhea or vomiting, the active ingredient in the pill can be excreted before it gets into the blood. This can affect the effect. If symptoms persist, an additional contraceptive should be used for at least a week.
Holiday trips with a time difference: If you travel with a time difference, taking the pill should be discussed with your gynaecologist.
Forgot The Pill – What To Do?
If a pill is missed, the reliability of the pill is maintained if the missed pill is taken within 12 hours. The following pills are taken again at the usual time of day without “time difference”. If the pill is forgotten several times in a row, an additional contraceptive method – eg condoms – must be used until the next bleeding.
The pill is a medicine. In addition to the desired effect, every drug can also have undesirable side effects. The pill is a highly effective drug and not suitable for every woman. Therefore, the pill requires a prescription. Only after a detailed discussion with the gynecologist can the right pill preparation be individually selected.
The advantages Of Contraception Pill
If taken regularly, the pill offers almost 100% protection .
The pill is effective immediately from the first day you take it .
Weaker and shorter menstrual periods: The strength and duration of the bleeding usually decreases when you take the pill.
Relief of menstrual cramps: Menstrual pain ( e.g. lower abdominal cramps) can usually be relieved by taking the pill.
Positive effects on the complexion: skin blemishes ( e.g. puberty acne) are mostly caused by an increased level of male sex hormones. By taking the female sex hormones with the pill, the complexion often improves significantly.
Good cycle control: By taking the pill, you know exactly when your menstrual period will start.
Fertility: The pill does not affect fertility. Even after long-term use, most women become pregnant quickly after stopping the pill.
The disadvantages Of Contraception Pill
The pill does not protect against sexually communicated infections.
pill must be occupied every day and at the similar time of the day.
The pill is not free of side effects. The side effects include nausea and vomiting, weight gain, sexual listlessness, bleeding between periods, and a feeling of tension in the breasts.
The combination pill should not be taken while breastfeeding, as the baby would absorb too much hormone from breast milk. The estrogen effect can also lead to the cessation of milk flow.
The pill may only be taken by healthy women, as it can also affect the heart and circulatory system.
The female sex hormone estrogen contained in the combination pill can change blood pressure and blood clotting. The pill is not suitable for women at risk of thrombosis or embolism.
In women who suffer from diabetes, the intake must be checked individually.
The pill and smoking lead to narrowing of the blood vessels. Smokers should not take the pill.
