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Do
birth control pills have side effects?
Many women are
scared by friends telling that the pills would harm them. They are wrong
Birth control
pills are used by millions of women all over the world to prevent pregnancy.
The pill is a good choice for women who want to temporarily postpone a
pregnancy. It is easy to use, convenient, and reversible. The
pills are effective form of birth control. The women use the pill
correctly, less than 1 in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
How do birth control pills work?
Birth control
pills are made of hormones that prevent ovulation. In addition, the
cervical mucus thickens, which blocks the sperm from entering the cervix
(the mouth of the uterus). The lining of the uterus also thins, making it
less likely that a fertilized egg can attach to it. It is important to
remember that birth control pills do not protect against sexually
transmitted diseased. Only condoms can prevent STDs like syphills,
gonorrhoea, HIV and Hepatitis B.
Types of Pills
There are two basic types of birth control pills - combination pills and
progestin - only pills. Most women who take the pill take a
combination pill.
Combination birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin
( a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone). Your gynaecologist
will help you decide which is the best combination pill for you. Pills
work only if you take them correctly. Do not skip pills for any
reason.
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One pill is taken at the same time each day for 21 days. There is a
wait of 7 days before starting a new pack. During the week that the pill is
not taken, the period will start. If you have forgotten to a pill,
take it as soon as you remember. Take the nest pill at the normal
time. It is okay if you have to take two pills in the same day. If you
forget to take two or more pills, do not stop taking the pills but condoms
must be used as a backup for the rest of the cycle.
side effects
Some women may experience one or more of the following side effects -
head-ache, nausea, dizziness, spotting, breast tenderness or mild
depression.
Most of these symptoms will disappear after one or two cycles. For
nausea, taking the pill with a meal or at bedtime helps. For
headaches, any over-the-counter product for pain relief often helps.
The combination birth control pill has benefits in addition to
preventing pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, the pill
does not cause cancer. In fact, it reduces the chances of
cancer of the uterus and ovaries. It does not increase the
risk of breast cancer. It also decreases acne (pimples).
The pill also helps to keep period regular, lighter, and shorter and
reduces menstrual cramps. The pill is useful in decreasing the
symptoms of endometriosis.
Another type of birth control pill, called the progestin-only pill
of the minipill, contains only progestin. The progestin-only
pill is a better choice for women who cannot take pills with
estrogen. This method also may be the best choice for women
who are breastfeeding.
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It is important
to take the progestin-only pill at the same time each day. You should
use a backup method of contraception for 48 hours is you are 3 or more hours
late in taking pill.
Who should not use birth control pills?
The birth control pill is not a good choice for some
women. Women who have had a history of thromboembolism (blood clots)
earlier, or cancer of the breast should not use estrogen-containing pills.
Women who have just started to breast-feed can use progestin-only pills till
the milk flow has been well established.
Myths
One of the biggest myths about birth control pills is
that women put on weight while taking them. This is not true.
Women also believe that they must take a break now and then while taking the
pill. This is not necessary. Women also believe that they need to give
a gap after stopping the pill before attempting pregnancy. This is not
true. The pill does not increase the risk of an abnormality in a subsequent pregnancy.
Consult your physician before taking birth control pills.
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