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Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are the most popular type of birth control.
The pills usually come in packs of 21 or 28 pills. One pill is taken
every day. The first 21 pills have a combination of synthetic estrogen
and progesterone hormones. Birth control pills work by preventing
ovulation, i.e. the ovaries from releasing eggs. The pill also thickens
cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus.
The hormones in the pill also prevent fertilization. The last 7
pills of a 28-day pack have no hormones and are called spacer pills.
Birth control pills are 92-97.7% effective as birth control; however
it does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including
HIV/AIDS.
How Is It Used?
Birth control pills are usually started within 6 days of the start
of a period or within 6 days after an abortion. In such cases, the
pill becomes effective immediately. However, if the pill is started
at other times, it will be effective after one month.
Starting
the pill:
Birth control pills are commonly started on the first day of your
period or the first day after an abortion. Some women prefer to
start on the first Sunday after they begin their period or the first
Sunday after an abortion.
Continuing:
Birth control pills are taken one pill every day until you finish
an entire pack. It is advisable to try taking the pill with a regular
activity that you do at the same time every day, like eating a meal
or brushing your teeth. If you have a 28-day pack, start a new pack
immediately after you finish the old one. If you have a 21-day pack,
take one pill every day for 21 days, no pills for 7 days; then start
the new pack immediately.
What should my health care professional
know before I take Birth control pills?
Birth control pills may not be suitable for many women as they may
not be able to take the pill because of the risk of serious health
problems. Women suffering from any such irregular health conditions
are recommended to consult their doctor.
Women who are above the age of 35 and smoke or
who are suffering from conditions like history of heart attack or
stroke, blood clots, unexplained vaginal bleeding, diagnosed or
suspected cancer, confirmed or suspected pregnancy and liver disease
are refrained from using birth control pills.
Women who are under the age of 35 and smoke or
are suffering from conditions like migraines, gallbladder disease,
hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, elective
surgery, a history of blood clots, liver or heart disease are refrained
from using birth control pills.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Women using birth control pills have a higher risk of heart attack
and stroke. Although the effects of the pill on breast cancer are
still unknown. Birth control pill however, lowers a woman's chance
of developing ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory
disease.
As the body adjusts to initial hormonal changes
due to the using the pill, women often experience some minor side
effects, including irregular bleeding or spotting, nausea, breast
tenderness, weight gain and/or water retention, spotty darkening
of the skin and mood changes .
However, those encountering problems like severe
abdominal pain, severe headaches, chest pain or shortness of breath,
blurred vision and numbness or pain in the leg or arm should immediately
consult a doctor.
What drug(s) may interact with Birth Control
Pills?
Birth control pills may interact with other drugs; therefore it
is recommended to inform all your medical providers if you are using
hormonal birth control. The effectiveness of the pill is lowered
when taken with certain medications, including antibiotics, anti-seizure,
tuberculosis, and migraine medications. If you are taking any medications,
tell your clinician. Therefore, it is advisable to consider adding
a backup method of birth control when taking medications for these
conditions. As with all drugs, it is useful.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed pills during the cycle, take it as soon as you
remember and take your next pill at your usual time. This may mean
taking two pills in one day. However, consult your healthcare provider
and read instructions on the drug packet for usage.
How Should It Be Stored?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children
cannot open. Store at room temperature and through away any medicine
after the expiry date.
NOTE: The above information
is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before taking the product.
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