Pregnancy And Birth Control Pill

Pregnancy and Birth Control Pills

Introduction

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are a type of hormonal medication used to prevent pregnancy. They are one of the most effective and widely used methods of contraception, with over 100 million women worldwide using them. Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. They also thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg, and they thin the lining of the uterus, making it less likely that a fertilized egg will implant.

Types of Birth Control Pills

There are two main types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills.

• Combination pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin. They are the most common type of birth control pill and are typically taken once a day.
• Progestin-only pills, also known as mini-pills, contain only progestin. They are taken once or twice a day and are a good option for women who cannot take estrogen.

Effectiveness

Birth control pills are very effective when taken correctly. The failure rate for combination pills is less than 1% per year, and the failure rate for progestin-only pills is about 5% per year.

Benefits

Birth control pills offer a number of benefits, including:

• Preventing pregnancy
• Regulating menstrual cycles
• Reducing cramps and PMS symptoms
• Improving acne
• Protecting against certain types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer

Risks

Birth control pills are generally safe, but they can cause some side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes
• Weight gain
• Blood clots (rare)

Who Should Not Take Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills are not right for everyone. Women who should not take birth control pills include:

• Women who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant
• Women who have had a blood clot in the past
• Women who have certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer or liver cancer
• Women who have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Women who have a history of migraines with aura

How to Take Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are typically taken once a day, at the same time each day. It is important to take birth control pills exactly as directed in order to be effective. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two or more pills, you may need to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms.

When to Start Taking Birth Control Pills

You can start taking birth control pills at any time during your menstrual cycle. However, it is best to start taking them on the first day of your period. This will help to ensure that you are protected from pregnancy right away.

How Long to Take Birth Control Pills

You can take birth control pills for as long as you need to prevent pregnancy. However, it is important to see your doctor for regular checkups to make sure that birth control pills are still right for you.

Stopping Birth Control Pills

You can stop taking birth control pills at any time. However, it is important to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the first month after you stop taking birth control pills. This will help to prevent pregnancy.

Pregnancy After Birth Control Pills

Once you stop taking birth control pills, it may take some time for your fertility to return. For most women, it takes about 3 months to get pregnant after stopping birth control pills. However, some women may take longer to get pregnant.

Birth Control Pills and Other Medications

Some medications can interact with birth control pills, making them less effective. These medications include:

• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medications
• Anticonvulsants
• HIV medications
• Tuberculosis medications

If you are taking any medications, it is important to tell your doctor so that they can check for interactions with birth control pills.

Conclusion

Birth control pills are a safe and effective method of contraception. They offer a number of benefits, including preventing pregnancy, regulating menstrual cycles, and reducing cramps and PMS symptoms. However, it is important to talk to your doctor to see if birth control pills are right for you.