Pregnancy And Birth Control Pill

Pregnancy and Birth Control Pills

Introduction

Birth control pills are a safe and effective method of contraception that have been used for decades. They work by preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. Birth control pills are available in a variety of forms, including combination pills, progestin-only pills, and emergency contraceptive pills.

How Birth Control Pills Work

Combination birth control pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin. These hormones work together to prevent ovulation by thickening the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. They also thin the lining of the uterus, making it less likely that a fertilized egg will implant.

Progestin-only birth control pills contain only progestin. They work by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus. Progestin-only pills are less effective than combination pills at preventing pregnancy, but they are a good option for women who cannot take estrogen.

Emergency contraceptive pills, also known as the morning-after pill, are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraceptive pills contain a high dose of progestin or a combination of progestin and estrogen. They work by delaying or preventing ovulation.

Effectiveness of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are very effective at preventing pregnancy. When taken correctly, combination pills are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Progestin-only pills are slightly less effective, with a 97% effectiveness rate. Emergency contraceptive pills are less effective than other types of birth control, but they can still be effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

Benefits of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills offer a number of benefits, including:

• Preventing pregnancy: Birth control pills are one of the most effective methods of contraception available.
• Regulating menstrual cycles: Birth control pills can help to regulate menstrual cycles, making them more predictable and less painful.
• Reducing the risk of certain cancers: Birth control pills have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.
• Improving acne: Birth control pills can help to improve acne by reducing the production of hormones that can cause acne.
• Reducing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Birth control pills can help to reduce the risk of PID, a serious infection of the female reproductive organs.

Risks of Birth Control Pills

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

• Nausea: Nausea is a common side effect of birth control pills, especially during the first few months of use.
• Breast tenderness: Birth control pills can cause breast tenderness, especially during the first few months of use.
• Headaches: Birth control pills can cause headaches, especially during the first few months of use.
• Mood changes: Birth control pills can cause mood changes, such as depression or anxiety.
• Weight gain: Birth control pills can cause weight gain, but this is usually a small amount.
• Blood clots: Birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women who smoke or have a history of blood clots.
• Stroke: Birth control pills can increase the risk of stroke, especially in women who smoke or have high blood pressure.
• Heart attack: Birth control pills can increase the risk of heart attack, especially in women who smoke or have high cholesterol.

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 a history of blood clots
• Women who have a history of stroke or heart attack
• Women who have high blood pressure
• Women who have high cholesterol
• Women who smoke
• Women who have diabetes
• Women who have liver disease
• Women who have kidney disease

How to Take Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are taken once a day, at the same time each day. It is important to take birth control pills exactly as directed. If you miss a pill, you may be less protected from pregnancy.

When to Start Taking Birth Control Pills

You can start taking birth control pills on the first day of your period. If you start taking birth control pills on another day of your cycle, you may need to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the first week.

How Long to Take Birth Control Pills

You can take birth control pills for as long as you need to prevent pregnancy. Some women take birth control pills for many years, while others only take them for a few months.

When to Stop Taking Birth Control Pills

You should stop taking birth control pills if you become pregnant, if you have a serious side effect, or if you no longer need to prevent pregnancy.

Conclusion

Birth control pills are a safe and effective method of contraception that can offer a number of benefits. However, birth control pills are not right for everyone. It is important to talk to your doctor to discuss whether birth control pills are right for you.