Pregnancy Birth Control Pills: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Pregnancy birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are a safe and effective method of preventing pregnancy. 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 extended-cycle pills.
How Birth Control Pills Work
Birth control pills work by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation. These hormones are either estrogen and progestin (combination pills) or progestin alone (progestin-only pills).
- Combination pills: Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin. Estrogen prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, while progestin thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
- Progestin-only pills: Progestin-only pills contain only progestin. Progestin thickens the cervical mucus and can also thin the lining of the uterus, making it less likely that a fertilized egg will implant.
Types of Birth Control Pills
There are three main types of birth control pills:
- Combination pills: Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin. They are the most common type of birth control pill and are very effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Progestin-only pills: Progestin-only pills contain only progestin. They are less effective at preventing pregnancy than combination pills, but they may be a good option for women who cannot take estrogen.
- Extended-cycle pills: Extended-cycle pills are combination pills that are taken for 12 weeks at a time. They are very effective at preventing pregnancy, but they can cause more side effects than other types of birth control pills.
Effectiveness of Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are very effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. The failure rate for combination pills is less than 1%, and the failure rate for progestin-only pills is about 5%.
Benefits of Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills offer a number of benefits, including:
- Prevention of pregnancy: Birth control pills are one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy.
- Regulation of menstrual cycles: Birth control pills can help to regulate menstrual cycles and make them more predictable.
- Treatment of acne: Some birth control pills can help to treat acne.
- Reduction of the risk of ovarian cancer: Women who take birth control pills for five or more years have a reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
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 irritability, depression, and anxiety.
- Blood clots: Birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots, especially in women who smoke, are overweight, or have a history of blood clots.
- Heart attack: Birth control pills can increase the risk of heart attack in women who smoke, are overweight, or have high blood pressure.
- Stroke: Birth control pills can increase the risk of stroke in women who smoke, are overweight, or have high blood pressure.
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 breastfeeding
- Women who have a history of blood clots
- Women who have a history of heart disease or stroke
- Women who have a history of liver disease
- Women who have a history of cancer
- Women who are taking certain medications
How to Take Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are taken orally, once a day. It is important to take birth control pills at the same time each day to ensure that they are effective. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two or more pills in a row, you may need to use a backup method of birth control, 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 birth control, such as condoms, for the first month after you stop taking birth control pills. This will help to prevent pregnancy.
Birth Control Pills and Pregnancy
Birth control pills are very effective at preventing pregnancy, but they are not 100% effective. If you take birth control pills correctly, your chances of getting pregnant are very low. However, if you do get pregnant while taking birth control pills, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Birth Control Pills and Breastfeeding
Birth control pills can pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best type of birth control for you.
Birth Control Pills and Other Medications
Some medications can interact with birth control pills and make them less effective. It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements.
Birth Control Pills and STIs
Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are sexually active, it is important to use condoms to protect yourself from STIs.
Conclusion
Birth control pills are a safe and effective method of preventing pregnancy. They offer a number of benefits, including the prevention of pregnancy, the regulation of menstrual cycles, and the treatment of acne. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of birth control pills before you start taking them.