|
Oral Contraceptives: Birth Control Pills
What are oral contraceptives?
Birth control pills or
oral contraceptives use synthetic hormones to prevent
pregnancy. There are two types: combined and progesterone only.
Combined pills contain synthetic forms of estrogen and
progesterone. Oral contraceptives are commonly used to treat
menstrual problems and decrease acne.
How do oral contraceptives work?
Oral contraceptives are
designed to prevent pregnancy in one of three ways:
-
Prevent ovulation each
month.
-
The cervix produces less and
thicker mucus so that sperm cannot easily enter the
uterus.
-
The lining of the uterus
becomes thinner, making it more difficult for a
fertilized egg to attach to the uterus should
ovulation occur and fertilization take place.
Ethical Consideration.
How do you use oral contraceptives?
Oral contraceptives are
obtained through a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Oral contraceptives usually come in a package of 28 pills that
contain 21 active pills with hormones and 7 placebo pills. A
new birth control pill has just been approved by the FDA
(9/5/03) that contains 84 active pills and 7 placebo
pills.
You are encouraged to
take the pills at the same time every day.
What if I forget to take some of my oral
contraceptives?
If you forget to take
some of the pills, you will have menstrual bleeding at
irregular times, and the likelihood of pregnancy increases.
When you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you can.
Take your next pill at the usual time. If you forget to take
two or more pills in a row, you should refrain from sexual
intercourse or use a back up method of contraception. You also
should contact your health care professional on what to do
next.
How effective are oral
contraceptives?
If pills are taken every
day at the same time, and each pack is started on time, oral
contraceptives are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. On
average, oral contraceptives are 93-97% effective because women
often miss pills or do not start a new pack on time. Contact
your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any pregnancy
symptoms.
What are the side effects or health risks of
oral contraceptives?
The dosage of hormones
has decreased over the years; subsequently the risk associated
with birth control pills has declined tremendously.
-
Pills may cause nausea, breast
tenderness, irregular spotting, weight gain, mood
changes or headaches.
-
Blood clots are a potential
risk . Two in 10,000 women will experience blood
clots as compared to one in 10,000 women for those
who do not use oral contraceptives.
-
You should not use oral
contraceptives if you have a history of stroke,
heart attacks, blood clots, liver disease, breast
cancer or are over 35 years old and smoke.
-
You should consult your
physician about oral contraceptives or alternative
contraception methods if you have diabetes, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risk
factors for cardiovascular disease.
What are the health benefits of oral
contraceptives?
-
Periods are usually lighter
with less cramping
-
If used for several years, the
chance of developing cancer of the ovaries and
uterus are decreased
-
Decreases cysts on the ovaries,
endometriosis, anemia, and fibrocystic breast
disease
Are oral contraceptives reversible?
Yes. Most women ovulate
and have their menstrual cycle within four to six weeks once
they stop taking the pills. If you have not had a menstrual
cycle for two to three months after stopping the pill, a
pregnancy test should be performed and a health care provider
contacted.
How much do oral contraceptives cost?
The initial physical
exam in your healthcare provider's office could range from Rs.100
to Rs.500. The monthly fee for each supply of pills ranges from
Rs.200 to Rs.500 or more, depending on your medical
coverage.
What about oral contraceptives and sexually
transmitted diseases (STD's)?
Oral contraceptives do
NOT provide any protection against any sexually transmitted
diseases, including HIV.
What are the pros & cons of oral
contraceptives?
|
