What is a Oral Contraceptive?
Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are a type of medication that women take to prevent pregnancy. They contain synthetic hormones, typically estrogen and progestin, which prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) and make it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
There are two main types of oral contraceptives: combination pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills. Combination pills are the more commonly used type and are taken daily for 21 days followed by a week of placebo pills or no pills, during which time the woman will typically experience a withdrawal bleed (similar to a period). Progestin-only pills, on the other hand, are taken every day without a break.
Oral contraceptives are highly effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly and consistently. They also have some non-contraceptive benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and improving menstrual symptoms. However, they may also have some potential risks and side effects, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider before starting use.
Types of Oral Contraceptives
There are two main types of oral contraceptives: combination pills and progestin-only pills.
- Combination pills: These pills contain both estrogen and progestin hormones. There are two types of combination pills: monophasic and multiphasic. Monophasic pills contain the same level of hormones in each active pill, while multiphasic pills contain different levels of hormones throughout the active pills.
- Progestin-only pills: These pills contain only the progestin hormone and no estrogen. They are also known as mini-pills.
Both types of oral contraceptives work by preventing ovulation, but they have different mechanisms of action. Combination pills also thicken the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, while progestin-only pills primarily work by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the lining of the uterus to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg.
It's important to note that different types of oral contraceptives may have varying levels of hormones and side effects, so it's best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which type of pill is most appropriate for an individual's needs.
Oral Contraceptives Pills Examples
There are many brands of oral contraceptives available in India, both combination pills and progestin-only pills. Here are some examples of commonly used brands:
Combination pills:
- Mala-D
- Femilon
- Loette
- Yasmin
- Ovral-G
- Novelon
Progestin-only pills:
- Cerazette
- Saheli
- Cerelle
- Centron
- Nor-QD
It's important to note that the availability and specific brands of oral contraceptives may vary depending on the region and pharmacy. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which type of pill is most appropriate for an individual's needs and to obtain a prescription.
Why Oral Contraceptive Pills for PCOS?
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be prescribed oral contraceptives to help manage their symptoms. Combination pills containing both estrogen and progestin can be particularly beneficial for women with PCOS, as they can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body, which can be elevated in women with PCOS.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, combination pills can help improve acne, reduce excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Some commonly prescribed oral contraceptives for PCOS include:
- Yaz: This is a combination pill that contains both estrogen and a progestin called drospirenone. It has been shown to improve acne and reduce the severity of premenstrual symptoms in women with PCOS.
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen: This is another combination pill that contains both estrogen and a progestin called norgestimate. It can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS.
- Lo Loestrin Fe: This is a low-dose combination pill that contains both estrogen and a progestin called norethindrone acetate. It may be particularly beneficial for women with PCOS who are at risk of blood clots or have other cardiovascular risk factors.
It's important to note that different types of oral contraceptives may have varying levels of hormones and side effects, so it's best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which type of pill is most appropriate for an individual's needs.
Do Contraceptive Oral Pills Help in Birth Control?
Yes, contraceptive oral pills are a highly effective form of birth control. They contain synthetic hormones, typically estrogen and progestin, which prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) and make it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
When taken correctly and consistently, oral contraceptive pills are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It's important to take the pill at the same time every day and not miss any doses to ensure maximum effectiveness. In addition to preventing pregnancy, oral contraceptives can also have some non-contraceptive benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and improving menstrual symptoms.
However, it's important to note that oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it's still important to use barrier methods (such as condoms) to reduce the risk of STIs. It's also important to discuss the potential risks and side effects of oral contraceptives with a healthcare provider before starting use.
How to Properly Take Oral Contraceptives?
Proper use of oral contraceptives is important for maximum effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Here are some general guidelines for taking oral contraceptives:
- Start taking the pill on the first day of your menstrual period or as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Take one pill at the same time every day, preferably at night to help reduce nausea.
- If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one pill or are unsure what to do, consult your healthcare provider.
- If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within two hours of taking a pill, use a backup method of contraception for at least 48 hours.
- If you are taking a 28-day pill pack, take the active pills for 21 days followed by seven days of inactive pills (or no pills) before starting a new pack.
- If you are taking a 21-day pill pack, take the active pills for 21 days followed by a seven-day break before starting a new pack.
- Always use a backup method of contraception (such as condoms) if you miss a pill, start a new pack late, or experience vomiting or diarrhea.
It's important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about using oral contraceptives. Additionally, regular check-ins with a healthcare provider can help ensure that the chosen contraceptive method is working effectively and is well-tolerated.
Explain the Role of Oral Contraceptive Pills in Pregnancy
Oral contraceptive pills are not used during pregnancy as they are intended to prevent pregnancy, not promote it. Using oral contraceptives during pregnancy can be dangerous and harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus.
If a woman accidentally takes oral contraceptives during pregnancy, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine the potential risks and appropriate next steps.
However, it is worth noting that oral contraceptives can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve fertility for women who have irregular periods or other menstrual irregularities that may make it difficult to conceive. This is because oral contraceptives help regulate the levels of hormones in the body that control the menstrual cycle, and by regulating the menstrual cycle, they can also help regulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception.
If a woman is trying to conceive and has been using oral contraceptives, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine when it is safe to stop taking the pill and to discuss other fertility options.
21 Side Effects of Oral Contraceptive Pills
Like all medications, oral contraceptive pills can have side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Mood changes
- Decreased libido
- Acne
- Changes in appetite
- Vaginal discharge or dryness
- High blood pressure
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Liver tumours
- Gallbladder disease
- Yeast infections
- Allergic reactions
- Increased risk of certain cancers (breast, cervical, and liver)
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
It's important to note that not all women experience these side effects, and some may experience only mild symptoms that go away over time. Additionally, many of these side effects can be managed with changes to the type or dosage of oral contraceptive pills or with additional medications.
It's important to discuss any concerns or questions about side effects with a healthcare provider and to report any concerning symptoms immediately.
Emergency Oral Contraceptive Pills
Emergency oral contraceptive pills (ECPs), also known as "morning-after pills," are a type of contraception that can be used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy. ECPs contain synthetic hormones that work by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries), which reduces the likelihood of fertilization and pregnancy.
There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills available:
- Levonorgestrel (LNG) ECPs: These pills contain a progestin called levonorgestrel and are most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. Examples of levonorgestrel ECPs include Plan B One-Step, Take Action, Next Choice One Dose, My Way, and Aftera.
- Ulipristal acetate (UPA) ECPs: These pills contain a selective progesterone receptor modulator called ulipristal acetate and are most effective when taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. Examples of ulipristal acetate ECPs include Ella and EllaOne.
It's important to note that emergency contraceptive pills should not be used as a regular form of birth control and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally, while ECPs can be highly effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly and on time, they are not 100% effective and should not be relied upon as a sole form of contraception.
It's recommended to discuss emergency contraceptive options with a healthcare provider and to have a plan in place in case of contraceptive failure or unprotected sex.
Hormonal Contraceptives Pills
Hormonal contraceptive pills, also known as birth control pills, are a type of medication that contains synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and/or progestin. These hormones work together to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) and thicken cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.
There are two main types of hormonal contraceptive pills:
- Combination pills: These pills contain both estrogen and progestin and are taken daily for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break during which no pills are taken (or a week of inactive pills). Examples of combination pills include Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yaz, Alesse, and Loestrin.
- Progestin-only pills: These pills contain only progestin and are taken daily without a break. They are sometimes referred to as "mini-pills" because they contain lower doses of hormones than combination pills. Examples of progestin-only pills include Micronor and Errin.
Hormonal contraceptive pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly and consistently. They also have some non-contraceptive benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers, improving menstrual symptoms, and decreasing the risk of ovarian cysts.
However, hormonal contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it's still important to use barrier methods (such as condoms) to reduce the risk of STIs. It's also important to discuss the potential risks and side effects of hormonal contraceptives with a healthcare provider before starting use.
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