The oral contraceptive pill, commonly known as “the pill,” is a hormone-based method of preventing pregnancy. It can also help resolve irregular menstruation, painful or heavy periods, endometriosis, acne, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation. No egg is produced, so there is nothing for the sperm to fertilize. Pregnancy cannot take place.
“The pill” has advantages and disadvantages. People with different risk factors may be advised to use a particular type of pill.
Types of pills
There are different types of birth control pills. They all contain synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, or both . Synthetic progesterone is called progestin. Combination pills contain progestin and estrogen. The “mini pill” contains only progestin.
Monophasic pills contain the same hormonal balance. With phasic pills, two or three different types of pills are taken each month, each with a different balance of hormones.
Birth control pills come as “daily pills” or as “21-day pills.” A pack of daily pills lasts 28 days, but seven of the pills are inactive, they are placebo. The daily pill can be easier to use correctly, since the routine is the same every day and there are no breaks to take, thus avoiding possible forgetfulness.
Used correctly, the pill is highly effective, but because people make mistakes, it is believed that 6 to 12 pregnancies occur in every 100 each year while it is used. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate the failure rate for both types of pills at 9%.
Birth control pills do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Only a condom can help prevent this type of infection.
Common side effects of oral contraceptives include: breakthrough spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches and migraines, weight gain, mood swings, missed periods, decreased libido, vaginal discharge, or vision changes for those who use contact lenses / lenses.
