Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
The `pill' story
|
What are oral contraceptives? Do they have side effects? Here are the answers
|
Shiny is getting married next month. She and her fiancé have talked things over and they want to avoid a pregnancy for one year. This is a good decision since a newly wedded couple needs time to adjust to each other before taking on the added responsibility of a baby. She saw her gynaecologist for contraceptive advice and has been prescribed birth control pills (also called oral contraceptives or "the pill"). Her friends in the office unnecessarily scared her by telling her that the pills would harm her. They are wrong.
Birth control pills are used by millions of women all over the world to prevent pregnancy. The pill is a good choice for women who want to temporarily postpone a pregnancy. It is easy to use, convenient, and reversible. The pill is an effective form of birth control. When women use the pill correctly, less than 1 in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
How do birth control pills work?
Birth control pills are made of hormones that prevent ovulation. In addition, the cervical mucus thickens, which blocks the sperm from entering the cervix (the mouth of the uterus). The lining of the uterus also thins, making it less likely that a fertilized egg can attach to it.
It is important to remember that birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Only condoms can prevent STDs like syphilis, gonorrhoea, HIV and Hepatitis B.
Types of pills
There are two basic types of birth control pills — combination pills and progestin-only pills. Most women who take the pill take a combination pill.
Combination birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone). Your gynaecologist will help you decide which is the best combination pill for you. Pills work only if you take them correctly. Do not skip pills for any reason.
In India, most birth control pills come in 21 pill packets. One pill is taken at the same time each day for 21 days. There is a wait of 7 days before starting a new pack. During the week that the pill is not taken, the period will start.
If you have forgotten to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the normal time. It is okay if you have to take two pills in the same day. If you forget to take two or more pills, do not stop taking the pills but condoms must be used as a backup for the rest of the cycle.
Side effects
Some women may experience one or more of the following side effects — headache, nausea, dizziness, spotting, breast tenderness or mild depression. Most of these symptoms will disappear after one or two cycles. For nausea, taking the pill with a meal or at bedtime helps. For headaches, any over-the-counter product for pain relief often helps.
The combination birth control pill has benefits in addition to preventing pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, the pill does not cause cancer. In fact, it reduces the chances of cancer of the uterus and ovaries. It does not increase the risk of breast cancer. It also decreases acne (pimples). The pill also helps to keep periods regular, lighter, and shorter and reduces menstrual cramps. The pill is useful in decreasing the symptoms of endometriosis.
Another type of birth control pill, called the progestin-only pill or the minipill, contains only progestin. The progestin-only pill is a better choice for women who cannot take pills with estrogen. This method also may be the best choice for women who are breastfeeding. It is important to take the progestin-only pill at the same time each day. You should use a backup method of contraception for 48 hours if you are 3 or more hours late in taking a pill.
Who should not use birth control pills?
The birth control pill is not a good choice for some women. Women who have had a history of thromboembolism (blood clots) earlier, or cancer of the breast should not use estrogen-containing pills. Women who have just started to breast-feed can use progestin-only pills till the milk flow has been well established.
Myths
One of the biggest myths about birth control pills is that women put on weight while taking them. This is not true. Women also believe that they must take a break now and then while taking the pill. This is not necessary. Women also believe that they need to give a gap after stopping the pill before attempting pregnancy. This is not true. The pill does not increase the risk of an abnormality in a subsequent pregnancy.
GITA ARJUN
(The author is a Chennai-based obstetrician and gynaecologist with a special interest in women's health issues)
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
