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About Contraceptive Pill
Oral contraceptive pills such as Yasmin are taken by women to prevent pregnancy. They function using synthetic hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. Their pregnancy-prevention mechanisms include:
- Preventing ovulation, thus no egg is released.
- Thickening the cervical mucus, making it challenging for sperm to reach the egg.
- Making the womb less welcoming, hindering a fertilized egg from attaching.
Potential Side Effects:
While some side effects are mild and fade as the body adjusts, common ones include nausea, weight gain, tender breasts, and spotting. However, if severe symptoms like intense abdominal pain, significant headaches, blurry vision, or leg discomfort arise, stop the pill and seek medical advice.
Choosing the Right Pill:
Your physician will prescribe the oral contraceptive. The decision on which one to use should be collaborative, considering your health history. Always consult your doctor before starting any contraceptive regimen.
General Pill Information:
Always take the pill at a consistent time daily for maximum effectiveness.
The typical regimen involves 21 days on the pill, followed by a 7-day break. However, some variations are taken without breaks.
Only take pills prescribed to you and ensure an annual review, including a blood pressure check.
Types of Oral Contraceptives
Monophasic 21-day pills: Contains both oestrogen and progesterone. After 21 days, a 7-day break ensues before the next cycle.
Monophasic 28-day pills: These are taken daily. The first 21 days are "active," and the remaining 7 are "inactive." Immediately start a new pack after finishing one.
Phasic 21-day pills: These vary hormone levels based on the pill day. Taken for 21 days, then a 7-day break.
Phasic 28-day pills: Like the monophasic 28-day type, but with varying hormone levels.
Progesterone-only pills: Taken daily at the same time, within a 3-hour consistency window.
Alternative Contraception Options
Apart from pills, other contraceptive methods include the implant, progesterone injections, patches, Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs), vaginal rings, condoms, dams, and caps.
FAQs
How Effective is Oral Contraception?
The combined pill (with both oestrogen and progesterone) boasts a 99.9% efficacy when used accurately. Conversely, the progesterone-only pill offers a 95% success rate if taken as directed.
What are the advantages of Oral Contraception?
- A straightforward and handy method for birth control.
- Highly reliable in thwarting unwanted pregnancies.
- Often leads to milder menstrual cycles, reducing symptoms like cramps, bloating, and mood swings.
- Doesn't hinder intimacy.
- Potential protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in infertility if not addressed.
- Can help in addressing hormonal acne.
What Other Birth Control Options Exist?
Apart from the pill, diverse contraceptive methods include:
- Implants
- Progesterone-only shots
- Birth control patches
- Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs)
- Vaginal rings
- Condoms
- Dams
- Caps
Is a Condom Necessary if I'm on the Pill?
While the pill aids in preventing pregnancy, it doesn't shield from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Thus, for STI protection, using condoms during intimacy is vital.
Who Should Refrain from Using the Pill?
Avoid oral contraceptives if you:
- Have had blood clot incidents
- Have been diagnosed with breast cancer
- Are expecting a baby
- Have a cardiac health history
- Smokers might also need to reconsider due to blood clot risks.
Does the Pill Ward Off STIs?
No, only condoms can provide defense against STIs. Relying solely on the pill doesn't guard against infections.
What if I Skip a Pill?
Whether you need emergency contraception post-missed pill is contingent on:
- Your specific pill type
- The number of missed doses
- Your current menstrual cycle stage
Emergency solutions may not always be imperative.
Is Timely Pill Intake Crucial?
While the combined contraceptive pill provides flexibility in intake time, it's still best taken routinely. For the progesterone-only variants, timely intake (or within a 3-hour window, 12 hours for Cerazette) is essential, or you risk reduced effectiveness and potential breakthrough bleeding.
Is Prolonged Pill Use Safe?
For specific individuals, yes. Studies indicate that non-smoking women without hypertension and who maintain a healthy weight can safely use the pill until around age 45.
