How To Use a Contraceptive Pills

Contraceptives, more popularly known as birth control pills, are among the most common and widely practiced methods for preventing pregnancy. Taken accordingly, they tend to be quite effective. They also have a few other advantages to them, such as regulating menstrual cycles and reducing pain during menstruation. Understanding how to use contraceptive pills properly is crucial in maximizing their effectiveness.

Type of Contraceptive Pills

There are mainly two types of contraceptive pills:

Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs): These contain both estrogen and progestin. They are the most prescribed form and work through mechanisms such as the prevention of ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining.

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs): These contain only progestin and are usually recommended for women who cannot take estrogen, including breastfeeding mothers. The primary mechanisms involve thickening of cervical mucus and prevention of ovulation.

How to Take the Pill:

Start on the Right Day:

If you have a 21-day pack, start with the first day of your period.With 28-day packs, one pill is taken daily for 28 days. In these types of packages, the last seven pills are typically placebos-non-hormones-that help you maintain the habit of taking a pill daily.

Take One Pill Daily:

Take the pill at the same time every day to maintain hormone levels in the body. This will better ensure that the effectiveness of the pill works well.

Use Back-up Contraception:

If one forgets to take a pill, take it as soon as one remembers. If she misses more than one, she should follow the directions on her pill pack or talk with her health care provider about how to use back-up contraception, such as condoms.

Follow the Schedule:

If you are using a 21-day pack, start the next pack after you have taken the last pill in the pack. If you are using a 28-day pack, begin the next pack on the day after you take your last pill of that pack. Follow your doctor's instructions if you are using continuous pills.

Missed Pills

If you miss one or more pills, take them as soon as you remember. General rules for missed pills are:

1 Missed Pill: Take it now and continue your pack. No back-up birth control is needed.2 Missed Pills: Take the last missed pill as soon as you remember, skip the other missed pill(s), and use backup contraception for at least seven days3 or More Missed Pills: Consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions and consider using backup contraception.

Possible Side Effects

As with all medications, contraceptive pills have possible side effects. The most possible common side effects of the contraceptive pill are, but not limited to:

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Changes in mood
• Weight gain
• Spotting between the period

Most of these side effects fade after the initial months. In case of severe side effects such as headaches, changes in vision, or swelling of the legs, seek medical help.

Advantages of Contraceptive Pill Usage

Besides preventing pregnancy, the contraceptive pills provide a number of health benefits, which include:

• Regularity of menstrual cycle
• Less pain during menstruation
• Reduced chances of formation of ovarian cysts
• Less endometrial and ovarian cancers
• Consult your Health Care Provider

Before contraceptive pills are initiated, it is best to see a health care professional. A review of medical history will be done along with discussion of health goals and the type of pill that is most appropriate. Follow-up visits are also important, not only to monitor any side effects but also to ensure the method chosen remains best suited for their needs.

Contraceptive pills are considered one of the best methods of avoidance from pregnancy and control of menstrual disorders if applied correctly. Use them as directed, know the possible side effects, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider, and you will be able to get the maximum from this method of contraception. With education and adherence, the contraceptive pills can offer you control over your reproductive health.