Birth control pills are a common method of family planning . But do you really understand them? Today, we'll be talking about the most commonly used type of pill, which is made up of two types of hormones, called ' combination pills'. If you're using these, or are thinking about using them, this article will be very important for you.
What are these combination pills?
Simply put, this is a birth control pill that contains a combination of two hormones. The two hormones are estrogen and progestin. These are synthetically made to mimic the hormones naturally found in our bodies. These pills are used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. As the name suggests, this is a small pill that you take at the same time every day.
The most important thing is that you can only use these birth control pills if prescribed by a doctor. The doctor will choose the type of pill that is most suitable for you based on your health condition.
How do these pills work inside the body?
When you take this pill, the hormones estrogen and progestin are released into your bloodstream. These two hormones work together to prevent pregnancy in three main ways. Think of it like a safety net.
- Stops ovulation : Simply put, these pills stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Since there is no egg, a sperm does not have a chance to fertilize it.
- Thickens cervical mucus:The mucus in the cervical area becomes thick and sticky, blocking the path for sperm to swim into the uterus.
- Thinning the uterine lining: These pills thin the lining of the uterus. So, even if an egg is fertilized somehow, it has no chance to implant and grow in the uterine wall.
How effective are these pills?
On average, these birth control pills are about 93% effective at preventing pregnancy. But you might think that they're a little less effective than methods like the IUD .
The main reason for this is that there are small mistakes that can be made when using these pills. That is, remembering to take the pill at the same time every day. Sometimes you can forget to take a pill. When you forget, the protection provided by the pill is reduced.
However, if you take the pill exactly on time (perfect use), without skipping a single day, this method can be up to 99% effective.
Are there different types of combination pills?
Yes, there are different types of these pills too. These mainly differ based on the way the hormone levels in the pills on the pill card change.
| Pill type | Description |
|---|---|
| One-phase (monophasic) | Every active pill on the pill card contains the same amount of hormones. |
| Two-phase (biphasic) | The hormone levels change once during the pill cycle. |
| Three-phase (triphasic) | Hormone levels can change two or three times during the pill cycle. |
Variations depending on the number of pills on the card
Usually, a pill card comes with pills for 21 or 28 days.
- 28-day pill card: This has active pills containing hormones for 21 days. The remaining 7 days are placebo pills, which do not contain hormones. These are the 7 days you will have your period. This method is easy to maintain the habit of taking a pill every day.
- 21-day pill pack: This pack contains only 21 active pills containing hormones. Once you finish taking them, you don't take any pills for 7 days. Then, on the 8th day, you start a new pack.
Additionally, there are pills that only come every few months (Extended packs) or that stop menstruation for a whole year (Continuous packs). Your doctor will choose the one that is best for you based on your lifestyle and health history .
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these pills?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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What are the possible side effects?
Some people may experience minor side effects at first. These are usually nothing to worry about.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Filling the stomach
- Spotting during menstruation
These side effects usually go away after two to three months as your body adjusts to the hormones. But if they persist, talk to your doctor. He or she may prescribe a different type of pill for you. Not everyone's body is the same. So it's best to consult a doctor first, rather than just taking pills based on what others say.
What do you do if you forget to take a pill?
It's okay to be a few hours late, just take the pill as soon as you remember. But if you miss a day, read the instructions that come with your pill. Also, it's safest to use an additional form of birth control (such as a condom) for at least the next 7 days. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
Situations when you need to see a doctor immediately
If you experience any of the following symptoms while using birth control pills, do not ignore them. Seek medical advice immediately.
| 🔴 New or worsening headaches, vision changes |
| 🔴 Severe stomach pain or vomiting |
| 🔴 Chest pain or difficulty breathing |
| 🔴 Jaundice – yellowing of the skin or eyes |
| 🔴 Leg pain or swelling |
Combination birth control pills are a very popular and effective family planning method. But it's important to be properly informed about them and use them according to medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Combination pills are a type of birth control pill that contains both the hormones estrogen and progestin.
- These are very effective (up to 99%) in preventing pregnancy if used exactly at the same time every day.
- These have many benefits, such as reducing menstrual pain and brightening the skin.
- Be sure to seek the advice of a doctor to choose the right type of pill for you. Don't buy pills based on what your friends say or ask the pharmacy.
- These pills do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Always use condoms.
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