Are you thinking about family planning? Or are your periods not coming on time? Maybe your doctor has told you to use a "pill" for acne or for some other reason. Although there are many stories in society about these so-called birth control pills, many people do not know exactly what they are. So today we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what are these birth control pills?
Birth control pills are a pill containing hormones that are used to prevent a woman from conceiving a child. They are also called 'Oral Contraception' because they have to be taken by mouth every day. In our language, they are called "pills". For many people, this has become a normal part of their daily routine.
But here's something very important. If you take these pills every day, exactly on time , they are about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, compared to other birth control methods like condoms, these pills do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, to protect yourself from such infections, it is essential to use an additional form of protection (like a condom) while taking the pills.
What are the main types of birth control pills?
There are two main types of birth control pills. Both contain hormones that prevent you from getting pregnant.
| Pill type | Description |
|---|---|
| Combination Pills | These are the most commonly used types. These pills contain both estrogen and progestin. |
| Progestin-only pills | This is also called the "minipill." This type may be more suitable if you are breastfeeding, have a history of blood clots in the legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism), or have had a stroke. This is because the estrogen hormone is not suitable for such people. |
In addition, there is a type of birth control pill called the "morning-after pill." It is not a pill that is usually taken daily. It is used only in emergencies, that is, when other birth control methods have failed.
How do these pills work inside the body?
It's very simple. The hormones in these pills do three main things.
- Stopping or reducing ovulation: This means preventing the release of an egg from an ovary. Without an egg, there is nothing for a sperm to fertilize.
- Thickening of Cervical Mucus: This acts as a barrier to sperm entering the uterus. Thickened mucus makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
- Thinning of the lining of the uterus: Even if an egg is fertilized in some way, the uterine wall is deprived of the environment in which it can attach and grow.
These three methods are the reason why pregnancy does not occur.
How should I take the pills? At what time?
This is the most important part. It is essential to take the pills exactly as your doctor tells you. Follow the instructions on the pill card exactly. The pill card comes in a different size.
Combination Pills
Often, there are two types of pills on a pill card: "Active" pills and "Inactive" pills. The active pills contain the hormones. The inactive pills (sometimes a different color) are called placebo pills. These are there to help you stick to your daily pill routine.
| Type of pill card | How to use |
|---|---|
| 28-day pill card | You need to take active pills (with hormones) for 21 days and inactive pills (without hormones) for 7 days. You will have your period (bleeding) during the week you take the inactive pills. |
| 21-day pill card | Take active pills for 21 days, then skip the next 7 days. Your period will occur during this pill-free week. (But remember to start a new pack on day 29!) |
| Long-term pill cards (91-day packs) | You take the active pills continuously for 12 weeks (3 months), and then take the inactive pills for the next 7 days. With this method, you will only have your period four times a year. |
Progestin-only pills (Minipills)
This pill pack usually contains 28 active pills. The timing is very important here. You should take the pill at the same time every day (within a three-hour period) . For example, if you take a pill at 7 am one day and then at 10:30 am the next day (3.5 hours late), you may be at risk of getting pregnant.
Oh, what if I forget to take a pill?
This can happen to anyone. Don't worry.
Take the pill as soon as you remember. Then take the next pill at the usual time.
However, if you miss a pill, be sure to use an additional form of birth control (like a condom) for the next 7 days . If you miss a pill for several days, talk to your doctor immediately for advice.
Besides preventing pregnancy, are there any other benefits to these pills?
Yes, absolutely! Although many people don't know it, birth control pills have many health benefits. Doctors sometimes recommend them for these reasons, not just for birth control.
- It regulates your periods and reduces heavy bleeding.
- Reduces cramps and migraines that come with menstruation.
- It prevents anemia by reducing blood loss.
- Reduces premenstrual symptoms such as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
- Helps control acne and unwanted body hair growth (hirsutism).
- It is used as a treatment for conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis.
- It reduces the risk of some types of cancer, especially ovarian cancer and uterine cancer.
What are the common side effects and risks?
Like any medication, some people may experience minor side effects when they first start taking birth control pills. But don't worry, most of these will go away within a few months.
Minor side effects:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Breast pain or swelling
- Moodiness
- Slight bleeding between periods (spotting)
If these side effects don't go away after a few months, talk to your doctor. You may be able to switch to a different brand of pill that works for you.
Serious, but very rare risks:
A small number of people who take combination pills (which contain estrogen) may have a slightly increased risk of blood clots. This can lead to conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism, Stroke and Heart Attack.
But this is very rare. Before prescribing the pill to you, your doctor will look at your family history and your health history to choose the safest pill for you.
"Will taking the pills make you bigger?"
This is a question that many people ask. Numerous studies have proven that birth control pills do not directly cause weight gain or loss .
What is the best type of pill for me?
That's up to your doctor to decide. He or she will consider many factors, including your age, health, and lifestyle, to recommend the most suitable and safest pill for you.
Ultimately, the best pill for you is the one that you can remember to take every day and that fits into your lifestyle. Because many people who get pregnant while using the pill do so because they don't take the pill correctly.
If you find it difficult to take a pill every day, talk to your doctor about other long-term birth control methods (e.g., implant, intrauterine device (IUD), injection).
Take-Home Message
- Birth control pills are a very effective way to prevent pregnancy if used correctly and on time every day.
- These pills do not provide any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Be sure to use another method, such as a condom.
- In addition to preventing pregnancy, they offer many health benefits, such as providing a regular menstrual cycle, reducing acne, and reducing the risk of some cancers.
- Side effects that occur early in the pill are usually temporary. If they persist, talk to your doctor.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking and your complete medical history.
- Always seek your doctor's advice to determine which birth control method is best for you.
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