Birth control pills are a popular family planning method that many people are using these days. You may be using them, or you may be thinking about starting. But do you really know anything about these pills, especially those that combine two types of female
hormones ?
What kind of pill is this really?
Simply put, this is a type of birth control pill that prevents pregnancy. The specialty is that it contains two types of female hormones. They are
estrogen and
progestin . So how does this prevent pregnancy? Very simple. These two hormones work together
to stop your body from ovulating, that is, releasing an egg from the ovaries. Where there is no egg, there is nothing for a sperm to fertilize. It also thickens the cervical mucus, reducing the chance of sperm entering the uterus. Some of these types of pills also contain a B vitamin called
levomefolate . That is
, folic acid as we know it. This is also added to reduce the risk of certain complications (neural tube defects) that can occur in the fetus's nervous system if pregnancy occurs in some way.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
These pills are not suitable for everyone. Therefore,
it is very important to tell your doctor the whole truth about your health condition. Especially if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor about them.
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| A history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack |
| Breast, uterine, ovarian, or liver cancer |
| Abnormal vaginal bleeding for an unknown reason |
| Smoking (especially if you are over 35 years old) |
| High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol |
| Migraine headache |
| Liver or kidney disease |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant |
| If the baby is breastfed |
How exactly do you use these pills?
To get the most out of these pills, it is essential to use them correctly.
- Take it on time: Get into the habit of taking your pill at the same time every day . Choose a time that is easy for you to remember.
- In the order of the packet: Take the pills in the order listed on the packet. This is very important.
- Nausea Solution: Some people may experience mild nausea after taking these pills. In that case, take the pill with a meal.
- What if you miss a pill?: If you forget to take a pill, check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine. Usually, you are told to take one pill as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the usual time. However, if you miss more than one pill , there is a risk of pregnancy that month, so it is wise to use another form of birth control, such as condoms . If in doubt, ask your doctor.
Warning: If you think you have taken too many pills, don't delay . Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for medical advice.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you take can affect the way these birth control pills work. These pills can also change the way other medications work. So, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products).
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking these medications, as they can cause problems. | Drug type/category | Things to watch out for |
|---|
| Some types of antibiotics | May reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. |
| Some medications for epilepsy (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) | The effectiveness of the pills may be reduced. |
| Treatment for HIV or AIDS | May cause interactions with pills. |
| St. John's Wort (herbal product) | Significantly reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills. |
| Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) | Inform your doctor as interactions may occur. |
Things to be careful about when using pills
- Avoid smoking: This is very important. If you are a smoker , especially if you are over 35, your risk of blood clots and stroke is greatly increased while taking these pills. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking completely to protect your life.
- Regular medical checkups: While taking these pills, keep in regular contact with your doctor. It is important to have regular breast exams, Pap smears , and vaginal exams.
- Sun sensitivity: These pills may make some people's skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, it is a good idea to use sunscreen and wear a hat when going out in the sun.
- Before surgery: If you have a planned surgery, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking these pills before the surgery.
- Sexually transmitted diseases : Keep this in mind. These birth control pills only prevent pregnancy . They do not protect you from HIV/AIDS or any other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is essential to use a barrier method, such as a condom.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, these pills can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some are common.
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention are usually common, but if they persist, you should inform your doctor.
| Sudden severe headache or migraine | Chest pain or difficulty breathing |
| Pain and swelling in a leg or arm | Vision changes, difficulty speaking |
| Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg | Yellowing of the eyes or skin |
| Nausea | Breast pain or swelling |
| Mood changes (irritability, anxiety) | Slight bleeding during monthly periods (spotting) |
| Slight weight gain | Skin spots or acne |
Take-Home Message
- Always use these birth control pills only as directed by your doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Smoking while taking these pills is very dangerous, especially if you are over 35.
- These pills only prevent pregnancy and do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
- If you experience any problems, side effects, or doubts, never assume anything and always consult your doctor.
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