03/09/2013
Facts about Birth Control Pills (oral contraceptives)
QUESTION- What are birth control pills?
ANSWER- A kind of medication that women takes everyday to prevent pregnancy.
QUESTION- How do birth control pills work?
ANSWER- Birth control pills are made of hormones which are chemicals made in our bodies that control how different parts of the body works. They contain two hormones- estrogen and progestin and are called combination pills. Some contain only progestin. They prevent pregnancy by keeping the eggs from leaving the ovaries and making the cervical mucus thicker which stops the sperms from joining and getting into the egg.
QUESTION- How do i take birth control pills?
ANSWER- It is recommended to start taking the pill on the first day of menstrual bleeding or within first 5 days of period and continue taking the same time everyday. Combination pills are taken for 21 days plus 7 no pills days and then start a new pack. Progestin only pills are taken for 28 days with no pill free day.
QUESTION- What do i do if i forget to take the pill?
ANSWER- You should take a pill immediately as you remember and then take the next pill as usual. If you missed 2 or more pills you are at risk of getting pregnant and its recommended you start over with a new pack.
QUESTION- What are the benefits of taking birth control pills?
ANSWER- Birth control pills are also used for protection against acne, ectopic pregnancy, endometrial and ovarian cancer, serious infections of the ovaries, tubes and uterus(eg. pelvic inflammatory disease), iron deficiency anemia, cysts in the breasts and ovaries, premenstrual symptoms, bad cramps(reduce menstrual cramps) and heavy or irregular periods(makes period lighter).
QUESTION- What are disadvantages of taking birth control pill?
ANSWER- Some possible adverse reactions of taking the pills are bleeding between periods, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting. Other side effects include risks for heart attack, stroke and blood clots in the legs. The risks for these problems increases if you are age 35 or older, are very overweight, have certain inherited blood-clotting disorders, have diabetes, have high blood pressure, have high cholesterol, need prolong bed rest and smoke.
QUESTION- Does birth control pills interfere with breast feeding?
ANSWER- Progestin-only pills will not affect your milk during nursing, however, combination pills may reduce the amount and quality of milk in the first 6 weeks of breast feeding.
Examples of birth control pills include, microgynon, logynon, lucia f, selene, gynera, femiane, diane 35, yasmin, yaz, yax, mini pill, poslac, yaxibelle etc.
