An in-depth study of hormonal birth control pills
Available hormonal contraceptive options include birth control pills, injections, implants, intrauterine device, patches and rings. Each of these methods has its pros and cons and what may work for one woman may not be suitable for another. When it comes to popularity, contraceptive pills have been stealing the show for the last few decades. Currently more than 3.5 million UK women rely on oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and also to treat a number of menstrual problems.
Types of oral contraceptives
There are two types of oral contraceptive pills: regular birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills. Regular birth control pills can be combined or progestogen-only, but emergency birth control pills are almost always progestogen-only.
Hows and whys of regular birth control pills
Combined birth control pills can be near-100% effective in preventing pregnancy, especially when taken accurately and consistently. A majority of these pills contain synthetic versions of two naturally occurring hormones in the body, oestrogen and progestogen. They basically mimic the action of the hormones that control menstrual cycle and help prevent ovulation and fertilization. Oral contraceptives prevent release of an egg from the ovaries. They also thicken the mucus at the neck of the womb to make it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and fertilise an egg. Hormones in the pill can make the lining of the womb too thin to prevent an accidentally fertilised egg from getting implanted there.
You need to take a pill everyday at about the same time to minimise the risk of getting pregnant. If the pill you are taking is a combined one, you will have to take 21 pills in a row, followed by a 7-day break to allow the level of hormones in your blood to drop. Progestogen-only regular birth control pills should be taken on a daily basis without any break.
Missed doses are common with regular birth control pills. Usually missing a single dose should not pose too much of a problem given that you take it as soon as you remember. But if you miss two or more doses in a row, you should take additional contraceptive measures for the next few days to keep the risk of pregnancy to a minimum. You need to clarify from your doctor any doubt you may have regarding missed doses.
Pills for emergency birth control
Emergency birth control pills are a unique addition to hormonal contraception. Containing mostly second or third generation progestogen, these pills are meant to be taken within 72-120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse for protection against pregnancy. You must remember that an emergency contraceptive pill should not be your first line of defense against pregnancy. It is only when you experience a contraceptive failure or simply forget to take any birth control measure that you should consider using an emergency birth control pill.
Emergency contraceptives work more or less in the same way as regular birth control pills do. You may have to temporarily switch from a regular pill to an emergency pill in case of missed doses preceded by unprotected sexual intercourse. Talk to your doctor for more about this. Never take any birth control pill unless asked to do so by a qualified health care professional.
The two emergency contraceptive pills that are now available in the UK are Levonelle and ellaOne Pill
Relative benefits and disadvantages of oral contraceptives
Some women experience adverse reactions to the oestrogen content in combined contraceptive pills. Oestrogen may affect the production of breast milk and can also cause other health complications. Progestogen-only pills too have their disadvantages and the relative benefit of one type of pill over another should only be determined by a doctor.
You can buy contraceptive pills such as Microgynon, Marvelon and Cilest discreetly from a registered online clinic that offers free medical consultation and follows up with round-the-clock patient assistance.
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