You have always had questions pertaining to oral contraceptives, and wondered if indeed these pills were safe. Here, we give you direct answers to questions that have doing the rounds in your mind for quite some time now..
Firstly, what exactly are oral contraceptives? In simple words, these are birth control pills, made of a combination of hormones, mostly estrogen and progesterone, and help to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
The female hormones present in these tablets, help in preventing pregnancy by suppressing the pituitary gland which stops the development and release of the egg in the ovary. The progestin also helps to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and changes the lining of the uterus. Hence, when the sperm cannot reach the egg pregnancy cannot occur.
Now arises, the pertinent question of their safety. Though you know that these pills are indeed effective in birth control, you may be apprehensive of popping the pill, with the fear of health complications, safety issues, etc.
Importance as given by the expert-
Dr Suchitra N. Pundit, Consultant Obstretician and gyneocologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, says, “Oral contraception is the best available contraceptive methods today. Today the biggest advantage is that it not only regularizes the cycle but reduces the mean menstrual blood loss. It protects the ovaries so the ovarian cyst is not formed and incidents of ovarian cancer is also reduced. Because periods are regular the woman knows when she will bleed and unwanted pregnancy is prevented. If she takes the tablets correctly, she can enjoy her married life as she no longer needs to worry about pregnancy. It protects the uterus against uterine cancer, prevents benign breast diseases and it also makes the cervical mucus thick. Premenstrual pain is reduced as well.
A word of caution-
One must take it systematically as advised by the doctor, and if you forget one pill, take the forgotten pill within the next 10 to 12 hours, but if you forget to take two, then remember you need to use an additional protection like a condom. But continue taking the tablets, because if you suddenly stop, there may be a withdrawal period. Do not miss the dose thinking that the day it was meant to be taken on, has passed. Also, don’t forget to have a pap smear test even if you are on the pill.
Safety-
If prescribed by the doctor, the pill is indeed a safe method of contraception. But one must make sure that she approaches the right doctor who also has a knowledge of the patient’s history, including your past and present illness, your menstrual cycle and the problems therein, prior deliveries and abortions etc. And it is only after a systematic test is done, that the doctor will prescribe the birth control pill. All the more, you can have the pill for as long as you want contraception. Those up to the age of 40, can pop in the pill.
Side-effects
The main point of note is to consult your doctor and have the pill only under his /her guidance and medical supervision. This is because, those with problems of high blood pressure, migraine or depression, may not be advised to consume the pills in the same manner as someone without these problems. Also, medical supervision is required for women who are above the age of 40, as it is advised that they opt for very low dose hormonal pill or a non-hormonal pill. Normally, the side-effects of the pill, includes mild nausea, vomiting, giddiness, mood changes or headache.
Important points to note:
1. Weight gain
Though it is normal to gain about 2-5Kgs over a period of 2-3 years, the new low dose hormonal and non hormonal pills, do not lead to weight gain.
2. Ailments
Those women who may be suffering from breast tumors, abnormal vaginal bleeding, cancer, disease of the heart, liver or those who suspect pregnancy, must not take the pill.
3. Chances of pregnancy
Many women think that they may be pregnant, if they miss out on their regular, monthly menses while on the birth control pill. But this is not entirely correct. There are chances of missing out on monthly menstrual periods while using birth control pills. If you have been taking the regular course of the pills, and still you miss out on your monthly date, there may not be anything wrong. But in case you miss your pill dose and also miss on your monthly date, see your doctor. There is no trouble getting pregnant after using the pill and it does not cause birth defects and neither does it affect the health of your to-be children.
4. Duration
It is safe for you to be on the Pill for years, whether to regulate your menstrual cycle, treat your cramps, or as hormone replacement or birth control.
5. Effectiveness
The Pill is effective against pregnancy if the timing and the dosage are adhered to, as prescribed by the doctor. One pill a day should be taken at the same time each day. Also, back-up contraception such as condoms, should not be ruled out and must be used, so as to completely avoid the chances of pregnancy. For instance, in case of diarrhea or vomiting, the effectiveness of the pill may be almost negligible. This may also happen in case you are already taking medicines which may not work well with the pill, and may lessen its effectiveness.
These are the basic facts about contraceptives which you must know in case you are planning birth control. It is important that you talk with your doctor before opting for oral contraceptives.
