How Do Oral Contraceptives Work?

Are you deciding whether to use oral contraceptives? Are you already taking them and would like to know how they work?

 

Oral contraceptives are a very safe form of protection against pregnancy. (jlp)

 

Contraceptive pills are a hormonal form of contraception. The pills prevent ovulation, i.e. the monthly release of eggs from the ovaries. They change mucus in the cervix, making it thick and increasing its viscosity, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. The method is more than 99% reliable. The pills have to be taken every day, for 21 days in a cycle.

Oral contraceptives with the smallest possible amount of hormones - ultra low dose pills - are very popular (for example, Logest or Yarina). The ultra-low dose pills contain lower dosages of hormones (20 ug of ethinylestradiol and 75 ug of gestoden), which means that side effects, such as weight increase, depression and sensitivity of breasts are not as frequent as with other pills that contain a higher amount of hormones. Low dose pills are now those most common on the market and are prescribed in most cases. They contain 30 to 35 ug of ethinylestradiol. Pills which block male hormones are also considered low dose contraceptives. They prevent hair loss and soothe pimply skin (for example, Diane 35).

 

Taking pills doesn't affect your ability to have children later on. (jlp)

 

Oral contraceptives don't affect your ability to have children later, and are suitable for all healthy women and teenagers. We can begin using them already after six regular periods. However, gynaecologists strongly advise not to take pills in order to regulate a menstrual cycle. In this way, any potential problems, which may come up in serious forms later, can be overlooked – for example cervical cancer.

 

If you experience any troubles while taking oral contraceptives, you should change them. (jlp)

 

You mustn't take contraceptive pills if you smoke and if you're older than 35 years, or you if have unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer or liver disease. Oral contraceptives aren't prescribed to women with high blood pressure or increased concentrations of cholesterol in blood, and to people who have problems with blood clots, or to pregnant women, of course. You also have to stop taking oral contraceptives if you have gained more than 11 pounds in a short period of time.

You should talk to your gynaecologist about the appropriate type of contraceptive pills for you. If the pills don't suit you, you should definitely change them.

 

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