10 Things Women Should Know for Proper Use of Contraceptive Pills

10 Things Women Should Know for Proper Use of Contraceptive Pills

Having knowledge about contraception is very important for modern women, regardless of age or stage of life. Besides preventing premature pregnancy, contraception also helps couples who are not ready to have children to plan their families.

 

When it comes to the most popular method of contraception, it is undoubtedly taking birth control pills. Not only are they easy to take, but they are also affordable. However, no matter which method of contraception you choose, it is essential to have a thorough understanding to use it correctly and effectively. And here are…

 

10 Things You Should Know About Using Birth Control Pills That Doctors Want to Tell You…

 

  1. Birth control pills contain two types of hormones: estrogen and progesterone, which are important for preventing pregnancy. These hormones, when taken, thin the lining of the uterus so that the embryo formed from the fertilization of the egg and sperm cannot implant. They also thicken the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter and fertilize the egg.
  2. Birth control pills are divided into two types based on hormones: single hormone and combined hormone. The single hormone type contains only progesterone and has a high contraceptive effect. The combined hormone type contains both estrogen and progesterone in varying amounts and types. The higher the hormone dose, the better the contraception, but side effects increase accordingly. Lower hormone doses reduce contraception effectiveness but also have fewer side effects.
  3. They can also be categorized by the number of pills: 21-pill packs and 28-pill packs. The 21-pill pack requires a 7-day break before starting a new pack, while the 28-pill pack contains 21 active pills and 7 placebo pills, suitable for those who fear miscounting days and should take the pills continuously until the pack is finished. Both types are equally effective for contraception.
  4. Current birth control pills differ only in hormone type, generation, and dosage. Users should choose the hormone type first before selecting a brand because each generation of hormones has been developed to reduce side effects and improve contraceptive effectiveness. For example, some progesterone hormones have anti-androgenic effects, which help improve skin and reduce acne.
  5. Birth control pills have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abnormal bleeding, mood swings, and blood clots. These symptoms are more common in people over 35 years old or smokers. Therefore, doctors do not recommend combined hormone pills for older individuals.
  6. Birth control pills must be taken at the same time every day. Missing a pill reduces contraceptive effectiveness. If a pill is missed by more than 3 hours, take it as soon as remembered and continue taking the next pill at the usual time.
  7. When taking the first pack or resuming after a break, start within the first 5 days of menstruation or while still menstruating. If you anticipate sexual activity, take birth control pills during your cycle to prevent pregnancy in advance.
  8. To take birth control pills correctly, follow the actual day and the day marked on the pack. The pack indicates days from Monday to Sunday. If you start on a Wednesday, take the pill marked for Wednesday first and continue daily until the pack is finished.
  9. Emergency contraception should only be used in emergencies, such as in cases of rape or unplanned sexual intercourse. Emergency contraception packs contain 2 pills: take the first pill immediately after intercourse and the second pill 12 hours later. Emergency contraception is less effective than regular birth control pills.
  10. Check the expiration date before use to ensure maximum effectiveness.

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