Birth Control Pill

What Is It?


The "pill" (or "the pill") is a daily pill that contains hormones to the way the body works and prevent pregnancy change. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of body organs. In this case the hormones in the Pill control the ovaries and uterus.



How does it work?

Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman can not become pregnant if they do not ovulate because there is no eggs are fertilized. The pill works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and give you any eggs that may have released makes. The hormones in the pill can also sometimes on the uterine lining, making it difficult for an egg attached to the wall of the uterus.







Most combination pills come in either a 21-day package or a 28-day pack. One hormone pill is taken every day around the same time for 21 days. Depending on your package, you are either taking birth control pills for seven days (as in the 21-day pack) or you get a pill that no hormones for 7 days (iee 28-day pack contains last). A woman has her period when she stops taking the pills that contain hormones. Some women prefer the 28-day pack because it helps them in the habit of taking a pill every da bleibeny.



There is also a kind of combination pill that decreases the frequency of a woman's period by supplying a hormone pill for 12 weeks and then inactive pills for 7 days. This reduces the number of periods to one every three months instead of every month.



Another kind of pill that can change the number of monthly periods is the low-dose progesterone pill, sometimes called the mini-pill. This type of "pill" is different from the other pills, it contains only one type of hormone - progesterone - rather than a combination of estrogen and progesterone. It works by the mucus in the cervix and the uterine lining, and sometimes by affecting ovulation as well. The mini-pill may be slightly less effective in preventing pregnancy than combination pills.



The mini-pill is taken every day without pause. A girl, with the mini-pill may be no time at all, or they can irregular periods. The mini pill works, it must be taken at the same time every day, without missing any doses.



Any type of birth control pill works best when it is taken every day at the same time of day, regardless of whether a girl is having sex. This is especially important with progesterone-only pills.



For the first seven days of taking the pill, a girl should use an additional form of contraception, like condoms to prevent pregnancy. After 7 days, the Pill should work alone to Präventiont pregnancy. But continuing to use condoms is againstsexually transmitted diseases (STD protection).



If pills are skipped or forgotten, have one girl is not protected against pregnancy and she is a backup form of birth control, like condoms need. Or they need to stop having sex for a while. Do not take a friend or relative ones.



How well does it work?

In the course of 1 year, about 8 out of 100 pairs, which typically rely on the pill to prevent an unwanted pregnancy will have a pregnancy. Of course, this is an average figure and the chance of a pregnancy depends on it, take your pill every day. The pill is an effective form of birth control, but also missing one days increases the chance of pregnancy.



In general, as also any form of birth control method works depends on a lot of things. This gehören whether a person has some health conditions or any medications or herbal supplements that might interfere with its use. For example, antibiotics or an herb like St. John's wort can affect the effectiveness of the pill.



How well a particular method of birth control works also depends on whether the chosen method is convenient - and whether the person in order to use it correctly all the time remembers.



Protection against sexually transmitted diseases

The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases to protect. Couples having sex are using condoms must always protect against sexually transmitted along with the Pill.



Abstinence (the decision to not have sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.



Possible side effects

The pill is a safe and effective method of contraception. Most young women taking the pill, have no or very few side effects. The side effects that some women are included during the pill:



"Irregular menstrual bleeding

»Nausea, dizziness, headache, breast tenderness and

"Mood swings

"Blood clots (rare in women under 35 who do not smoke)





to improve some of these side effects during the first three months of the pill. If a Mädchen has side effects, a doctor sometimes prescribe a different brand of pill.



The pill has also some side effects that most girls are happy about it. It usually makes periods lighter, reduces muscle spasms and is often prescribed for women, menstrual discomfort. Taking the Pill often improves acne, and some doctors prescribe it for that purpose. Birth control pills have also been found to protect against some forms of breast cancer, anemia, ovarian cysts, and ovarian and endometrial cancer.



Who uses it?

Young women who remind you to take a pill every day and who want excellent protection from pregnancy, birth control pills.







Not all women can - or should - the pill. In some cases, medical or other Bedingungenmachen the use of the pill less effective or more risky. For example, it is not for women, blood clots, certain cancers, or certain types of migraine headaches have been recommended. It is recommended that girls who have unexplained vaginal bleeding (bleeding that have not had during their period) or the suspects they may be pregnant should speak with their doctor.



Girls who are interested in further information about the different types of birth control, including the Pill should be, or their doctors anderen health experts say.



How do you get it?

A doctor or nurse doctor prescribe the pill. He or she is a girl, health and family medical history questions, and not a full physical examination, which may include a pelvic exam. If the doctor or nurse writes birth control pills, he or she will explain when start taking the pill, and what if pills can be missed.



The doctor or nurse will usually ask the girl again in a few months to check their blood pressure to leave and see if they have any problems.



After that, girls, sex should get routine tests every 6 months to one year, or as recommended by the physician.



How much does it cost?

The Pill usually costs between $ 15 and $ 50 per month, depending on type. Many health and family planning clinics (like Planned Parenthood) for sale birth control pills for less money. In addition, birth control pills and doctor visits are covered by many health insurance companies.