How Effective Is the Pill?

The Pill is one of the methods for birth control. It comes in the form of tablets and taken by mouth. It is of two types. The pills that contain only progestin (synthetic form of progesterone) are called “mini pills”. It works by not allowing sperm to reach to the uterus. Even if an egg becomes fertilized, this pill prevents implantation. In the other hand those pill containing both the hormones (estrogen and progestin) are called combination pills. It also affects the condition of the uterus in the same manner but since it contains estrogen, it prevents release of eggs also. The pill is very effective if it is taken properly.

Function
Pills come in 28 days package or in 21 days package. Both the pills are effective for only one menstrual cycle i.e., for four weeks only. Both the pills contain only 21 active pills. But in 28 days pack you will get a reminder pill for 7 days so that you can start you next course in time. The last 7 pills of 28 days pack do not contain any hormone and are called spacer pills. If you take your pill every day on same time then only these pills will be effective.

Use
• The best way to start taking the pill is from the first day of your menstrual period or first day after an abortion.
• Take one pill each day at same time until you finish the entire pack.
• If you have chosen pills of 28 days pack, start a new pack immediately after finishing the old one.
• If you have chosen pills of 21 days pack, take one pill daily at the same time for 21 days. After that no pill for 7 days then start a new pack immediately.

Side Effects
Body takes some time to adjust with the hormones. You may feel some minor side effects such as nausea, moodiness, weight gain, breast tenderness etc. But all these side effects disappears after 2-3 menstrual period. Even if all these symptoms continue after 2-3 cycles, you must consult your doctor.

Advantages
• It has very low failure rate.
• It is very simple in use and if you want to discontinue you can do so.
• It is very rare that it creates sever complication.
• Although all the contraceptives have some side effects, it has also. But there is very low incidence of side effects.
• It is not very expensive.
• It does not have any additional risk if you use it for a long time.

Disadvantages
• It does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDS) including HIV/AIDS. So, it is strongly recommended that you must use condom to lower the risk of STDs.
• If it is not started within 5 days of start of menstrual period or 5 days after abortion, it will be effective only after one month.

Although the pills are very effective for birth control measure but if you are over 35 years of age or suffering from liver disease, suspected cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, let your doctor decide whether you should take the pills or not.

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