Birth Control Pill

There are about 40 different oral contraceptives available currently (2008) and they have changed since the original pill that was dispensed in the 1960’s. The types of pill available now use less hormones and are considered safer for women to use though there are still some risks to using the pill for a contraceptive.

The pill works by controlling hormone levels to prevent pregnancy. In a natural menstrual cycle the following occurs:

· First day of cycle (first day of menstrual flow) the estrogen levels begin to rise

· Estrogen thickens the lining of the uterus to prepare for a fertilized egg to implant

· The estrogen levels peak 10-14 days before menstruation begins

· Ovulation occurs and fertilization if sperm are present

· Progesterone levels begin to rise

· Further preparation of the lining of the uterus for a fertilized egg to implant occurs

· The egg (fertilized or not) travels down the fallopian tubes

· A fertilized egg will implant and an unfertilized egg will be expelled

· Without implantation, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop and menstruation begins as the lining sloughs off

The hormones levels in the pill don’t allow the uterus to prepare for implantation. So even if an egg is fertilized, it will not implant, it will be expelled (aborted), and menstruation will begin as if there is an unfertilized egg. The hormones also thicken the cervical mucus, which discourages sperm survival.

The pill must be prescribed by a health care professional and regular checkups will be needed to monitor if there are any side affects develop from the use of the pill. This adds to the monthly cost of the pills.

The pill is highly effective in preventing pregnancy (implantation of the fertilized egg) but moderately effective in preventing fertilization of the egg (killing sperm before it can fertilize the egg).

Health risks include the following:

· Heavy bleeding

· Irregular bleeding

· Abdominal pain (cramps)

· Headaches and migraines

· Nausea and vomiting

· Breast tenderness and growth

· Heart attack

· Stroke

· Worsening of current medical issues

· Drug interaction

The pill must be taken daily and without break to be most affective even it there is no sexual activity occurring. There are usually 3 weeks of pills taken with one week of “fake” pills so not to loose the habit of daily taking the pill daily and consistently.

The pill is highly effective (99%) and works for most women, especially those who enjoy sexual spontaneity. For those who want a contraceptive that does not abort fertilized eggs, they will have to find another form of birth control.

What to do when you have Missed Birth Control Pills.