Means of chemical contraception very known in the woman, the contraceptive pills allow to many women and family for the control of the birth. By creating conditions that prevent the egg and sperm from meeting, they are more than 99% effective, provided they are taken properly. There are several forms, each with its own indications, advantages and disadvantages, which should be known in order to use them better
The different types of contraceptive pills
More than 60 years old, birth control pills have been perfected over the years in order to obtain safe, effective models with few side effects and less restrictive to take. They are among the oldest forms of contraception. A contraception guide provides information on other modern methods. Despite the large number of contraceptive pills, two groups stand out: the combined pills and the mini-pills.
Combination pills
Combination birth control pills combine synthetic versions of two female sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone. They are also called estrogen-progestin pills. The concentration of these two hormones fluctuates cyclically during the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterine lining to receive the human egg. Before reaching this stage, these hormones induce ovulation, facilitating the meeting between the egg and the spermatozoa. It is on these functions that the combined pills act.
Mechanism of action
Released in a way that reverses their original role, the female sex hormones in combined birth control pills combine three mechanisms of action. The first is to prevent ovulation. This is done by acting on the maturation of the egg, if it is not mature, it is not released by the ovaries. Thus, there will never be a meeting between egg and spermatozoon, thus no fertilization.
Whether or not ovulation has taken place despite the pill, the hormones act on the migration of spermatozoa in the uterine cavity. In fact, there is a mucus that becomes fluid in the first phase of the menstrual cycle to allow the rapid passage and meeting of the spermatozoa with the egg so that it can be fertilized. The action of the pill here makes the mucus, called cervical mucus, thick. This reduces or even prevents the migration of spermatozoa and thus reduces the chances of fertilization.
The third concomitant action of the contents of combined contraceptive pills is to create unfavorable conditions for the implantation of the human egg in the uterus in case fertilization has taken place. In order to receive the fertilized egg, the uterine lining must be thick and large for the egg to implant and develop. The pill prevents this thickening. Thus, a well-taken combined pill corresponds to a thin uterine lining, unable to maintain a pregnancy.
Taking estrogen-progestin pills
Generally speaking, contraceptive pills must be taken at the same time every day. Otherwise, their effectiveness decreases in percentage to 91%, which exposes you. For the duration of taking birth control pills, you take it as long as you are indisposed to carry a pregnancy. Depending on the three types, the intake cycles differ.
Monophasic estrogen-progestin pills are taken every day for 21 days with a 7-day window where you do not take any pills. The phasic forms are taken in sessions according to hormone concentration. They are taken in the same way as the monophasic forms. The third type of estrogen-progestin is known to be daily pills to be taken over 28 days without interruption. They contain 21 to 23 activated pills and 4 to 7 placebos.
Benefits of estrogen-progestin pills
Combination pills are popular because they are easy to access and use. You decide when to start and stop your contraception. Estrogen-progestin pills have many advantages, such as improving the menstrual cycle, which becomes more regular. They are recognized as protective factors for certain pathologies, including acne, ovarian cysts, fibroids, uterine and ovarian cancer and certain inflammatory diseases.
Side effects of estrogen-progestin pills
Although the new generations of pills considerably reduce the side effects, some of them still persist, such as abdominal pain, headache, nausea, weight gain. Acting normally on the nervous system like natural hormones, the pill can be a source of mood swings.
Disadvantages of combined pills
Apart from the side effects that pass over time, the combined pills are a risk factor for high blood pressure in some women. Unlike condoms, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
The mini-pill for contraception
Composed of a single hormone, progesterone, the mini-pill is also called a progestin or micro-progestin. They are pills designed to considerably reduce the undesirable estrogenic sensations and are suitable for women who have had sex, older women and therefore for all ages.
How the mini-pill works
The micro-progestin uses two of the modes of action of the combined pill. Indeed, progesterone is the hormone that thins the mucus and is also involved in ovulation. Thus, the mini-pill induces a thickening of the mucus mainly and to a lesser extent prevents ovulation.
Adverse events related to progestin-only pills
Progestin-only pills share some undesirable sensations with the combined pill, notably digestive problems, mood swings and headaches. They can also induce a loss of desire, minimal metrorrhagia, irregularity of the periods.
Benefits of mini-pills
Like all birth control pills, mini-pills allow you to continue having sex. They are indicated for breastfeeding women, unlike estrogen-progestin pills. Suitable for all ages, the mini-pill makes menstruation less regular and can stop it.
Disadvantages of microprogestins
Microprogestins do not have a protective action against sexually transmitted infections. On the other hand, they have many drug interactions. This explains the decrease in their effectiveness when combined with other drugs.
Best choice of pills: combined or mini-pills?
Birth control pills, whether estrogen/progestin or progestin, are over 99% effective. They all require that you take them at the same time every day and that you follow the instructions. However, it is normal to wonder which pill to choose.
It is important to know that progestin-only pills are indicated for women who have recently given birth and for women who are breastfeeding. They are more recommended for women over the age of 35. However, the right pill is the one that you have agreed with your doctor as for male erectile dysfunction.
Combined contraceptive pills and the mini-pill are chemical contraceptives that are easy to access and use. Knowing how to choose them means enjoying a fulfilling sexual and family life.
