The birth control pills, usually just the colloquial language pill called, offers young women in particular the opportunity to use contraception safely. If you pay attention to the package insert and the instructions for taking it, the occurrence of pregnancy by taking the birth control pill can be almost excluded.
What is a birth control pill?
In the birth control pills is a very safe hormonal contraceptive for women in pill form. The correct use of the contraceptive pill is of great importance for the safety of contraception, so that the hormones progestin and estrogen can work and thus reliably prevent pregnancy.
These hormones suppress the maturation of the egg cell and thus ovulation and also prevent the egg cell from implanting in the uterine lining. Some preparations also change the woman's mucus so that the man's sperm cannot get to the egg cell.
In recent years, the dosage of the hormones in the contraceptive pill has been greatly reduced, so that the so-called mini pill, which only contains gestagens, is also ideally suited for use in very young women and offers them safe protection.
The birth control pill has been available in Germany for around 50 years, so that both gynecologists and science can fall back on a wealth of experience in the use of the birth control pill.
Application, benefits & uses
The birth control pills with estrogen and progestin should definitely be prescribed by a gynecologist, as not every preparation is suitable for every woman. The gynecologist can choose between different combination preparations, the so-called single-phase, two-phase and three-phase pills, each of which has different hormonal effects. He will also inform the woman about possible risks and interactions of the birth control pill.
A pill pack contains between 20 and 22 tablets, whereby the woman starts taking them on the first day of her menstrual period and now takes a contraceptive pill every day until the pack is empty. This is followed by a one-week pill break, during which menstruation-like, but mostly painless, bleeding occurs.
The contraceptive pill should be taken at around the same time each day to ensure a high level of contraception safety. The minipill, which is also available, contains only progestins and must therefore be taken at exactly the same time each day for 28 days. The minipill is especially suitable for women who have problems taking estrogen or who fear side effects such as thrombosis when taking the birth control pill.
Drug interactions
who the birth control pills If you want to take, you should inform your gynecologist about your other medication, as the contraceptive pill in combination with other drugs can lose its effect. Particular caution should be exercised when taking antibiotics at the same time, as they can cancel out the effect of the birth control pill.
Additional mechanical contraception, for example with a condom, is therefore urgently recommended. But herbal preparations such as St. John's wort can also influence the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Caution should also be exercised when taking certain pain relievers, laxatives, anti-inflammatory drugs, and sedatives.
Women should definitely speak to the gynecologist they are treating about their medication so that they know whether they can continue to rely on the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Even if a gastrointestinal infection with vomiting or diarrhea occurs, the reliable contraceptive effect of the birth control pill is at risk.
Taking birth control pills also does not protect against infection with AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. If you have frequently changing sexual partners, you should use a condom as a precaution, as this offers protection against most venereal diseases in addition to the birth control pill.
Risks & side effects
The birth control pills brings great relief to many women when it comes to monthly menstrual pain. In addition, the birth control pill always has a regulating effect on the female cycle and many women also report an improvement in their acne. Unfortunately, unpleasant side effects can also occur when taking birth control pills.
These include, for example, uncomfortable intermenstrual bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness or nausea. Some women also complain of decreased sexual desire and bad mood. The hormones contained in the birth control pill also increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer typical for women, such as cervical cancer or breast cancer, which is why a thorough examination by a gynecologist is urgently required before taking the birth control pill.
Anyone who has an increased risk of thrombosis or problems with the liver will probably not be able to use contraceptive pills but will have to resort to other contraceptives. Gynecologists are also often cautious with smokers, as the risk of thrombosis is increased, especially in older patients, when taking birth control pills.
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