What you need to know before taking birth control pills

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What you need to know before taking birth control pills

What you need to know before taking birth control pills

It is important to understand the effects of birth control pills before you start taking them. Experts highlight the effectiveness, possible side effects, and the importance of medical supervision for safe use of birth control pills.

Birth control pills must be taken at the same time every day for maximum effect. (Photo: Getty Images)
Birth control pills must be taken at the same time every day for maximum effect. (Photo: Getty Images)

Before you start taking birth control pills it’s important to understand how they work and what potential effects they will have on your body.

According to Dr Garima Sahni, senior gynaecologist and co-founder of Pristine Care, “Contraceptive pills contain synthetic hormones that either combine oestrogen and progestin or progestin alone. These hormones prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to deter sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation of an embryo.”

Birth control pills are about 99% effective when taken correctly. However, when used in real-world settings, where women sometimes forget to take the pill, their effectiveness drops to about 91%.

“The pill should be taken at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness,” Dr Sahni said. “If a woman misses a dose, it is important that she consults a doctor to avoid unwanted pregnancy.”

When should birth control pills be started?

Birth control pills are not just for contraception, but are often used for a variety of health reasons as well. “Women with irregular menstrual cycles, painful cramps or hormonal acne may be advised to start taking the pill,” Dr. Sahni said.

Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that either combine estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. (Photo: Getty Images)
Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that either combine estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. (Photo: Getty Images)

Additionally, it may also be prescribed for women who want to manage the symptoms of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

Women at certain stages or circumstances in life may also find birth control pills beneficial. For example, Dr. Sahni suggested, “young women who want to regulate their menstrual cycles or those who are in long-term relationships and are looking for reliable contraception may benefit from starting the pill.”

However, he advised caution: “It’s important not to start taking birth control pills without medical supervision, especially if you have an existing health problem.”

Women may also find birth control pills beneficial at certain stages or circumstances in their lives. (Photo: Getty Images)
Women may also find birth control pills beneficial at certain stages or circumstances in their lives. (Photo: Getty Images)

The healthcare provider will select and schedule the pill based on the woman’s lifestyle and medical needs.

Are there any side effects?

Like any medicine, birth control pills can have side effects. “Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, and mood swings,” says Dr. Sahni.

However, not all women should take birth control pills. Women who have a history of blood clots, certain cancers, uncontrolled high blood pressure or liver disease should avoid hormonal contraception. “Women who smoke and are over the age of 35 have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke if they take birth control pills,” Dr. Sahni said.

The expert said that long-term use of contraceptive pills does not harm fertility. He said, “Once a woman stops taking the pill, her menstrual cycle becomes normal and she can conceive normally.”

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