The Pill

Definition:

The Pill is a form of oral contraception which is taken everyday in order to prevent pregnancy. This method is made of hormones like those in a woman's body. Taking the pill daily maintains steady levels of hormones. This helps to prevent pregnancy in different ways.

• 10 Common Misconceptions and Myths About The Pill

Types:

Oral contraceptives come in two forms:

• Progestin-only pills
• Combination pills (contain estrogen and progestin)

They both work the same way by thickening the cervical mucus (this makes it hard for sperm to get through). Combination pills have the additional ability to prevent ovulation.

Reliability:

The pill is a highly reliable and reversible form of contraception.

Advantages of The Pill :

• A safe method of birth control
  
  
• It is convenient
  
  
• May offer some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease (which, if left untreated, can cause infertility)
  
  
• Does not “get in the way” of having sex
  
  
• May lead to lighter periods
  
  
• Use can decrease menstrual cramps
  
  
• Could lead to more spontaneity
  
  
• It could help a woman time her period – as combination pills can be taken to change the timing and frequency of a period or delay a period altogether

Additional Advantages of Combination Pills :

Estrogen and progestin pills provide many extra benefits. These include some protection against:

• Osteoporosis
  
  
• Iron deficiency anemia (which can result from having heavy periods)
  
  
• Ovarian cysts
  
  
• Acne
  
  
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
  
  
• Non-cancerous breast growths
  
  
• Ectopic pregnancy
  
  
• Excess body hair
  
  
• Premenstrual symptoms (such as depression or headaches)

  Cancer Protection:

  According to Planned Parenthood, women who use the Pill are only 1/3 as likely to get cancer of the ovaries or lining of the uterus (endometrium) as those who do not.

  Protection against developing these cancers increases with each year of use, and it can last up to 30 years after stopping the combination pill. Plus, this protection increases with each year of use. For example, 6 years of combination pill use lowers the risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer by up to 60%.

  The most recent research suggests that the pill has little, if any, effect on the risk of developing breast cancer.

  Disadvantages:

  A woman who uses The Pill may experience some unwelcome side effects. The good news is that most of these side effects will go away by the second or third month of use. Oral contraceptive side effects may include:
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea (sometimes with vomiting)
  • Bleeding between periods
  Additionally, combination pills may:
  • Cause depression
  • Change in sexual desire
  Progestin-only pills may lead to irregular spotting and bleeding (at least, more frequently than with combination pills).

  More about Side Effects:

  A woman should talk to her health care provider if she is still experiences side effects after three months as her prescription may need to be changed.

  Women can take the pill with an evening meal or at bedtime to help decrease nausea and/or vomiting. She should try not to stop taking the pill even if feeling really nauseous.

  A woman should read the insert inside her specific pill pack for more detailed information about the use and risks of the pill.

  Who Can Use The Pill:

  Oral contraceptives can be a safe a contraceptive option for most healthly women. Additionally, some women with certain risk factors could still use The Pill if they remain under close medical supervision. It is important that a woman discuss her complete medical history with her healthcare provider before beginning oral contraceptive use.

  Possible Complications:

  In general, serious problems do not occur very often with oral contraceptive use. Typically The Pill is much safer than pregnancy and childbirth.

  Women who use combination pill may have a slightly greater chance of certain major disorders than nonusers. The risk increases:

  • With women who smoke
  • Being age 35 or older
  • Having conditions associated with a heart attack (such as, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and conditions that increase the risk of blood clotting).

  The most serious complication of combination pill use has to do with having a blood clot in the heart, lungs, brain, or legs. Women using combination pill who are confined to bed rest or have a cast seem to have a higher likelihood of developing a blood clot. Women should inform their surgeons about their combination pill use when planning a major operation.

  Women with a history of depression may not be able to continue to take the pill if their depression worsens.

  For more on Side Effects and Medical Complications: Combination Pills or Progestin Only Pills.
  
  

  How to Obtain the Pill: In order to obtain a prescription for oral contraceptives, a woman has to have a medical evaluation, blood pressure check, and pelvic exam by a physician. Her health care provider will determine which type of pill is best suited for the patient; typically, a doctor will prescribe a Pill type that has the lowest amount of hormone needed to protect against pregnancy.
  
  
  Costs Associated with the Pill: Oral contraceptives may be purchased at a drugstore or clinic as long as a woman has a valid prescription. Pills come in monthly packs which cost anywhere around $15–$40 a month.

  A woman should check with her private health insurance policy as coverage for birth control varies. Medicaid may sometimes cover these costs. In general, the charges from family planning clinics will usually be less than private health care providers.

  Effectiveness: Oral contraceptives are 92-99.7% effective. This means that with typical use, only 8 out of every 100 women will become pregnant during the first year of use. With perfect use, less than 1 will become pregnant.
  
  
  STD Protection: The Pill offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.