How to take birth control pills (05/16/2016). Birth control pills: pros and cons I take contraceptives

Nowadays, a woman can decide for herself whether to have a child now or after a certain time. And special contraceptives help her with this. Most often, representatives of the fair sex resort to birth control pills. However, not every girl knows which pills are right for her, since when choosing, it is necessary to take into account many factors: age, health, sexual life, and much more. Today we will look at which drugs may be suitable for certain categories of women, as well as how to take birth control pills correctly so as not to harm your health, and, of course, achieve the main effect.

Types of contraceptives used by women

Many girls take birth control pills to avoid unwanted pregnancies. We will now find out which contraceptives are best for nulliparous women and which for young mothers, as well as for women with hormonal imbalances. But first, let’s figure out what types of birth control pills there are.

1. Mini-drinks. They got their name due to the low content of the hormone in them.
2. Non-hormonal pills.
3. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs).
4. Medicines intended for emergency contraception.

Currently, the newest birth control pills are used, which contain a small part of the hormones, but this is quite enough to prevent the maturation of the egg, which eliminates pregnancy.

Features and benefits of COC

The doctor can prescribe these drugs to those patients who do not have health problems, since there are significant restrictions on their use. If you have the following diseases, you should not take these pills:

Diabetes;

Various heart diseases;

Severe headaches;

High likelihood of blood clots;

Liver diseases.

In addition, such drugs are prohibited from being used by women over 35 years of age who also smoke. The fact is that the use of COCs and cigarettes can lead to a dangerous disease called thrombosis.

Many people believe that the best birth control pills are combination pills, which have significant benefits. The advantages of using oral contraceptives are as follows:

They cope well with their main function - preventing pregnancy;

Help eliminate acne;

Significant reduction in the amount of hair on the body and face;

Reduced pain during menstruation;

Align the cycle;

They are an excellent means of preventing cancer of the uterus and ovaries.

Main samples of COCs

Contraceptive pills "Jess", "Novinet". They are perfect for young girls who have an unsystematic sex life, as well as for those who have not yet given birth.

Preparations “Yarina”, “Zhannine”, “Diane-35”. These pills are also suitable for nulliparous girls, however, unlike the previous option, they are prescribed if a woman has a dynamic sex life.

The drugs “Ovidon” and “Triziston” are prescribed when, in addition to contraception, it is necessary to resolve some hormonal problems.

Mini-pill

This group of drugs is suitable for those people who have certain health problems, for example, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Also, these pills can be taken by women after 40 years of age, since it is at this age that the pills are most effective. They should also be used by people who actively smoke. Young mothers can also take mini-pill tablets. They are especially effective during breastfeeding. However, despite the fact that this type of contraceptives is prescribed to a larger audience of people than COCs, it has its drawbacks:

The risk of becoming pregnant is higher than if you take combination drugs;

Menstruation while taking such pills can begin unexpectedly - on any day of the cycle;

The use of these pills can cause illnesses such as ovarian cysts or even ectopic pregnancy.

Therefore, before making a specific choice, you need to read the instructions and find out about the side effects of any product. And the effect of birth control pills, mini-pills, on a woman’s body is as follows: in the uterine cavity, while taking the pills, the viscosity of the mucus increases. This significantly complicates the penetration of sperm, and also makes implantation of a fertilized egg almost unattainable.

Basic mini-pill samples

Popular representatives of this type of contraceptives are the drugs “Charozetta”, “Laktinet”, “Microlut”, “Exluton”.

How to take this type of birth control pill? The main thing is to remember that you need to drink them continuously, not even stopping during menstruation. If for some reason you forget to take a pill, and less than three hours have passed, then you need to use it quickly. If more time has passed, then additional contraceptives should be used for 1 week.

Medicines intended for emergency use

There are also special bright and effective representatives of which is the Postinor pill. The drug is taken orally. After unprotected sexual intercourse, you need to take 1 tablet in the first 72 hours. The second pill must be swallowed 12 hours after the first. If vomiting is observed within 3 hours after taking the tablet, you need to drink an additional pill.

Contraindications to the use of the drug "Postinor"

In what cases should you not take birth control pills after intercourse? The contraindications are as follows:

Age up to 16 years;

Liver failure;

Pregnancy;

Breastfeeding the baby;

General blood analysis;

Ultrasound examination of the pelvis.

Also, during the consultation, the gynecologist must ask for information about the woman’s age, height, weight, and the presence of any diseases. The doctor also takes into account whether there was a birth or abortion, how menstruation occurs: with or without pain, regularly or not, and may also ask other, equally important questions.

And only after the whole picture of the woman’s general health is revealed, the gynecologist can select the best birth control pills that are suitable for a particular patient and do not cause side effects. That is why it is imperative to undergo a detailed examination and consult with a specialist in order not to harm yourself and maintain health for many years.

Now you know how to take birth control pills for maximum effect. We learned that women should definitely visit a gynecologist if they are going to use oral contraceptives. And only a professional, taking into account health characteristics and other criteria, will select the necessary pills: mini-pills, combination drugs, emergency contraception or non-hormonal pills.

Content

You have to take medications that contain natural or artificial hormones for various reasons, and more often women do it. We drink them when we are afraid of getting pregnant or, on the contrary, we really want to conceive a child, and the hormones also help cope with menopause, acne and even cancer. However, many ladies are still afraid of this terrible word, depriving themselves of many opportunities. When are hormonal pills appropriate? Let's look at the important points.

Effect of hormonal pills

The vast majority of processes occurring in the body in one way or another involve hormones produced by glands and responsible for both metabolism in general and many individual functions, such as growth, reproduction, and the processing of substances. The human body constantly monitors the presence of hormones in the blood and, if there is a lack of them, tries to increase production, which means a change in the function of the gland. With the help of hormonal pills, you can restore balance in the functioning of the systems.

Contraceptive drugs have an effect on the body as a whole. Long-term use of these pills reduces the risk of cancer by about 50 percent. In addition, hormones help make the cycle in the female body more regular, and the periods themselves often become less unpleasant. The drugs also help in eliminating acne, which is often a sign of hormonal imbalance.

Indications and contraindications

Hormones are prescribed in different situations, but the main points are:

1. Endocrine diseases.
2. Deficiency in the production of hormones by the body (drugs are used for stimulating effects to restore the previous hormonal balance, often this is done to normalize the menstrual cycle in the body and restore the ability to conceive a child).
3. Problems with the female reproductive system (hormonal substances normalize the menstrual cycle, stop dysfunctional bleeding from the uterus, promote ovulation, and bring the body to the hormonal balance required for conception).
4. Mastopathy or fibroids (to reduce the rate of cell division in the mammary glands and uterus).
5. Contraception.
6. Acne, pimples.
7. Menopause (to restore balance in the body and prevent the occurrence of arterial hypertension, osteoporosis and other problems).

There are also general contraindications, here they are:

1. Smoking.
2. Increased blood clotting.
3. Cardiovascular diseases.
4. Excess weight.
5. Liver and kidney failure.
6. Migraines with focal neurological symptoms.
7. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
8. Increased risk of blood clots.
9. Hormone-dependent diseases.
10. Oncology.
11. Vaginal bleeding.
12. Diabetes.
13. Pancreatitis.

Side effects

Hormones can cause side effects in the body that include unwanted hair growth, skin problems and more. When taking birth control, they can range from unpleasant discharge and swelling of the mammary glands to allergic reactions, and you can also gain weight dramatically. Immediate withdrawal of the drug often does not have the desired effect, since the effects of hormones can be prolonged and the body will take some time to return to normal.

Types of hormonal pills

The drugs are divided into groups of hormones:

• glands of the adrenal cortex, which include glucocorticosteroids, used to combat allergies and inflammation, and also as painkillers.
• The thyroid gland is used if it produces them in small quantities or, conversely, too much.
• sexual, which include androgens, estrogens, gestagens.
• anabolic drugs.
• pituitary gland, such as oxytocin and human chorionic gonadotropin.
• pancreas, one of which is insulin.

Use of hormonal drugs

Hormonal drugs are used in cases where the human body is not able to independently provide itself with the required amount of hormones. This type of therapy is called replacement therapy, since the patient is forced to resort to it for a long time, which can often extend throughout the remaining years. Medicines containing glucocorticoids are used to combat allergies.

Contraceptives

Contraceptives are one of the surest ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Their method of action is the influence of female hormones on the reproductive system in order to prevent ovulation and conception. The choice of drug should be made by a gynecologist; when using an incorrectly selected contraceptive, many health problems may arise, including liver disease and vein thrombosis. Let's look at which birth control pills are the most popular:

• "Diana is 35." This is an oral contraceptive with a low hormone content. In addition to direct contraception, it is used to treat seborrhea, problems with high levels of male hormones in the female body, acne and polycystic ovary syndrome. The drug affects ovulation, protecting against unwanted pregnancy. After stopping taking the hormonal drug, the girl can become pregnant again.
• "Lindynet 20". A modern means of the latest generation of contraceptives. These tablets contain very small hormonal doses, which reduces side effects to nothing. Already after three months of taking the drug, normalization of the cycle is noted, menstruation becomes less unpleasant. The likelihood of endometriosis, uterine or ovarian cancer, and mastopathy is reduced.
• "Jess." Birth control pills are an effective remedy in the fight against acne and oily facial skin, since they counteract male sex hormones. Gynecologists often prescribe Jess contraceptive pills to girls over the age of 14 in order to combat acne and eliminate particularly painful menstruation. The peculiarity of the hormonal drug is that it cannot affect weight in any way.
• "Regulon". This drug contains gestagen and ethinyl estradiol, which jointly act on the pituitary gland; the hormones make cervical mucus thicker and ovulation more difficult, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus and fertilization.
• "Janine." The tablets, which are a monophasic combined contraceptive, contain gestagen and ethinyl estradiol, which thicken the cervical mucus and affect ovulation, preventing sperm from fertilization.
• "Midiana". It is an oral contraceptive based on drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, which affect the endometrium. Suppresses ovulation and prevents egg fertilization.

Estrogens

The level of estrogen hormones is significantly higher in women. There are three types:

• estrone, produced during menopause;
• estradiol, produced by all women of reproductive age;
• estriol, produced by the placenta during pregnancy.

But sometimes the level of estrogen does not correspond to the norm, this happens due to bleeding, problems with bearing a child, infertility, the presence of tumors in the reproductive system and breasts. The following drugs are classified as estrogens:

• "Dermestril." Contains estradiol and is used during menopause, eliminating hot flashes, postmenopausal osteoporosis, urogenital atrophy, problems with sleep and mood.
• "Divigel". It has estradiol as an active substance. This drug is distinguished by its beneficial effect on the development of specific female organs, such as the fallopian tubes and mammary ducts. It has a positive effect on the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and normalizes menstruation. In large doses, the hormone can reduce lactation and produce endometrial hyperplasia.

Thyroid gland

Levothyroxine sodium and triiodothyronine are thyroid hormones. If their level in the body decreases, this leads to consequences such as atherosclerosis, decreased cognitive function, excess weight gain, and anemia. In the absence of diagnosis and treatment, problems with the thyroid gland can arise even in young people and result in dysfunction of other organs, apathy, and loss of strength.

Thyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone. After passing through the kidneys and liver, it affects the growth and development of tissues in the body, as well as metabolism in general. Thyroxine affects the metabolism of fats and proteins, increases oxygen consumption, and improves the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. With increased doses and long-term use, it affects the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

How to take hormonal pills correctly

If the doctor decides to prescribe hormones, do not argue, but listen. He will prescribe a course of examinations to make sure that the hormonal drug can be taken and there will be no harm to the body, and then he will determine the dosage. If you are going to take birth control, then consult a gynecologist. Having done a hormone test and found out which one is missing, the doctor will be able to prescribe a remedy. The gynecologist also examines the breasts for the presence of cancer, since hormonal drugs are not prescribed for tumors.

How to take contraceptives? In a certain order, once a day, for relief, the days of the week are indicated on the blister; it will be difficult to make a mistake or miss a dose. The first tablet should be taken on the 1st day of menstruation or on the 5th, if it was not possible earlier. You shouldn’t do this later, as there will be a risk of getting pregnant. Don't forget or skip your daily intake. One blister is designed for a month, there are tablets for continuous use, and there are tablets for 21 days (with a break of a week).

For breast enlargement

It is considered undeniable that the shape and size of female mammary glands depend on genetic factors. At the same time, we should not forget that the female hormone estrogen influences the female breast. Some hormonal pills affect its production, which leads to changes in size. This effect is exerted by prolactin, which acts on estrogen receptors in the breast, and progesterone, which promotes the growth of mammary tissue.

Taking hormonal medications requires a careful approach; only your doctor will tell you what dosage you need. So, there are hormones that you can take 4 times a day with an interval of 4 hours. It is worth noting that it would not be superfluous to use a special cream to enlarge the bust; in addition, taking such drugs requires careful attention to the diet. In order not to lead to the production of testosterone, you should forget about sweets and starchy foods, and reduce your protein intake.

For pregnancy

To determine the hormones that can help in conceiving a child, you will have to take urine and blood tests, which will allow you to understand the state of the body. The ovaries produce estradiol, which is involved in preparing the uterus for conception, as well as testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, responsible for egg production. Male testosterone, with its elevated level in the female body, makes conception difficult, interfering with the normal course of pregnancy.

Progesterone, sometimes called the maternal hormone, is essential for the development of the baby in the womb. Conception is due to the normal function of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland. The latter is responsible for prolactin, which stimulates lactation and ovulation, and for luteotropin, which controls the production of estrogen in the female body. If conception does not occur for a long time, women are sometimes prescribed Femoston: it contains estradiol and dydrogesterone, which normalize and maintain the necessary hormonal levels. This drug is a mixture of estrogen and progesterone.

For weight gain

Taking hormonal medications can lead to weight gain. This is used by athletes who want to build muscle mass by using steroids, which include corticosteroids and sex hormones. They are banned in Russia, which forced them to look for other methods, one of which turned out to be somatostatin, a growth hormone that can increase muscle mass.

However, you should be careful: hormones for weight gain should not be used without medical supervision. The doctor prescribes them for people with anorexia, exhaustion, and excessively thin. The drug “Duphaston” is very common: it was created for women who want to get pregnant, but for those who want to gain weight, it is perfect. Hormonal drugs are prescribed after consultation with an endocrinologist, who determines the dosage of the drug.

For acne

Hormone therapy is effective for acne. Taking hormone-containing medications will prevent excessive sebum production. However, you need to be careful because they can lead to worsening mood, weight gain and headaches as a side effect. At the end of the course, acne may return, and to prevent this from happening, the simultaneous use of antibacterial drugs is necessary, preferably not antibiotics, but natural substances.

Subcutaneous fat is formed with the participation of androgens, which are most actively produced by the female body during menstruation. This leads to the appearance of acne on the skin on such days. This phenomenon can be eliminated by using hormonal pills containing progesterone and estrogen, which will help the body maintain the balance of androgens. For this purpose, birth control contraceptives, such as “Jess”, are often prescribed: they are taken in a course, one tablet per day.

Which drugs to choose

Often, women make decisions about choosing any hormonal contraceptives based on advertising or what their friends say. This situation is unacceptable, because only a gynecologist, after all the necessary tests and examinations of the body, can recommend any of the remedies. If you decide to choose a hormonal drug on your own, it may not only not have the desired effect, but also cause harm to your health, even death.

Video

In the TV show, the obstetrician-gynecologist will tell you how and at what point hormonal contraceptives act on the body, and why you should not be afraid to take the drug. The doctor explains why birth control medications are good for fighting acne, how they prevent uterine and ovarian cancer, and also explains the benefits of the intrauterine ring and IUD for the treatment of certain gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis.

Such a delicate topic as taking oral contraceptives should definitely be discussed with a gynecologist. But if you have questions and have absolutely no one to ask, then we will try to answer them.

There are many rumors and myths around hormonal contraception, which are so scary that they quickly begin to be discussed by girls and women in a narrow friendly circle. But their validity remains questionable, since they are invented by the same women who have no knowledge of gynecology. So that you no longer have doubts, let's dispel these fears and concerns.

Indications for use

Oral contraceptives were invented in the 50s of the twentieth century, and 10 years later, after numerous studies, they were approved for use by women. These were the first pills that became an alternative to other means of birth control, but soon women began to experience other side effects.

Today, contraceptive drugs not only protect against pregnancy, but also cure some gynecological and dermatological diseases.

Indications for taking OK include:

• restoration of hormonal levels after childbirth or abortion;
• normalization of the menstrual cycle;
• women suffering from anemia;
• endometriosis;
• fibrocystic mastopathy;
• with painful periods;
• with PMS;
• ovarian cyst;
• acne;
• alopecia.

Depending on the composition, hormonal contraceptives can lower testosterone in the blood, as a result of which acne and acne disappear, hair loss stops, and the figure becomes more feminine.

What are oral contraceptives?

All birth control pills are divided into 3 groups, each of which is suitable for its age and health condition. They are divided into microdose (20-25 mcg estradiol), low-dose (30-35 mcg estradiol) and high-dose (40-50 mcg estradiol).

Types of OK and their purpose:

1. Microdosed. Suitable for young girls, women who have not yet given birth, and people over 35 years old.
2. Low dosage. Prescribed to women who have given birth, as well as to girls in whom microdosed OCs caused bleeding.
3. Highly dosed. Prescribed for serious hormonal disorders and only in extreme cases.

Estradiol or its derivatives is the active component of each type of birth control pill. And the therapeutic effect of the drug depends on what the auxiliary hormone is. Drospirenone, dienogest, chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate and levomefolate have antiandrogenic properties, that is, they suppress the production of male hormones.

Side effects

Since birth control pills are a drug, they not only have the desired effect, but also cause some side effects. In most cases, they appear extremely rarely, but women with sensitive bodies should be more careful.

Side effects OK:

• feeling of nausea and dizziness;
• frequent mood swings, moodiness and irritability;
• decreased sexual desire;
• migraine;
• prostration;
• swelling and pain in the chest;
• bloody issues.

Typically, these symptoms appear in the first three months of taking OCs, and after the body gets used to the new condition, they disappear. If you experience discomfort for a long time, your spotting does not go away, your head often hurts and you feel dizzy, then OK is not suitable for you and you will have to change it.

Contraindications

Also, hormonal contraceptives have a number of contraindications, without taking them into account, you will only worsen your health condition. Be sure to tell the doctor your medical history and the problems that are bothering you at the moment, so that he can adequately assess the situation and prescribe the correct OC.

Contraindications for use:

• the presence of malignant tumors;
• disruption of the liver and kidneys;
• vascular diseases;
• pregnancy;
• hypertension;
• frequent headaches;
• bleeding of unknown cause;
• thrombosis;
• the period before and one month after the operation;
• prolonged immobility;
• breastfeeding period.

If you decide to take birth control pills, then, in order to avoid complications, get rid of the smoking habit, as there is a risk of vegetative-vascular dystonia. It is also worth further consulting with your doctor if you are overweight or have diabetes.

How to choose the right oral contraceptives

When choosing OK, many girls are guided by two principles: price and reviews from girlfriends. This is a fundamentally wrong decision. Since everyone’s body is different and does not have the same level of certain hormones. To choose the right drug, you need to undergo tests and identify the overall picture of the state of the body and hormonal levels. Based on this, the doctor will prescribe the best option.

It is also worth taking into account your wishes and complaints. Acne, hair growing in unwanted places, baldness on the scalp and other cosmetic problems can be solved with the help of birth control pills if chosen correctly. Many people are prescribed hormonal medications in extreme cases of these problems.

But tests taken and an experienced doctor will not give you a guarantee that the body will accept interference in its hormonal levels. If you observe severe side effects, it is better to change the drug. For example, with continuous bleeding, the level of estradiol needs to be increased. Constant headaches and high blood pressure, on the contrary, indicate that the remedy is too “strong” for you.

Today, all birth control pills are available in convenient packages with a calendar printed on them and the days of the week indicated. Therefore, it is difficult to confuse anything. On the first day of your period, you start with a pill that says start above it and then go around in a circle until you take all 21 pills. Drink them at the same time, it’s best to set yourself a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss the next dose. This should be followed by a seven-day break.

For the convenience of women, some manufacturers also produce placebos along with active tablets. There are 7 pieces in a package and they are designed to be taken during a break. That is, when the package contains not 21, but 28 tablets, then the next pack should be started after the end of the previous one, without making a weekly skip.

On the second and third days of the cycle, you can also start taking pills, but they will not give a quick effect, and you will have to take additional protection for some time. You cannot start taking it some time before your period; you must wait until it arrives. This can only be done if you have already drunk at least 2 packs of OK.

Menstruation during the period of taking hormonal contraceptives occurs on the same day, that is, the cycle is exactly 28 days. If you have been drinking them for a long time, you can postpone your period. When you don't want them to start, just don't take a break. But you shouldn’t abuse it.

When does the effect of OK occur?

If you started taking pills on the first day of menstruation, you can stop using additional methods of protection the next day. If this happened later, you need to wait another week.

Many girls, especially those who are not yet familiar with this method of protection against unwanted pregnancy, are afraid that it will not be effective. Today this is the most reliable method, which gives a guarantee in 99 percent of cases, but only on the condition that you took the pills correctly.

What happens if you forget to take a pill?

Some girls are inattentive and forget to take the next dose of hormones, but remember about it only a few hours later. If this happens, follow the instructions included with the tablets. If more than 12 hours have passed, you need to urgently take a contraceptive and use additional methods of protection for a week.

If this time has not yet expired, then the pill should be taken as soon as possible, but there is no need to worry about a decrease in the effectiveness of the drug. Diarrhea or vomiting several hours after swallowing the pill may affect the effectiveness of the OC, so it is better to take the next pill out of sequence.

It's true that birth control pills make you fat

The myth that hormonal contraception leads to rapid weight gain is based on real facts. The first tablets released contained a large dose of estradiol and could cause this side effect. They also led to accelerated body hair growth and other unpleasant manifestations.

Modern drugs contain tens of times less hormones than they did half a century ago, so they cannot affect metabolic processes in the body and are absolutely safe for your figure.

It is worth talking separately about such a property of OK as getting rid of acne. Today, many doctors consider hormonal contraceptives an effective way to combat them, especially in adolescence, when appearance is very important. This method is safe if you choose the right drug. These should be microdosed OCs with an antiandrogenic effect.

Don’t be alarmed if the problem only gets worse in the first month of taking it, as the body gets used to the intervention of synthetic hormones. This side effect should soon go away, and the skin will clear up, become smooth and beautiful.

Does hormonal contraception cause infertility?

Many people believe that if you interfere with the body’s functioning, it will malfunction and will not be able to perform its functions independently. But, in the case of birth control pills, this will not happen.

While we are taking them, the ovaries “rest”, and after completing the course they completely restore their functions in 1-2 months. During this period, they become very active, which, on the contrary, promotes rapid conception.

Is it possible to stop drinking OK?

If something does not suit you or you have found an alternative to this method, you can stop taking the drug after finishing 21 active tablets. It is strictly not recommended to do this in the middle of the pack and is only possible under strict indications.

When you do not drink the full course, a hormonal imbalance occurs, which is a strong stress for the body. You will not only make yourself feel worse, but also provoke some diseases.

The decision to start taking OK is a responsible step. Therefore, remember that hormonal drugs cannot be prescribed to yourself, but only after consultation with a gynecologist. Also pay attention to contraindications to avoid health problems. If there are no obstacles to starting treatment, then you can safely try this safe and reliable method of contraception.

Video: 4 important questions about the choice and duration of treatment

Birth control pills are one of the most effective means of contraception, truly reliable and affordable, known for many decades. These are hormonal drugs that contain progestins or progestins together with estrogens. All these are analogues of female hormones. Progestins suppress ovulation, without which it is impossible to get pregnant.

How do they work?

For a woman to become pregnant, she needs a mature egg. In the first half of the menstrual cycle, under the influence of hormones, the egg matures and enters the fallopian tube from the ovaries. After this - in theory - the female reproductive cell should meet the sperm and go to the uterus to attach to the wall of the organ there. This requires progesterone, a hormone that prepares the uterus. If conception does not happen, progesterone levels drop and bleeding begins, which starts a new cycle.

All this time, the level of estrogen and progesterone fluctuates as needed to conceive a child.

Birth control pills create their own hormonal levels in the body.

At the same time, they suppress ovulation, that is, there is simply nothing to be fertilized.

The pills have other properties that resist conception. For example, they make the mucus in the cervix thick so that sperm cannot reach the egg, and the inner layer of the uterus thin so that the egg cannot attach to it.

What are the different types of birth control pills?

There are two types of tablets:

1. Progestin with estrogens, or combined. If there is a lot of estrogen, it can suppress ovulation. But at such doses they have a lot of side effects, so they are not used by themselves for contraception, but are added to pills to simulate a full cycle.
2. Progestin pills, which are called mini-pills. They are prescribed when regular pills cannot be used: if a woman is breastfeeding, is sick, or has blood clots in her blood vessels.

They say that such contraceptives have many side effects. This is true?

Indeed, birth control pills have an impressive list of contraindications and side effects. It is enough to open the instructions for any such drug and see for yourself.

There are four generations of oral contraceptives. The newer the drug, the fewer hormones it contains, and therefore the fewer side effects.

Unfortunately, many gynecologists like to prescribe old drugs: such tablets are cheaper and “time-tested”. Therefore, just in case, find out from your doctor which generation the medicine he is prescribing belongs to, and whether a milder remedy can be found.

Don’t hesitate to ask why the gynecologist thinks these particular pills are right for you and why they are better than their analogues.

And what are the dangers of taking contraceptives?

The most severe side effects that occur with oral contraceptives:

1. Thrombosis. There are many studies that show that the risk of developing thrombosis while taking pills increases Combined Oral Contraceptives and venous thrombosis.
2. Cardiovascular diseases.
3. Glaucoma.

These are rare phenomena that occurred when oral contraceptives first appeared and they contained a lot of hormones. Nausea, dizziness, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding occur more often. Usually the symptoms go away after a couple of months, but you need to tell your doctor about them and, if there is no improvement, change the drug.

Do birth control pills cause weight gain?

No one can say for sure what will happen to your weight. Different studies provide different information, but show that, in general, women who take hormonal contraceptives gain some weight.

The average weight gain when taking the mini-pill is no more than 2 kg per year. However, these data are not based on the most accurate studies. Progestin-only contraceptives: effects on weight.

Different types of hormonal contraceptives have approximately the same effect on weight.

Do they cause cancer?

Some studies show that oral contraceptives, especially if used for a long time, on the contrary, reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who have taken birth control pills for more than five years have a 50% lower risk of developing this type of cancer than women who have never taken the pill. Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented?.

But the risk of detecting breast or cervical cancer, as well as tumors in the liver increases, albeit slightly Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk. In some cases (if you take the pills for a long time), such dynamics are not visible at all.

Birth control pills are so scary. Can they be used at all?

Can. They were invented just to be used. Of course, if there are no contraindications.

As already mentioned, modern drugs are becoming safer and are being tested more and more thoroughly.

What about contraindications?

Each drug has its own list, but there are general contraindications:

1. Smoking and age over 35 years (if you do not smoke, age does not count).
2. Tendency to form blood clots.
3. Estrogen-dependent tumors.
4. Bleeding from the uterus, the causes of which are not clear.
5. Migraine.
6. Diabetes with complications of the heart and blood vessels.

The main thing is not to smoke if you decide to take oral contraceptives. Smoking by itself does not bring any good, and in combination with hormonal contraceptives it increases the risk of developing side effects.

What tests do I need to take to get a prescription?

As a rule, none. Hormonal contraceptives were invented to be accessible, but tons of tests reduce this accessibility.

During the consultation, the doctor mainly focuses on what the woman herself tells about her lifestyle, health problems, and the medications she constantly takes. Based on this, he decides which progestin component is more suitable and prescribes it.

To check whether pills are contraindicated for a woman or not, she really needs to undergo a series of tests.

My friend was taking pills. Can I have them too?

In no case.

Only a doctor can prescribe pills after consultation. What if you have contraindications that your friend doesn’t have, and you’re at risk? What if a friend’s doctor prescribed her an old-generation drug, or did the friend even buy the medicine on the advice of a neighbor?

It will be you, not your friend, who will risk your health. Do not do it this way.

Do oral contraceptives allow the ovaries to rest?

The ovaries do not know how to rest and go on vacation; they work most of a woman’s life until menopause occurs.

Hormonal contraceptives do not give organs a vacation, but create an artificial hormonal background and suppress ovulation.

This has nothing to do with rejuvenation, longevity and other wonderful properties that people like to attribute to hormones.

Are they needed to even out the cycle?

Hormonal contraceptives create their own, special cycle. The main thing does not happen in it - ovulation of a mature egg. In this case, menstruation occurs not because the egg has not been fertilized, but because there is a break in taking the pills.

Such an artificial cycle is really smooth and easier to tolerate, which is why oral contraceptives are prescribed to cope with painful periods.

After stopping the medications, your normal cycle will return. What it will be depends on many factors.

Will birth control pills help you prepare for pregnancy?

These are contraceptives. They are needed to avoid getting pregnant. They do not prepare for pregnancy.

Although some drugs add folic acid in case you decide to stop taking the pills, immediately become pregnant and provide this vitamin to your unborn child.

Will it help with acne?

They can help. Hormonal drugs have such an effect, they help cope with. Just always remember that this effect is an additional, side effect, not the main one. In addition, sometimes something goes wrong and acne, on the contrary, appears or becomes more noticeable.

How to take it so as not to harm yourself?

It's simple: take only as prescribed by your doctor and strictly according to the instructions.

Everyone knows that hormonal contraceptives must be taken as prescribed by a doctor - but even the doctor does not always provide all the details. For example, do you know what tests you should take before taking birth control pills? What medications should they not be combined with? What to do and how to protect yourself if you forget to take your pill? After reading a chapter from the book “Moditsina” by Nikita Zhukov, you will definitely be fully armed.

Female hormonal contraception was invented in the rock and roll 60s, when all sorts of Elvis and other hipsters had to serve crowds of fans, and it was extremely desirable to prevent the appearance of illegitimate heirs. In those years, no one was afraid of HIV, and rubber bands were too inhumane to be used constantly.

It was in those days that these wheels (of the first generation) caused weight gain and other nasty effects that have come down to our century in the form of tales.

The dosages of hormones in birth control pills are now so tiny that they are measured in micrograms, which means that not only will they not make you fat, but they will also help cure some ailments.

For this, as well as for the fact that they have conditions for use, you need to go to a gynecologist. They are very fond of COCs (combined oral contraceptives) and for good reason.

Since ancient times, the female half of the population spent a significant part of their lives either in a state of pregnancy or in a state of feeding a child with milk, when progesterone predominates in the blood and testosterone levels are extremely low.

In the last century, women have become rapidly less likely to become pregnant and give birth, which has led to a predominance in time of the states of menstruation or PMS over the states of pregnancy or lactation - and this, in turn, leads to an increase in testosterone, which gives aggressiveness and irritability.

Small round tablets contain two hormones: an estrogen (estradiol or ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (progesterone or drospirenone).

• Progesterone is the main contraceptive component, it is also called the “maternity hormone”, since its release in the body occurs during the maturation of the egg and the development of the fetus during pregnancy, the main effect is to inhibit the development of a new egg;
• Estradiol - due to progesterone stopping the development of follicles with the egg, the level of estradiol in the body decreases, because it must be produced by the follicles; it is contained in tablets just to compensate for this gap.

Taking COCs inhibits the brain's production of hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle, which leads to a stop in the development of follicles and, accordingly, to the absence of ovulation - we can say that the cycle is “frozen”, there is no release of the egg, and the female body begins to work as if there was no cycle.

The number of eggs (as well as the number of pregnancies, children and menstruation) in a woman’s body is strictly limited, and hormones from COCs reduce the number of “idle” eggs, simulating the state of pregnancy and lactation. However, after 1.5–2 years of use, you need to take a break, otherwise it threatens atrophic changes in the inactive reproductive system, albeit with preserved eggs.

COCs can be mono-, two- or three-phase. Monophasic ones have the same concentration of hormones in each tablet, while others, accordingly, have different ones, divided into two or three phases. Three-phase contraceptives are newer, they are considered more physiological, but nevertheless, in most cases, a woman feels good on monophasic ones.

At the end of each pack of pills there are 4-7 pacifiers without hormones at all, which are needed only in order not to break the habit of taking pills daily to take and simulate menstruation, which is called “withdrawal bleeding”. It occurs due to a sharp cessation of the supply of hormones with pills, which provokes the rejection of the endometrium and its release as during normal menstruation - “as”, because this is not the same thing: real menstruation should be preceded by ovulation, but here it is not.

It is for this reason that while taking hormonal contraceptives, all problems associated with menstruation go away: there is no pain, no PMS, because there are no periods. If these pseudo-periods need to be postponed a little, then in most cases you can not take pacifiers, but immediately start a new pack, which is convenient on any trips, business trips and at sea, when there is no desire/opportunity to spoil your reality with bleeding. According to the instructions for most drugs, it follows that the period may be unlimited, but it is better to consult your gynecologist.

Sometimes, when you stop taking hormonal pills, withdrawal syndrome occurs, which forces some ovaries to work with renewed vigor and release 3-4 eggs at once during the first ovulation - then there is a chance of getting pregnant with twins or triplets.

It happens that this is used to treat infertility: COCs are prescribed for 3 months, and after they are discontinued, the woman tries to get pregnant - the probability becomes higher.

COC: contraindications

The first generations of COCs produced in the seventies were contraindicated for breastfeeding women; now they can be taken after lactation has been established. COCs are contraindicated in pregnant women or if pregnancy is suspected. Also they cannot be used for emergency contraception , when the condom breaks - they are only for regular course use!

Other contraindications are related to the blood system:

• Blood diseases, hypertension, cardiovascular problems and everything, everything, everything related: thrombosis, heart attack, stroke. The last three points are not only contraindications, but also the consequences that the use of COCs will lead to for these problems.
• Smoking after 35 years greatly increases the risk of thrombosis in combination with COCs.
• Liver failure is similar, due to the reduced synthetic function of an already damaged liver.
• Diabetes.
• Severe migraine - it can be provoked by them, in which case cancellation is necessary.
• Breast cancer - like all female cancers, its growth depends on hormones, so there is no need to deliberately add firewood to the firebox.

Most oral contraceptives contraindicated due to the risk of bleeding when taken together with:

1. AEDs - Barbiturates, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin;
2. Anti-tuberculosis drugs - Rifampicin.

Some antibiotics (in particular Ampicillin and Doxycycline) are not recommended due to inhibition of flora.

Rules for taking birth control pills

When taken correctly, COCs have almost no side effects and work great, but those taking them should remember something:

• Take the pills at the same time every day - this will ensure a reliable contraceptive effect;
• If you miss a dose, check the rules for forgotten pills;
• If at the end of the pack menstruation does not begin within 5 days, then you need to continue taking the pills and go to the doctor to rule out pregnancy;
• More than three cycles of unusual periods also require medical supervision;
• If there was vomiting up to 3 hours after taking the tablet, you need to take another one;
• Diarrhea for several days generally requires additional contraception in the form of a condom;
• Try to quit smoking, especially at the age of 35+, otherwise adventures with blood clots (all sorts of strokes, for example) will not take long to happen.

COCs are strongly recommended by most gynecologists, but few prescribe them correctly. Ideally, a woman should do an ultrasound of the breasts, thyroid gland, uterus/ovaries and undergo hormone tests, but more often gynecologists make appointments at random - let's see: did it help or not? Doctors can also be understood: contraceptives are practically the only real drugs in gynecology, so they will either help, or one of two things.

If I forgot to take my pill

One missed pill is not a disaster:

• Less than 12 hours have passed - you need to throw in the forgotten pill and continue taking the drug as if nothing had happened;
• More than 12 hours have passed - the same, plus:
  • if this is the first week of the cycle, then the next 7 days sex only with a condom;
  • if it’s the second week, then you can do it without a condom;
  • if the third one, you need to finish the current pack of pills and start a new one without a break, a condom is not needed.

Two or more missed pills:

• Continue with the last missed appointment to coincide with your schedule. Sometimes it is advised to take two tablets every day until the dosage schedule stabilizes; Also, for the first 7 days, sex only with a condom.

If you start having your period after skipping pills, then you should stop taking the pills and start a new pack after a week.

Discussion

The main thing is to take them under the supervision of a doctor so that they are matched to your hormonal background. Get tested once a year to rule out side effects.

Comment on the article "How to take birth control pills correctly"

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