Birth control pills are one of the commonest contraception amongst women around the world. While there are different brands, there are just two types of birth control pills – mini pill and combination pill.
The mini pill
The mini pill is the progesterone-only pill. It is made up of synthetic progesterone. It works by thinning the linen in the uterus to prevent eggs from attaching to the uterus walls and thickening the mucus in the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the eggs. It entails that you take a pill every day even when you have your period. They are 99% effective if they are taken as prescribed. Mini Pills are right for people who can’t take estrogen because of medical reasons. It is for this reason mini pills are prescribed to breastfeeding mothers and are considered to be safer. Another good thing about mini pills is that they have fewer side effects because of the absence of estrogen.
Combination pill
Also known as the pill, it contains estrogen and progestin. They prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs and keep sperm from reaching the eggs. Doses of estrogen in combination pills differ from brand to brand. Combination pills have extended doses that can make you see fewer periods in a year with 84 active pills and 7 inactive pills. On the other hand, conventional packs come in 21 active pills and 7 inactive. Combination oral contraceptives are 99% effective when used as directed. Smokers are advised against using combination pills. The same goes for those who’ve had a heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or liver tumors. Mini Pills may be used in these cases. By and large, pills are more effective than barrier methods.
But beyond preventing pregnancy these pills have other benefits
Pros of birth control pills
Helps with anemia
Being on birth control pills reduces menstruation flow – flows are lighter. This is especially advantageous for someone who experiences heavy menstrual flow that leads to anemia.
Allows for sexual spontaneity
because you are always on your pills, you can have impromptu sex without worrying about making plans to avoid unplanned pregnancy. For a birth control type like the condom, you need to interrupt sex to wear it on.
Decreases menstrual cramps
Birth control pills provide relief from menstrual pain. According to research done by Birth Control Clinic Zoey, 31% of women admit that they take birth control pills to manage menstrual pain. Since oral contraceptives prevent ovulation especially for combination pills, ovulation-related cramps don’t occur. Similarly, if you are on a continuous dose and skip period altogether, you needn’t worry about period cramps.
Regulates period
Periods can become predictable and regular with birth control pills. You can be sure that your period will come on the week you take a break from your pills. Because Birth control pills are hormonal, they can balance hormone levels and make the menstrual cycle consistent.
Combo Pills protect against osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition of weak and brittle bones. Using oral contraceptives for up to 8 years or more reduces one’s risk of developing osteoporosis. According to studies, users of oral contraceptives had a 2-3% higher bone density than non-users. Estrogen appears to have bone protective properties limited in doses of more than 25 mcg of Ethinylestradiol.
Cures hormonal acne
Combination pills help to fight acne. It suppresses the androgen that the body produces. Androgen is responsible for the excess sebum that results in acne. Once androgen is suppressed it puts a check on the skin cells and sebum that clog pores and promote the growth of bacteria that causes acne.
Reduces the risk of certain cancer
Endometrial cancer
Oral contraceptives lower the risk of endometrial cancer by 30%. There’s a greater risk reduction if oral contraceptives were taken for longer and the protective effect lasts for many years after the contraceptive is stopped. One study suggest that the risk reduction was high in long-time users of oral contraceptives who were smokers, obese, or exercised rarely
Ovarian cancer
Oral contraceptives lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 30-50% for those who have used them. Protection increased with how long women have been in it. Protection can last up to 30 years Oral contraceptives also lower the risk of colorectal cancer by 15-20%.
Prevent Ovarian cyst
Combination pills allow you to skip periods which decreases one’s chances of developing cysts. Since combination pills block ovulation, ovarian cyst won’t form because ovulation does not take place.
PMS and PMDD
Birth control pills can help manage premenstrual syndrome. According to studies, oral contraceptives that contain Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone are efficient in treating PMS symptoms.
Treats excess body hair
Birth control pills (combination estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives) lower the levels of androgens. They are usually the first choice for the treatment of hirsutism, and between 60 and 100 percent of women with hirsutism will notice an improvement when taking these medications.
Cons of birth control pills
Birth control pills have the following side effects which can be a disadvantage for users. According to the Center for Young Women’s Health, most of these side effects go away a few days. As the body becomes more accustomed to the hormones, the side effects become fewer in 3-4 months.
Dryness and lower libido
Birth control pills suppress androgen and lower testosterone levels which helps lubricate a woman during intercourse. Pills with low estrogen doses that also contain drospirenone, desogestrel, or norgestimate are known to affect libido and cause vaginal dryness. For women with defective testosterone receptors, birth control pills cause the ovaries to produce less testosterone and block testosterone receptors.
Headaches
Even though some women admit that hormonal pills helped with migraines, It is possible to get a headache from using the pill because of the hormones they contain. This may occur as a result of the drop in estrogen which occurs on the days of taking the inactive pills. To manage headaches.
- Consider using aspirins to suppress headaches
- Use pills with fewer inactive days
- Use pills with lower estrogen doses
- Use progesterone-only pills
Bleeding
There can be bleeding between periods for some. Light spotting shouldn’t be much of a concern unless they become heavy. If you experience continuous breakthrough bleeding, consult your doctor. Take note of how much you bleed and for how long to help diagnosis.
Nausea
Combination pills relax the smooth muscles that help with digestion which can interfere with the way the stomach empties. Estrogen can also upset the stomach lining and this symptom has a high chance to rear its head if there are higher doses of estrogen. Avoid taking pills on an empty stomach to subside this symptom. Ginger and bland foods like unsweetened crackers, bananas, and mashed potatoes can help.
Water retention and breast tenderness
Hormones in combination pills may cause your body to retain water. This can lead to perceived weight gain. Water also gets trapped in the breasts tissue making them tender, fuller, and sometimes sore.
Mood change
Small research suggests that women who use hormonal birth control are more likely to report feeling depressed. However other studies have been unable to link hormone concentrations or combination to mood swings and differences.
Blood clot
This is a serious complication that combination pills can cause. Blood clots can occur in the heart, lungs, brain or legs. This potential risk has a high chance of occurring in
- Smokers
- Women 35 or older 35 or older
- Women who have certain health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
Cancer risk
Oral contraceptives Increase the risk of certain cancers.
Breast cancer
There is some evidence that oral contraceptives can increase the risk of breast cancer due to the hormones estrogen and progesterone found in combo pills.
A large 2017 study found that overall, people who were currently taking oral contraceptives, or recently stopped taking them, had a 20% increase in the relative risk of breast cancer when compared to those who never used oral contraceptives.
Cervical Cancer
People who have used contraceptives for up to 5 or more years have a greater chance of developing cervical cancer but the risk decreases over time ones pill s stopped.2 but the longer it is used, the higher the risk
Stroke
According to a 2015 review of 24 observational studies determined, the risk of developing ischemic stroke is increased for oral contraceptive users when compared to non-users. The researchers also found there is an increased risk of (ischemic) stroke in oral contraceptives with increasing amounts of estrogen.
Skipping pills increases your chances of getting pregnant
Plls are not a fix-and-forget-about-it method. There’s a likelihood that you may not take them as prescribed thus putting you at risk of unplanned pregnancy.
When to See a Doctor
Birth control pills are very safe to use. However, side effects should be expected. Complications rarely happen but see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Swollen legs
- Skin redness
- Leg pain
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Lightheadedness/fainting
- Low blood pressure
Wrap up
Thoroughly read the paper insert that comes with your pill pack. Acquainting yourself with the possible side effects you may experience can help you better manage them. You also need to know how to take your pill and what to do when you miss a dose.
