Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills - Indications and Side Effects

Introduction:

Combined birth control pills are also known as oral contraceptive medications to prevent pregnancy. It is the most operative method to prevent the entry of sperm into the vagina if taken correctly. The pill contains a combination of two hormones that are progesterone and estrogen, known as progestin. Birth control pills are readily available and covered by health insurance. In 1960, it was first approved in the United States for contraceptive use. More than 100 million people worldwide use oral contraceptive pills. The use of combined oral contraceptive pills varies in the country based on age, education, and marital status. These types of birth control pills are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. The article tells about the combined oral contraceptive pills, how to take them, how these help in pregnancy, advantages, and side effects.

What Are Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills?

Combined oral contraceptive pills contain progesterone and estrogen to prevent pregnancy. These cause changes in the lining of the uterus, mucus, and lining of the cervix. These changes block sperm entry into the egg. In addition, these pills are designed to be taken in oral form. Therefore, people can take oral contraceptive pills during heavy bleeding or painful periods. Birth control pills are available in many brands. These are divided into three categories:

• Monophasic 21-Day Pills: It is the most common type of pill people take. The drugs are taken daily for 21 days. Each tablet consists of the same kind of hormones.

• Phasic 21-Day Pills: It consists of different colors, and the level of hormones varies. The tablets are to be taken daily for 21 days.

• Everyday Pills: It contains a pack of 21 active pills and seven placebo tablets. These tablets are to be taken daily once per day. There should be no breaks in between the packs.

Who Can Take Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills?

People who want to prevent pregnancy can take combined contraceptive pills. The pills can be accepted until menopause. After that, the drugs are not suitable for some people. It is also taken to treat acne, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and unwanted hair growth.

Who Cannot Take Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills?

Combined oral contraceptive pills are contraindicated in some people, including.

• A pregnant woman.

• Women who smoke and are 35 years or older.

• Overweight women.

• Blood clots in veins.

• Breast cancer.

• Heart diseases, including high blood pressure.

• Migraines.

• Liver or gallbladder disease.

• Diabetes with complications.

• Stroke (narrowing of the arteries).

How Do Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills Work?

The pills contain two hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, known as combination pills. It is mainly used to prevent pregnancy. The drugs eliminate ovulation by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg. These cause thickening of the cervical mucus, thinning the lining of the uterus, and reducing the entry of sperm into the uterus. In combined pills, the estrogen suppresses ovarian formation, eliminating ovulation and preventing pregnancy.

How to Start a Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill?

The pills can be taken at any point of the menstrual cycle. Special care is to be taken after miscarriage and for women who had a baby. If the combined pill is taken on the first day of the period, there is no need for any other contraception. After the fifth day of the period, the woman is unprotected from pregnancy, and the woman needs to take additional contraception for seven days to prevent pregnancy.

After Having a Baby: If the woman is not breastfeeding, the pills need to be started on day 21 after giving birth. If the woman is breastfeeding, there is no need for a combined pill until six weeks after birth.

After Miscarriage: In case of miscarriage, the woman can start the combined pill after five days. However, additional contraception is required to prevent pregnancy if the tablet is started over five days.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills?

Combined pills have many benefits and disadvantages, including

Advantages:

• It does not interrupt sexual intercourse.

• In addition, it makes the periods less painful, bleeding regular, and lighter.

• Reduce acne.

• It reduces the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.

• It limits the risk of ovarian, colon, and uterus cancer.

• It may reduce the risk of fibroids and ovarian cysts.

Disadvantages:

• It can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and mood swings.

• It may increase blood pressure.

• It does not protect against infections like sexually transmitted diseases.

• Spotting and bleeding are common in the first few months of starting the pill.

• It may increase the risk of blood clots.

What Are the Side Effects With Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills?

There are some side effects linked with combined oral contraceptive pills. However, the chances are smaller than the pregnancy and birth. These include:

• Blood Clots: The estrogen hormone in the pill may cause a blood clot. The blood clot may develop in the leg causing deep vein thrombosis, and affecting the lungs causing pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack. The risk increases with smoking and women over the age of 35.

• Cancer: The combined pill can increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer and decrease the risk of uterus cancer, bowel cancer, and ovarian cancer.

• Sexuality: Combined pills may decrease lubrication and libido. It may also reduce the levels of hormones, including androgens.

• Depression: Combined pills may reduce serotonin levels and lead to depression. It may worsen the health conditions of women who are already depressed.

• Other Effects: Other effects include breast tenderness, increased vaginal secretions, facial skin discolorations, increased cholesterol levels, and increased blood pressure.

What Are the Alternative Birth Control Options?

Other birth control methods include condoms, mini pills, vaginal rings, birth control patches, intrauterine devices, implants, spermicide, and birth control shots.

Conclusion

Combined birth control pills are an effective method to prevent pregnancy. It is an affordable and readily available method. These pills may help reduce acne and polycystic ovarian syndrome and limit pain and bleeding during periods. However, it has many advantages and side effects. Smoking and being over the age of 35 may increase the side effects. People should not take the pills without a prescription because it may lead to complications if not handled correctly. Healthcare providers, doctors, and nurses may educate the patient about the combined pill, its risks, and its side effects.