Introduction:
Several effective contraceptive measures are available to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Some techniques work with the help of hormones, while others create physical barriers. Low-dose birth control pills release hormones, and they provide temporary contraception.
What Is Low-Dose Birth Control?
Contraceptive techniques using low doses of hormones are generally labeled "low-dose birth control." They are commonly marketed in the form of pills. Low-dose birth control is being introduced to replace traditional birth control pills, which have serious side effects. Synthetic estrogen is the major culprit for the side effects. That thought led to the development of low-dose birth control pills, which have only smaller doses of estrogen than traditional contraceptive pills. Although low-dose birth control contains fewer hormones, its effectiveness is unaffected. Therefore, its effectiveness is compatible with that of traditional contraceptive pills. So maximum effectiveness with minimum side effects is the motto behind low-dose birth control.
How Do Low-Dose Birth Control Techniques Work in Preventing Pregnancy?
Low-dose birth control works the same way as traditional hormonal birth control pills. They consist of synthetic forms of hormones like estrogen and progesterone (progestin). Estrogen and progesterone are female hormones that play an important role in egg and uterine development. In addition, progesterone makes the uterus and cervix hostile to the development of pregnancy. It causes mucus to thicken in the cervical area, preventing sperm entry. Also, progesterone influences uterine wall thickness, making it unsuitable for the attachment of fertilized eggs (an egg, after union with the sperm, is coined a "fertilized egg") that could result in pregnancy. So even if the egg and sperm unite, the uterine wall does not favor the fertilized egg getting embedded in it. Progesterone influences follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone indirectly. Estrogen regulates egg release from ovaries- technically known as ovulation. Control over ovulation, uterine changes, and sperm entry aid in birth control.
What Are the Different Types of Low-Dose Birth Control Pills?
Low-dose birth control can fall into two different categories:
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Combination Pills
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As the name suggests, it combines two synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestin. Though it contains estrogen, its dose is much less than the traditional contraceptive pills.
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Estrogen is the chief element responsible for the side effects of birth control pills. The associated side effects may drop by decreasing the dose of estrogen.
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The estrogen dose is estimated at around 50 micrograms in traditional combination pills. But in low-dose combination pills, estrogen dose does not exceed 35 micrograms. Usually, it ranges somewhere between 10 micrograms to 35 micrograms, but not beyond that.
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Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, Norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol are some of the combination types of low-dose birth control pills commonly prescribed by doctors.
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Lactating mothers (who are breastfeeding) are advised not to take combination pills as it would cause an appreciable decline in milk production.
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Progestin-only Pills
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These pills contain only progestin, not estrogen. They are generally known by the name minipills.
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Mini pills should be taken daily and at the same time. Failure to do so may have ramifications for its effectiveness.
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An efficiency of 99.7 percent can be achieved if the person strictly adheres to the dose and time of medicine administration.
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Synthetic progesterone in the form of norethindrone is the key element in these pills and is available in the market under different brand names. Progestin-only pills are safe even for lactating mothers, unlike combination pills.
Are Low-Dose Birth Control Pills Completely Free of Side Effects?
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Low-dose birth control pills are much safer than conventional contraceptive pills. However, it also possesses certain side effects.
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Combination pills have considerably more side effects when compared with progestin-only pills because of the influence of estrogen.
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Combination low-dose pills are associated with an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disorders like stroke, heart failure, and intravascular blood clots.
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In addition, other side effects like changes in body weight, slight tenderness or pain in the breasts, certain behavioral issues like depression, anxiety, and occasional nausea and vomiting are also reported.
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Progestin-only pills are also associated with certain side effects. The most frequently encountered side effect is spotting of blood spots seen in between periods. Sometimes they are associated with irregularities in periods.
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Weight changes, bloating, tender feelings in the breasts, and behavioral issues are other side effects of progestin-only pills.
What Makes Low-Dose Birth Control Different From Conventional Contraceptive Pills?
The uniqueness of low-dose birth control lies in its low-dose hormone composition, which makes it even safer than the traditional contraceptive pills used to prevent pregnancy.
Does Low-Dose Birth Control Have Any Other Benefits?
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Besides preventing pregnancy, low-dose birth control is also known to impact the female body positively.
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Low-dose birth control pills, specifically combination pills, aid in attaining more regular periods even if the person has irregular periods.
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There will be a significant reduction in period-associated pain, excessive bleeding, and discomfort.
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In addition, it may act as hormonal therapy for perimenopausal women (nearing menopause) and control some symptoms associated with perimenopause.
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It is also associated with significant positive effects in a uterine condition, technically known as endometriosis (inflammatory alterations in endometrium).
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A key benefit of low-dose birth control is that it remarkably reduces the chance of developing certain cancers, like cancers in the ovaries and endometrium.
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Low-dose birth control offers a protective shield for patients suffering from pelvic inflammatory diseases.
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Apart from the benefits mentioned above, these can do wonders in clearing acne.
Do They Have Any Risk Factors?
There are certain risk factors that we need to consider while taking low-dose birth control pills, including:
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Pregnant women are advised not to take any kind of hormonal contraceptives.
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Women in late adulthood with a smoking habit should refrain from using low-dose birth control pills.
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Patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders like elevated blood pressure or a previous history of stroke should stay away from these pills. In addition, studies have proven that consuming low-dose birth control pills over a longer period could lead to internal blood clot formation, leading to a more serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
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Low-dose hormones in birth control pills may trigger certain cancers, especially hormone-sensitive ones like breast cancer.
Conclusion:
When used correctly, low-dose birth control is an effective tool for preventing unwanted pregnancy. These pills are good- to- go contraceptive options for those who want to check unintentional conception. A considerable decrease in the hormone dose combats the adverse effects even without compromising the effectiveness. Furthermore, standard efficacy and a lower risk of side effects make it more appealing to the general population.
