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Birth Control Pills - Family Planning Contraceptives

The birth control pills is considered as the most popular means of contraceptives in the whole world. Its popularity did not only stem out from its convenience but also from its effectively. In fact, because it is so easy to use and can be purchased almost everywhere, it is the most used means of family planning out there.

Today, many women are using this to prevent themselves from early pregnancy but it seems that they don't have sufficient knowledge about it.

More and more women remain elusive and ignorant about the birth control pills because they do not bother to get information from the experts such as oby gynes and healthcare professionals. In fact, studies show that majority of the women who re using it have heard about the medication from other women who used it and not from the authorities who know more about the pros. and cons. of the birth control pills.

What you need to know about the birth control pills ?

For women who are sexually active, proper information about the pills should be acquired first before they finally decide to use it as a contraceptives. Having enough information on how to use it as well as of its advantages and disadvantages can help women make smart decisions about their lives.

This remains the top most choice of women to prevent themselves from getting pregnant. Taken daily, the birth control pills is known to contain hormones that affect the way how the woman's body works. Once taken, there will be hormonal changes in the body that prevents possible pregnancy.

Studies show that the hormones contained in the birth control pill are a combination of various chemicals and substances which manipulate how the organs in the body function. These hormones specifically target the way a woman's uterus and ovaries work.

For the birth control pill to work it should contain a combination and of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen that prevents the release of the egg every menstruation or "ovulation". Once no ovulation takes place, there will also not fertilization of the egg that leads to pregnancy.

Aside from preventing ovulation, it also thickens the mucus around the woman's cervix to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus and also affects the lining of the uterus which makes it harder for the egg to be attached to the uterus.

When taking a birth control pill, it is very important to religiously take it daily so you can achieve its effectively.

To ensure that there will be no pregnancy, women who are taking pills should also use other forms of contraceptives during the first week in case the pill doesn't work right away. Taking the pills everyday - ideally at the same exact time - is very important to prevent one's self from getting pregnant.

How Effective Are Birth Control Pills ?

Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. Birth control pills are very effective. Combination pills work best when taken every day. Progestin-only pills must be taken at the same time every day. That keeps the correct level of hormone in a woman's body.

* Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed.
* About 8 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they don't always take the pill each day as directed.

The pill may be slightly less effective for women who are very overweight. Talk with your health care provider if you are concerned about how well the pill may work for you.

Certain medicines and supplements may make the pill less effective. These include -
* the antibiotic rifampin - other antibiotics do not make the pill less effective
* certain medicines that are taken by mouth for yeast infections
* certain HIV medicines
* certain anti-seizure medicines
* St. John's wort

Vomiting and diarrhea may also keep the pill from working. Ask your health care provider for advice. Use a backup method - like a condom, female condom, diaphragm, sponge, or emergency contraception (morning after pill) - until you find out you don't need to.

Keep in mind the pill doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom to reduce the risk of infection.

How Safe Are Birth Control Pills ?

Most women can use birth control pills safely. That's one of the things that make it the most popular method of reversible birth control. It is a lot safer than childbirth, for example.

But all medications have some risks, so safety is a concern when choosing a it. Certain conditions increase the risk of serious side effects. Talk with your health care provider about your health and whether the pill is likely to be safe for you.

There are many other methods of birth control that may be safe for you if you cannot take the pill. Read about other methods to find one that may be right for you.

How Do I Take Birth Control Pills ? It depends on what kind of pill you are taking. Most combination pills come in 28-day or 21-day packs. Both types have 21 "active" pills that contain hormones. The last seven pills in 28-day packs of combination pills are called "reminder" pills. They do not contain hormones.

In 21-day packs, one pill is taken every day for three weeks in a row. No pills are taken for the next week, and then a new pack of pills is started.

Talk with your health care provider about what day is best for you to start using the pill.

Some combination pills contain a few months worth of active pills. They are specially packaged to reduce the number of periods a woman has each year. Women can also take the active pills in 21-day or 28-day packs continuously to reduce how often they have periods.

Progestin-only pills come only in 28-day packs. All progestin-only pills are active.

With combination pills, you'll get your period during the fourth week - unless you choose to avoid menstruation by using active combination pills during the fourth week, as well.

With progestin-only pills, you may
* get your period the fourth week
* get no periods
* have bleeding on and off throughout the month
The hormones in birth control pills prevent pregnancy throughout the entire month - even during the fourth week.

Advantages and disadvantages of the birth control pills

** Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease **