Oral contraceptives (OCPs) are also called hormonal contraceptives, and their main purpose is to prevent pregnancy, but can also help with acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual excess bleeding, and convulsions. This article explains in detail how to take oral medicine and its side effects.
Type of contraceptive pill
Oral contraceptives use synthetic female hormones to prevent pregnancy. Complex tablets and progestin-only are two main types of OCP. In some cases, it may be necessary to use it for a long time or to take it continuously.
1. a combination of contraceptives
Combined contraceptives are most commonly prescribed. This includes a synthetic version of the female hormone estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progesterone (progestin). Mixed pills prevent pregnancy by preventing egg discharge (ovulation) from the ovary and causing changes in the lining of the uterus. These drugs include:
· Alese (levonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol)
· Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (Norgestimate, Ethinyl Estradiol)
· Loestrin (norethindron acetate and ethynyl estradiol)
· Lo/Ovral (norgesstrel and ethynyl estradiol)
· Yaz (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol)
2. Pill exclusively for progestin
This pill does not contain estrogen. It prevents pregnancy in a way similar to a combination of contraceptives, but thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg in the event of ovulation. Several common progestin-only OCPs include Camila, Errin, and Heather (norethindrone).
3. Combination contraceptives
There are 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills or 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills. Vaginal bleeding occurs once a month while taking inactive pills.
4. Pills for extended use
If a doctor or pharmacist recommends taking an active drug and skipping an inactive drug longer than the usual 21 days, this is called extended use. Aborting contraceptives generally results in withdrawal bleeding.
5. Continuous use pills
It's similar to an extended pill, but it's different that you don't rest your hormones for more than a year. There is generally no withdrawal bleeding when using contraception in this way. In general, only tablets containing only progestin are continuously taken. However, Amethyst is an example of a compound pill that can be taken continuously for a year.
the effects of contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are 99% effective when taken as directed. This is assumed when taken consistently and accurately at the same time every day. If not taken in a consistent pattern, the failure or pregnancy rate of women using oral contraception is 4% to 7%. If you skip the contraceptive pill for a day, you should take it as soon as you recognize it and take it again and again in the same pattern from the next day. This means you can take two pills on the same day. Missing one pill only slightly increases your risk of pregnancy, but you may need to consider additional contraception for seven days. If you miss more than one pill, continue to take it at your usual time. In this case, additional contraception such as condoms is recommended for 7 to 9 days. If you have never taken contraceptives before or want to resume taking them, you need additional contraception for at least the first seven to nine days.
side effects of contraceptives
The most common side effects can be sudden bleeding or asymptomatic bleeding, especially when first taken. This is more common in progestin-only pills, but it also occurs in complex pills. Other possible side effects of contraceptives include:
· the left window
· Breast tenderness or enlargement
· Brown or black skin surface
· a change in appetite
· swelling of gum tissue
· Vaginal irritation or itching
· Changes in menstrual bleeding (period)
· an upset stomach
· Weight loss or gain
· white matter secretion
· abnormal hair growth