Combination Birth Control Pills

What are Combination birth control pills? 

Birth control pills aid keeping a woman from becoming pregnant. When consumed daily or as prescribed, they are one of the most effective contraception methods. For the majority of women, they are immensely safe.

Combination birth control pills consist of both estrogen and progestin. Some combination birth control pills permit to have fewer periods each year. These are known as continuous or extended-cycle pills. Women should ask healthcare providers about dosing options to reduce the frequency of menstrual cycles.

Types of Combination Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills come in packages. Women can take pills from a 21-pack once a day for three weeks, then she does not have to take pills for 1 week. It may be easier to keep in mind to take 1 pill daily, so other pills come in a 28-pack of pills, with few having active pills (comprising hormones) and few without hormones.

Basically, there are 5 types of combination birth control pills. Healthcare providers will aid choose the right one. The 5 types are:

• One phase pill: These have a similar quantity of estrogen as well as progestin in all the active pills.
• Two phase pills: The hormones levels in these pills alters once during each menstrual cycle.
• Three phase pills: Every week the dose of hormones alters.
• Four phase pills: The hormone dosage in these pills alters 4 times each cycle.
• Continuous (extended cycle pills): These keep the hormones level up so women have few or no periods.

Mode of Action

Combined pills (in which progesterone is present throughout the cycle) suppress FSH as well as LH throughout the cycle, inhibit endometrial proliferation (producing a lighter menstrual period and making the endometrium unsuitable for implantation), and secrete less cervical mucus (impairing sperm movement into the cervix).

Benefits of Combined Contraceptive Pill

Combination birth control pills are a trustworthy form of contraception that's easily reversed. Fertility can come back almost right away after stop consuming the pills.

Beyond Preventing Pregnancy: Advantages of Combined Birth Control Pills

• Lower risk of ovarian cancer and the uterus lining, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and noncancerous breast disease.
• Improvement in acne and excessive facial and body hair
• Less severe menstrual cramps, known as dysmenorrhea.
• Reduced production of androgens caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Reduced heavy menstrual bleeding from uterine fibroids as well as other causes, as well as a decrease in iron deficiency anemia related to loss of blood.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) treatment
• Shorter, lighter periods on an expected schedule or, for a few combination pill types, fewer periods annually.
• Better charge of the monthly cycle as well as fewer hot flashes during the time when the body undergoes the natural transition to menopause, known as perimenopause.

Monitoring

Women should be counseled thoroughly on potent adverse reactions prior to initiating hormone contraceptive pills and informed to report signs and manifestations of serious adverse reactions to attain better adherence and treatment outcomes. A healthy woman taking a Combined pill should have an annual visit with her primary care provider for a blood pressure check as well as regular medical care. Keep an eye on blood pressure in women with well-controlled hypertension being managed medically. Keep track of prediabetic as well as diabetic women periodically, as hormone derived contraceptives may impair glucose intolerance and are generally dose dependent.

What to do if woman misses a combined pill?

If she forgets to take her pills, or taking a pill late, what she needs to do next relies on:

• What type of combined pill she is on
• How many pills she has missed.
• Where she is in the pack (day and week)

Common side effects of the combined pill

• Women may have some side effects when she first starts taking the combined contraceptive pill (also called the pill).
• Bleeding between periods (breakthrough bleeding) or changes to periods are common in the first few months.
• Taking the pill can cause high blood pressure in a small number of women.
• Some women report headaches, feeling sick or dizzy, and sore breasts. However, there is not sufficient evidence to say whether this is caused by taking the pill.
• For some women, the pill improves period pain and other symptoms linked to periods, like headaches.
• No evidence taking the pill makes woman put on weight or changes sex drive.
• If she still has side effects post three months and they’re a problem she should speak to a pharmacist or doctor. It may aid her to switch to a different pill.

Risks of the combined pill

There are a few other problems linked to consuming the combined pill. But the chance of getting these is less.

Blood clots: The probability of getting a blood clot is very less and affects up to 1 in 1,000 women using combined hormonal contraception like the pill.

A doctor, nurse or pharmacist will check if woman has certain risk factors before prescribing the pill.

There is a potent risk of:

• a blood clot in leg or lung
• a blood clot causing a heart attack.
• a blood clot causing a stroke.

In a nutshell, combined contraceptive pills remain a cornerstone of birth control choices for millions of women across the globe. Their high efficacy, additional health benefits, and versatility provide a reliable and convenient means of preventing pregnancy. However, navigating the diverse landscape of combined pills requires careful consideration of individual factors and consultation with a healthcare provider. By understanding their mechanisms, benefits, and potent side effects, women can take informed decisions regarding their contraceptive options, empowering them to take charge of their reproductive health.