More than 45 years since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved "the pill" in 1960, it remains the most popular and one of the most effective forms of reversible birth control every thought. According to the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Population Information Program, more than 18 million U.S. women rely on birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives as a method of birth control. Today, American women have more than 40 different oral contraceptive products from which to choose.
Unlike the original oral contraceptives used decades ago, low-dose forms with few health risks are the norm. Today's birth control pills (BCPS) even offer benefits for health.
Despite the fact that they are safe for most women, however, do BCPS carry some health risks. For example, if you are over 35 and smoke or certain medical conditions such as history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer, your health care professional may recommend against the adoption of BCPS. In addition, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that causes AIDS.
In recent years, the pill had been modified to include less hormones, resulting in fewer side effects. In fact, all healthy women who do not smoke can use the pill, regardless of their age.
Unlike other forms of birth control sold for a counter, you need a prescription to buy health professional BCPS, and many health insurers cover their costs. The only exception is emergency birth control pill Plan B, which has just been approved over the counter sales of most FDA. Plan B, is expected to be available through the meter by the end of 2006.
What kind of birth control pills work
At the beginning of each menstrual cycle, estrogen levels begin to rise. Estrogen helps thicken cover uterus (endometrium) to prepare for a fertilized egg. Once the estrogen levels peak, about 14 days during the menstrual cycle, one of the ovaries releases an egg. This monthly release of an egg is called ovulation.
After ovulation, progesterone, another reproductive hormone, begins to grow. Over the next seven days, progesterone further prepares the endometrium for a fertilized egg. The concept, when a fertilized egg implants to the uterine lining.
If fertilization does not occur as estrogen and progesterone levels drop, signaling now thickened uterine lining to slough off or shed, and menstruation begins.
The pill is a synthetic form of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. They prevent ovulation by maintaining more consistent hormone levels. Without the estrogen peak, and then, in the ovary does not receive a signal to release an egg. No egg means no possibility for fertilization and pregnancy. They also thicken the cervical mucus that sperm can not reach the egg and make the lining of the uterus unreceptive to the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Types of birth control pills
The three most common types of birth control pills are:
1. Progestin only pill (POP). This type of pill contains no estrogen. Called progestin only pill, or "mini-pill", it is ideal for breastfeeding women because estrogen reduces milk production. It is also ideal for women who can not take estrogen. Progestin only pills primarily work thickening cervical mucus, thereby preventing the penetration of sperm into the uterus. To work effectively, they must be taken at certain times every 24 hours.
Advantage of POPs:
decreased menstrual blood loss
decreased menstrual pain and cramps
can be used by lactating women immediately after childbirth
option for women who can not use estrogen, such as those over 35 and still smoking
easily reversible
Disadvantages:
irregular bleeding patterns, blood separation or breakthrough bleeding
should be taken at the same time every day
do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, women at risk should use condoms
may be slightly less effective than combination oral contraceptives
Possible side effects:
amenorrhea (absence of monthly period)
irregular bleeding
heavy bleeding
abdominal pain
cephalalgia
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if POP is the right choice for you:
You are the type of person who can remember to take a pill at exactly the same time every day?
Will irregular bleeding or blood highlight worries you or interfere with intimacy?
You are breastfeeding, but feel that you need contraception?
If you are at risk of sexually transmitted infections, you will be using condoms for protection?
We need to avoid estrogen?
2. Combined pill. When you hear the term "birth control pill," he often refers to oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin. Each tablet in the package contains a combination of these two hormones.
Monophasic pills. Each of the 21 active pills in one of these packages contain the same amount of estrogen and progestin. In the other seven pills are placebos and contain no hormones, menstruation occurs while they are taken. In September 2003, the Food and Drug (FDA) approved the 91-day oral contraceptive is called Seasonale, which you take the pills that contain estrogen and progestin for 12 weeks (84 days), then one week of placebo pills. If you use this product, you only menstruate about once every three months instead of once a month.
Multiphasic pills. Also called Biphasic and triphasic, multiphasic oral contraceptives contain varied number of hormones and are designed to be taken at different times throughout the pill-taking schedule. Multiphasic pills contain various levels of estrogen and progestin during the month. They were developed to reduce the side effects of oral contraceptives, including breakthrough bleeding, blood separation and amenorrhea associated with higher levels of hormones.
Continuous use of tablets. In May 2007, the FDA approved Lybrel, first continuous use birth control pills. This is a multiphasic pill that comes in 28-day package is intended to be taken continuously, without interruption between pill packets. This means that you will not have time. However, you may have some spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially when you first start using Lybrel.
Advantages of combination pills:
reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer
prevents ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes)
reduction of menstrual blood loss and pain and cramps
less severe symptoms of premenstrual
more regular menstrual cycles
improves acne
prevents loss of bone density in women who have reached their peak bone mass (generally women over 30)
lower risk of ovarian cysts
improves excessive body hair, especially on the face, the state is called hirsutism
improves endometriosis
improves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
The beneficial effect on cholesterol (HDL and LDL)
reduction of benign breast disease or breast cysts
reversible rapid return to fertility
heals emotional and physical symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), severe PMS. Only one combination of OS, as it has been shown to be clinically effective for this use. It contains the progestin drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, a form of estrogen.
Disadvantages:
may cause nausea, vomiting, headaches and / or the provision of blood, especially during the first few cycles
can lead to hypertension (less than 200 women)
May causes blood clots in a small percentage of users
education can contribute to gallstones and rare benign liver tumors
Possible side effects:
nausea and vomiting
cephalalgia
irregular bleeding
weight or weight loss due to changes in eating habits
breast tenderness
increase the size of the breast
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if the combined contraceptive pill is a good option for you:
You are the type of person who can remember to take pills every day?
If you are at risk of sexually transmitted infections, will you use condoms?
Do you need help with endometriosis, severe menstrual pain or anemia?
If you continue to smoke, you are under 35?
When breastfeeding, your child is six months or older?
Do you have high blood pressure?
You did so with the combined pills in the past?
3. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). ECPs are not intended for use on a regular basis as a contraceptive. They are intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex (when standard contraceptives Fail or no method was used). FDA has approved one emergency contraception pill called Plan B, which contains the progestin levonorgestrel. And women over 18 years will soon be able to buy Plan B without a prescription "probably in late 2006 in connection with the recent FDA approval of off. Plan B will be available for the shelves of pharmacies, to enable women to acquire it for 18 years. In addition, Some of regular oral contraceptive pill packages can be used for emergency contraception if you take several tablets at the same time (the exact number depends on the brand), with an indication of your health care professional.
Despite the fact that the Plan B label calls for two doses of treatment, with the first dose taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse and the second 12 hours later, the study found that both pills can be taken at the same time, and that the plan B is effective up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.
To learn more about how ECPs and how to get them, ask your health care professional or pharmacist. Or visit the website for emergency contraception administered Reproductive Health Association and the Office of Population Research at Princeton University (www.not-2-late.com or ec.princeton.edu). Emergency contraception is used to be available only on prescription, although the FDA recently approved Plan B without a prescription, which is expected to be available across the counter by the end of 2006.
Advantages of ECP:
reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancy
can be obtained easily-Plan B will soon be available over the counter for women 18 years and older
can be obtained in advance and kept handy for emergencies, such as a condom break, missed oral contraceptives at the end of contraceptive injections or forced sex
Disadvantages:
dates, because you must take the first dose within 120 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you see them after unprotected intercourse, the more effective they are. That's why it's a good idea to have a prescription or supply of emergency contraceptive pills are available should the need arise.
Possible side effects:
nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and headaches
before the next period, or, in rare cases, but later the next period
heavy or light menstrual bleeding
breast tenderness
abdominal pain
Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you should have a TEC on the hand or know where to find them:
Have you ever made love unexpectedly?
Have you ever been forced to have sex?
Is partner a condom break, SLIP or go?
Have you ever forgotten to take several birth control pills?
Are you expected to pull your partner to ejaculation, but he did not do?
Does your diaphragm slipped?
You were late for your Depo-Provera and Lunelle shot and unprotected sex?
Health benefits, risks and other health issues on the pill
Contraceptive pills provide some advantages for health, in addition to preventing pregnancy. Before you start taking oral contraceptives, to discuss the health benefits and risks associated with health-care professional. Like any other medication, birth control pills may also cause side effects, they can interact with other medications can be taken, or they may not be a good choice for you because of your personal health history. The benefits and risks associated with contraceptive pills are listed below:
Benefits
Preventing pregnancy. First, birth control pills are one of the most effective forms of reversible birth control. If used correctly, it is likely that only five women in 1000 could become pregnant during the first year of use.
Improve your menstrual cycle. The pill can improve your menstrual cycle, at least in the way, including:
less bleeding during periods, one product is designed to eliminate your periods entirely
on a more regular and consistent menstrual cycle patterns
exemption from pelvic pain during menstruation
support primarily from the mood-related symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), on the condition that causes many of the same symptoms as PMS, but with greater intensity. Combination oral contraceptives containing drospirenone, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, a form of estrogen, has recently been approved by the FDA. Known as the "YAZ," Linux has been shown to be clinically effective in preventing pregnancy, as well as emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD.
Prevention of cancer. Contraceptive pills have been shown to protect women from ovarian and uterine cancer, and possibly with colorectal cancer.
Increasing the density of bones. Some studies have shown that it is possible that increases bone density, taking the pill. Nevertheless, it was shown that the BCPS to make a difference in reducing fractures.
To protect you from ovarian cysts. If you take the BCPS, you may have about one-fifth less than the risk for developing ovarian cysts than women using nonhormonal methods of contraception such as condoms and diaphragms. Women using low-dose pills (20 mcg estrogen) or multiphasic pills may not get the same benefit.
Risks
A heart attack. Chances BCPS promotes heart attack are small (less than three additional heart attacks per million American women a year), if you do not smoke. Studies have shown that smoking dramatically increases the risk of heart attack in women age 35 years or older, so BCPS is usually not prescribed for women in this age group who smoke. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACoG) notes that POPs, which may be required for women with coronary heart disease, heart failure and cerebrovascular disease. Nevertheless, the combined pill is not recommended for these women.
Ischemic stroke. There is a small but significant increase in risk of ischemic stroke with birth control pills. This is of particular concern in relation to early oral contraceptives containing high doses of estrogen, but the new products that contain less estrogen is associated with lower risk of stroke. Otherwise healthy young women (no smoking, no persistent high blood pressure), then the risk is low.
Migraine and stroke. Women who take oral contraceptives, and history of migraines have an increased risk of stroke compared with nonusers with a history of migraine. Your greatest danger, if you have migraine with aura "- neurologic symptoms related to vision, such as blurred vision, temporary loss of vision or seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines. As a result, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACoG) and the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that for women over 35 who receive a migraine, the risk of BCPS, usually outweigh the benefits.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE).
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