subject: The Contraceptive Pill And How It Works [print this page] The contraceptive pill is a very effective and reliable form of contraception when taken correctly.
In the combined oral contraceptive pill there are two different kinds of hormones oestrogen and progestogen. The birth control pill works primarily by stopping the ovary from producing its egg each month. Taking the contraceptive pill has other effects including the thickening of mucus in the womans cervix and the thinning of the lining of the womb, making a pregnancy difficult to achieve.
It is critical that the instructions for taking the contraceptive pill be followed carefully. A woman should discuss with her doctor whether the benefits outweigh the risks before deciding if the birth control pill is her most suitable form of contraception.
The contraceptive pill must be taken every single day at the same time, as the pill does not work as effectively if one is missed.
Contraceptive effectiveness is weakened if the woman misses one active pill in a packet or if there is a delay in starting the next packet of active pills. Vomiting and diarrhoea may interfere with the intestinal absorption of active contraceptive pills, and drug interactions with the pill can decrease contraceptive hormone levels.
The contraceptive pill is not recommended for women with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or who have a tendency to form blood clots.
The side effects of taking the contraceptive pill are generally minimal with some women experiencing breakthrough bleeding or breast tenderness. Other side effects of the pill may include nausea, headaches or increased appetite or loss of libido. The oral contraceptive pill does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Most women report some positive side effects when taking the contraceptive pill. These include lighter, more regular periods and improvements in pain, mood swings and headaches associated with premenstrual syndrome. Periods can also be skipped for convenience.
Provided the instructions are followed exactly, the contraceptive pill is highly effective and reliable in preventing pregnancy.
