Drugs taken through oral administration to prevent conception.
A contraceptive pill which is swallowed.
Pull containing a combination of estrogen and progestin preparations that inhibits ovulation and thus prevents conception. It is a highly effective contraceptive if taken as directed, is generally acceptable to users, and has several beneficial side effects, including relief of dysmenorrhea and acne and regularization of menstrual cycles. However, oral contraceptives have been associated with side effects, some serious, that make them unadvised for some women. Serious adverse effects include increased tendency to develop thromboembolic disorders (e.g., stroke); less serious side effects experienced by many women include weight gain, breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, and depression. Oral contraceptives are generally not recommended for women with a history of breast or pelvic cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, renal disease, thyroid disorders, or diabetes. Also called birth control pill or, simply, the pill.
A pill containing one or more female hormones, which prevents pregnancy when taken regularly and according to the physician’s instructions.
A contraceptive taken by mouth. It comprises one or more synthetic female hormones, usually an oestrogen, which blocks normal ovulation, and a progestogen which influences the pituitar gland and thus overrides normal control of the woman’s menstrual cycle. Progestogens also make the uterus less congenial for the fertilization of an ovum by the sperm.
A collection of oral drug formulations comprising synthetic female sex hormones, ingested by women in a monthly rhythm to avert pregnancy.
“The pill” typically denotes either the combined pill or the phased pill. Both encompass an estrogen compound and a progestogen compound. On the other hand, the minipill, also known as the progesterone-only pill, exclusively contains a progestogen. The combined pill is consumed for three out of four weeks, while the minipill is taken continuously.
When oral contraceptives are used accurately, the occurrence of pregnancies among women utilizing them for a year is below 1 percent. Nevertheless, real-world rates of ineffectiveness might be as much as four times higher, especially for the minipill. This variation is largely due to the necessity of taking the minipill at the same time every day.
In the event of vomiting or diarrhea following pill consumption, the woman should adhere to the guidance provided by the medication manufacturer for handling a missed dose. Moreover, if a woman who is using oral contraceptives experiences the absence of two successive menstrual cycles, it is recommended that she undergo a pregnancy test.
Combined and phased pills elevate levels of estrogen and progesterone. This disrupts the synthesis of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), consequently impeding ovulation. On the other hand, the minipill functions, in part, by increasing the thickness of the cervical mucus lining, rendering it less penetrable by sperm.
Pills containing estrogen offer potential safeguarding against uterine and ovarian cancers, ovarian cysts, as well as endometriosis—a condition involving the scattering of uterine lining fragments, often within the pelvic cavity. Additionally, these pills are known to promote regular, lighter, and comparatively pain-free menstrual periods.
Potential adverse effects of combined estrogen-containing pills encompass nausea, weight gain, mood alterations such as depression, heightened breast sensitivity, increased appetite, diminished libido, leg and abdominal cramps, headaches, and dizziness. These pills can additionally trigger intermittent spotting, involving minor blood discharge between menstrual cycles, particularly early in the cycle. On a more critical note, there exists a slight elevation in the likelihood of experiencing thrombosis—a disruption involving abnormal blood clot formation—potentially resulting in a stroke or pulmonary embolism. Furthermore, estrogen-containing pills might exacerbate existing heart conditions, contribute to gallstone formation, induce jaundice, and, in exceedingly rare instances, lead to liver cancer. An incremental but marginal elevation in the prolonged susceptibility to breast cancer is also associated with the utilization of combined pills by women.
Women who have liver disease, migraine, progressing otosclerosis (a disorder affecting the ears), or an elevated thrombosis risk are typically advised against using estrogen-containing pills. These pills are generally not prescribed for women who have a personal or familial history of substantial heart or circulatory conditions, or for those experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Concurrent or sequential pills might disrupt lactation and should be avoided while breastfeeding.
Specific medications, including certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants, could potentially reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. It’s imperative to consult a doctor in such cases.