Dr Khumalo Women's Clinic | Abortion Clinic
Contraceptive Pills (Birth Control)
Contraceptive pills are a type of birth control that is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day. The pill contains hormones that regulate menstruation, lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, improve acne and treat endometriosis.
What is Birth Control
Also known as contraception, birth control prevents pregnancy. You have many different birth control options, including the birth control pill
What is Contraceptive Pills
Contraceptive pill is a type of birth control that contains hormones that prevent pregnancy. People call it “the pill” because it comes in pill form. Women take the pill orally (by mouth) once a day. The pill is most effective when you take it consistently at the same time each day.
How effective is the Contraceptive pills?
Contraceptive pill has the potential to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if you take it without fail — meaning you don’t forget to take the pill for even a day or two. However, taking the pill perfectly can be difficult, which is why nine out of 100 women who use the pill will have an unintended pregnancy every year. The pill is most reliable when you take it consistently at the same time each day. Being consistent helps keep hormone levels from fluctuating.
How does the Contraceptive Pills work?
Hormones in birth control pills prevent pregnancy by:
- Stopping or reducing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary).
- Thickening cervical mucus to keep sperm from entering the uterus.
- Thinning the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg is less likely to attach.
How soon does the pill work?
It can take up to seven days for the pill to become effective in preventing pregnancy. During this time, you should use another form of birth control. If the pill is used to control symptoms such as acne or abnormal bleeding, it can take three to four months to see true benefits.
Contraceptive Pills doesn't prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Contraceptive pills won’t protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs). STDs, such as genital herpes, chlamydia and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are transmitted through direct sexual contact and the exchange of bodily fluids like semen.
If you’re sexually active, the best way to prevent an STD is by using condoms in addition to the pill. Condoms, when used alone, are about 85% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Advantages of using Contraceptive Pills
Some women take the pill for health purposes. The pill can:
- Regulate or lighten menstruation.
- Prevent anemia by making periods lighter or shorter.
- Lessen menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
- Manage premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder
- Treat polycystic ovary syndrome
- Treat endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
- Lower the risk of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and colon cancer.
- Improve acne.
- Stop unwanted hair growth.
- Reduce migraines.
- Control hot flashes during the transition into menopause.
Disadvantages of Contraceptive Pills
- Blood clots.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Heart attack.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Stroke.