Hormonal oral contraceptives guarantee 99% protection against unwanted pregnancy. However, not all women are ready to use this method of contraception. What is the reason for this? How harmful are these pills? What are the different types of hormonal oral contraceptives? All of these questions are answered in this article.
Use of birth control pills
The use of contraceptive pills is one of the most popular ways to protect against unwanted pregnancy. In addition, the degree of protection is not inferior, perhaps, to the most common means of protection - a condom. But for some reason hormonal contraceptive pills cause a lot of doubts, rumors and gossip? Let's figure out how the oral contraceptive pills work, whether they harm the female body, or vice versa, the benefits, and what kinds of tablets are known at the moment.
The meaning of oral contraception is that under the influence of hormones contained in tablets, there is a blockage of ovulation, in other words, the egg does not ripen and does not leave the ovary. In addition, the contraceptive pills are able to maintain the necessary consistency of mucus in the cervical canal, which prevents the progress of spermatozoa. Therefore, when a sperm enters the female reproductive system, the fertilization process does not occur.
It would seem that everything is so simple and clear. But why so many women refuse to take birth control pills, fearing for their health? In most cases, fear is caused by stories of grandmothers and moms about the monstrous consequences of taking these funds: this is the appearance of male hair on the female face, and the risk of developing cancer of the uterus and cervix, and further infertility, and much more. But all this is based on outdated information about oral contraception. Let's see, do oral contraceptives of the last generation harm the health of the female body?
Possible complications from taking birth control pills
Unfortunately, to say that oral contraceptive pills are absolutely safe, you can not. Side effects are still there and certainly worth knowing. The most common consequences identified during medical research:
1) an increase in the risk of developing cervical cancer, according to recent studies, is approximately 50%;
2) decreased libido - according to the data of British doctors from 120 women who addressed this problem, 108 took oral contraceptives;
3) increased risk of developing thrombosis - one of the most common problems, especially the risk of developing among women who smoke;
4) the appearance of excess weight is typical for 15% of women taking pills.
But it is worthwhile to understand that these are only possible side effects. And this does not mean that taking oral contraceptives, you will certainly encounter any of the listed negative consequences.
Benefits for the female body from taking oral contraceptives
As for the useful action, here are also a few points:
1) protection from unwanted pregnancy - the main function of oral contraceptive pills, with proper and regular use is performed at 99%;
2) reduction of discomfort (or complete recovery) experienced with PMS (menstrual pain, muscle spasm, heavy bleeding);
3) a 35% reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer in women using hormonal contraception;
4) treatment of androgen-dependent diseases (acne, hair loss, seborrhea, increased hair growth on the body).
As you can see, there was an equal number of positive and negative consequences from taking oral contraceptives. Therefore, it is impossible to say unequivocally whether the tablets are harmful or not. Each woman independently decides whether to accept or refuse oral contraceptives. But if you still tend to a positive response, be sure to visit your gynecologist and take all the necessary tests. It is the gynecologist who must select the pills that suit you according to the age and health status of the reproductive system.
Types of oral contraceptives
Currently, two types of tablets are widely used:
1. Combined drugs - contain two hormones: progesterone (prevents pregnancy) and estrogen (necessary for the appearance of monthly menstruation). In turn, the combined preparations can be divided into:
- monophasic oral contraceptives - contain approximately the same amount of progesterone and estrogen; preparations: Jess, Lindineth-20, Lyndynet-30, Novinet, Logest, Mersilon, Silest, Miniziston, Marvelon, Microgonon, Femoden, Regulon, Rigevidone, Demulen;
- three-phase oral contraceptives - the content of sex hormones changes to more accurately recreate the natural concentration of sex hormones in the body of a woman during the menstrual cycle; preparations: Clayra, Tri-Metsi, Trikwilar, Triziston, Tri-regol, Milvané.
2. Mini-tablets (mini-pili) - contain only progesterone. Preparations: Laktionet, Eksluton, Charozetta, Norkolun, Microlut, Micronor.
In a special category of oral contraceptives can be attributed funds containing estrogen and antiandrogenic components that help with acne, hair loss, seborrhea, increased hair growth on the body. Preparations: Yarina, Mediana, Zhanin, Belara, Chloe, Diana-35.
It can not be said unambiguously, oral contraceptive pills are harmful or useful. But one thing is for sure, with proper application under the supervision of a doctor, with regular examination and delivery of all necessary tests, the risk for women's health is minimized or absent altogether.