The contraceptive market is represented by a large number of drugs, and they differ from each other in the composition of hormones. There are the following types of oral contraceptives: combined, progestin and postcoital.
The best oral contraceptives are combined. The composition of combined oral contraceptives included hormones - progesterone and estrogen. They are divided into three types: monophasic, two-phase and three-phase. Monophasic type is when the amount of hormones does not change during the whole cycle, and two and three-phase types have different combinations of hormones.
Progestin-only oral contraceptives contain a progestin in the hormone. Although their effectiveness is slightly lower than that of combined, but they have some advantages. This type of contraceptive is prescribed for those women who are strictly contraindicated combined: to women after forty, breastfeeding mothers, etc.
Postcoital oral contraceptives are prescribed in the case when unprotected intercourse has already occurred. This kind is a kind of emergency aid. There can be many situations: the condom has come off, in cases of rape or if you just forgot to be protected. This species is most harmful, as its composition includes a large number of hormones and take them advised in the most urgent cases.
Each of the above contraceptives have their pros and cons. The biggest plus is that they are very effective, especially combined. Another plus is their therapeutic effect: they control the menstrual cycle, help with infertility, and also help with pain during menstruation. Also oral contraceptives help against some serious diseases: osteoporosis, endometrium and ovarian cancer. Researches have noted positive effects in alopecia, increased hair flow, acne.
Negative moments are also many. Oral contraceptives require women of great organization and if there is a violation of the timing, there may be a risk of becoming pregnant. The second drawback is that when interacting with certain drugs, it can reduce its effect. The biggest drawback is their inability to protect themselves from various sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. Oral contraceptives also have many contraindications and side effects. For example, hormonal contraceptives are categorically contraindicated for women with diabetes, smokers, hypertensive patients who have varicose veins. The most common side effect is that the use of oral contraceptives can provoke thrombus formation, which can lead to blood clots.
Another big disadvantage, which women note, is a decrease in sexual desire. Experts explain this decrease by the fact that hormones are present in oral contraceptives.
A very big minus is an increase in weight. But not all women gain weight after taking hormonal drugs, which are on the contrary losing weight - it all depends on the individual tolerance of the woman. Especially difficult for women prone to fatness.