The contraceptive pill burst onto the scene about fifty years ago. Since then, there have been new advances that have made it more effective. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the daily dose. This begs the question, is the pill still a good choice for contraception?
The birth control pill is one of the most effective methods of birth control with the pregnancy prevention rate being around 99 percent. The rate varies depending on the concentration of hormones in the pill but the effectiveness stays above 90 percent no matter which type of pill you take.
This is how the pill ideally works. When you take it, hormones are released into your system. Some pills have estrogen and progestin, while others have either. The level of hormone prevents ovulation. That’s the point at which an egg is released from the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tubes in hopes of meeting its sperm counterpart and creating a baby. Without an egg, there is nothing for the sperm to seek out.
There are various side effects with the pill. For instance, you can experience nausea, pain, vomiting, breast tenderness, headaches, bloating or decreased sex drive. It sounds a lot like what you already feel while you’re on your period. Certain side effects increase with the length of time on the pill and your age. Smokers are not encouraged to use the pill because there is an increase in the risk of heart disease and blood clots if you are over thirty-five.
Pros to Using the Pill:
- The pill, when taken properly, does prevent pregnancy.
- Certain pills have other benefits besides pregnancy prevention. With the brand Seasonale, for example, all of the pills contain the same dose of hormone. These pills are designed to prevent a period for eight months out of the year. Other pill brands help with acne, abnormal bleeding and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- The pill can be taken at any time during the day but it is best to take it at the same time each day.
Cons of Birth Control Pills:
- You have to remember to take it. There are instructions on the package for what to do when you miss a day, but another form of contraception is suggested until you take the pill for at least seven consecutive days.
- The contraceptive pill doesn’t prevent sexually-transmitted diseases including HIV.
- They can be expensive if your insurance doesn’t cover them.
The contraceptive pill is still the choice of many women today. If you get into a routine of taking it, you are less likely to forget it. For pregnancy prevention it is a highly effective method.
Pic by brains the head.
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