There are several options

Women have several choices when selecting the right oral contraceptive to fit their needs. The traditional birth control pill can be monophasic, containing the same dosage of hormones throughout the 21 days of active-hormone pills, or triphasic, where the dosage varies across the cycle.

Some pills are administered every day of the cycle, with three weeks of active hormones and one week of a placebo pills. Others are given only for the three active hormone weeks with no placebo during the fourth week. The mini-pill contains only one of the two standard hormones, progestin. Extra care must be taken not to miss a day with this one.

One of the most recent developments is the extended use or continuous cycle pill that is taken every day. With these pills there is no period. Some are given for three months and then stopped, at which time a period occurs. This form of birth control is becoming popular for those who want to do away with periods or who need to schedule around vacations or honeymoons.

Birth control pills are a favoured form of contraception because they are easy to take and require no actions that would interrupt the moment during lovemaking. Also, many women with heavy and/or painful periods find that with the pill periods are much lighter or non-existent. Cramps and other discomforts are not as noticeable. They are 99% effective but this figure can be lowered if doses are missed or other medications are taken that lower the pill's efficiency.

As convenient as birth control pills are, they do come with side effects. Most healthy young females will have few serious problems, but may experience breast tenderness, gain a few pounds, and some mild dizziness. Doctors will often try different formulations if the side effects become too pronounced. Smoking increases the odds of blood clots, and older women face a higher risk of stroke and blood clots. Women with high blood pressure, a history of certain types of cancer, and those who are diabetic are in the higher risk category.

One of the advantages of the pill is that it is relatively easy to restore the natural cycle once they are stopped. Women who want to get pregnant can generally do so within three months or so of stopping the pill.

Each woman and her doctor must decide which type of birth control is appropriate for her. Her general health and her other needs will help to pinpoint the type of pill, if any, she should be taking.

Article by Rachel Goodchild

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.

Please login or register.