Contraceptive Pills: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Should We Talk About This?

Contraception plays a vital role in women's health and reproductive autonomy. Understanding the different options available, including the pros and cons of each, empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies and family planning.

What Are Contraceptive Pills?

Contraceptive pills, also known as birth control pills or oral contraceptives, are a form of hormonal contraception that women take to prevent pregnancy. They contain synthetic versions of estrogen and/or progestin, which are hormones naturally produced in the body and work together to prevent ovulation thereby creating an unfavorable environment for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.

Types of Contraception Pills

Primarily, there are two main types of contraceptive pills:

Combination Pills: These pills contain a combination of two hormones:

• Estrogen: This hormone inhibits ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary.
• Progestin: This hormone thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. It also thins the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it less hospitable for a fertilized egg to implant.

Some brands available in Malaysia are:

• Yasmin
• Diane-35
• Cerazette
• Mercillon

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs): As the name suggests, these pills contain only progestin. They work primarily by thickening cervical mucus and altering the uterine lining, making them less effective than combination pills. However, they are an option for women who cannot take estrogen, such as those who smoke, have a history of blood clots, or are breastfeeding.

How Contraceptice Pills Work?

The specific mechanisms of action vary slightly between combination and progestin-only pills, but the overall goal is to prevent pregnancy.

• Preventing Ovulation: In combination pills, estrogen plays a crucial role by suppressing the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, which are necessary for ovulation.
• Altering Cervical Mucus: Both types of pills thicken the cervical mucus, creating a physical barrier that hinders sperm from reaching the uterus.
• Modifying the Uterine Lining: Progestin in both pill types thins the endometrium, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg.

Effectiveness

When taken accordingly and consistently, contraception pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancy.

• Typical Use: Meaning the method may not always be used consistently or correctly, results in a failure rate of 9 women out of 100 who will become pregnant during the first year of using this method. Unfortunately, due to human error, the quoted failure rate for combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills is typically 9%.
• Preferred Use: This refers to ideal use where pills are taken exactly as prescribed without any missed doses. In perfect use, the failure rate for both combination and progestin-only pills are significantly lower, meaning less than 1 woman out of 100 will become pregnant in the first year.

Benefits

Beyond preventing pregnancy, contraception pills offer several other health benefits:

• Reduced Menstrual Cramps and Bleeding: They can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual flow, and alleviate painful cramps.
• Improved Acne: In some women, the hormones in the pill can improve acne symptoms.
• Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: Studies have shown that long-term use of combination pills can potentially reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
• Treatment of Certain Medical Conditions: Contraception pills can also be used to treat conditions such as endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects Can Include:

• Nausea (If the nausea is severe or lasts a few months, it is a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional).
• Breast tenderness (Wearing a supportive bra can help reduce breast tenderness).
• Headache 
• Spotting between periods (Taking the pill as a doctor has prescribed, usually daily and at the same time, can help prevent bleeding between periods).
• Mood changes they can talk with a doctor. If the symptoms have links to taking the pill, changing pills may help.

Serious Side Effects: While rare, serious side effects can include:

• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure

(For serious side effects, consult your physician IMMEDIATELY).

Is It Okay to Take Other Drugs While Taking Birth Control Pills?

Certain medications such as antibiotics, anti-seizure meds, and drugs used to treat HIV can make birth control pills less effective. Moreover, studies show that some herbal supplements like St. John’s wort can also make the pill less effective.

Inform your doctor about all medications, over-the-counter agents, herbs, and recreational drugs that you take. This can help them identify any potential complications or side effects.

Take Away

Contraceptive pills are a powerful tool for women to manage their reproductive health, empowering them to make informed choices about family planning. By understanding the different types of pills, their mechanisms of action, benefits, and potential side effects, individuals can make informed decisions and in conversations with their healthcare providers.

For more information on fertility diets, check out LUMIROUS’s previous blog posts. You can also contact us via our Whatsapp community: Fertility Support Group

References

• Birth Control Pills from WebMD
• Birth Control Pills from Cleveland Clinic
• Oral Contraceptic Pills from National Library of Medicine