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The contraceptive pill, or simply "the pill", is a hormone-based medicine and the main contraceptive method used by most women, and must be taken daily to ensure 98% protection against unwanted pregnancy.
Some examples of contraceptive pill are Diane 35, Yasmin or Cerazette, for example, however the type of contraceptive varies from woman to woman and, therefore, it must be indicated by a gynecologist.
The correct use of the pill has some advantages over other contraceptive methods, such as regulating menstruation, fighting acne or reducing menstrual cramps, but it also has some disadvantages, such as not protecting against sexually transmitted infections and having the power to cause side effects such as headache or nausea. Know the main contraceptive methods, advantages and disadvantages.
How the pill works
The contraceptive pill acts by inhibiting ovulation due to the presence of hormones in its composition and, therefore, the woman does not enter the fertile period. Thus, even if there is an ejaculation inside the vaginal canal, the spermatozoa do not have any type of egg to fertilize, and there is no pregnancy.
In addition, the pill also prevents the dilation of the cervix, reducing the entry of sperm and preventing the uterus from having conditions for the development of a baby. Understand how is the fertile period of those who take contraceptive.
How to use correctly
To use the pill correctly, you must take into account that there are different types of pills:
- Normal Pill: You should take 1 pill a day, always at the same time until the end of the pack, and then take a break of 4, 5 or 7 days, depending on the pill, consult the package insert.
- Pill for continuous use: You should take 1 pill a day, always at the same time, every day, without a break between packs.
It is important that the pill is taken at the same time, as it is possible to guarantee the ideal amount of circulating hormones capable of preventing ovulation. However, in case of forgetfulness, it is important that the pill is taken as soon as remembered and that a condom is used during sexual intercourse. See what to do if you forget to take the contraceptive pill.
Common questions about the pill
Some of the most common questions about the pill are:
1. Does the pill make you fat?
Some birth control pills have swelling and a slight weight gain as a side effect, however, this is more common in continuous use pills and subcutaneous implants.
2. Is the pill an abortifacient?
The contraceptive pill is not an abortifacient, but when it is taken during pregnancy it can harm the baby.
3. How to take the pill for the first time?
To take the pill for the first time, take the first pill on the first day of menstruation. Find out how to change contraceptives without running the risk of becoming pregnant.
4. Can I have sex during the break period?
Yes, there is no risk of pregnancy in this period if the pill was taken correctly during the entire previous month.
5. Can a man take the pill?
No, the contraceptive pill is only indicated for women, having no contraceptive effect on men. See which contraceptives can be used by men.
6. Is the pill bad?
Like any other medication, the pill can be bad for some people, and therefore its contraindications must be respected.
7. Does the pill change the body?
No, but in early adolescence, girls start to have a more developed body, with wider breasts and hips, and this is not due to the use of the pill, nor to the beginning of sexual intercourse.
8. Can the pill fail?
Yes, the pill can fail when the woman forgets to take the pill every day, does not respect the time to take it or when she vomits or has diarrhea within 2 hours after taking the pill. Some medications can also cut the pill's effect. Check out which are the remedies that cut the contraceptive effect.
9. When does the pill start to work?
The contraceptive pill starts to work on the first day of taking it, however, it is better to wait until the end of a pack to have intercourse.
10. Does the pill protect against disease?
There are some studies that indicate that it can reduce the risk of some types of cancer, however, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and, therefore, in addition to taking the pill, you should also use condoms in all sexual relations.
