Your Guide to Birth Control Pills

 

Oral contraceptives known as birth control pills include trace levels of hormones similar to those your body produces during the menstrual cycle.

The hormones in birth control pills delay ovulation, or prevent the discharge of eggs from the ovaries to prevent pregnancy. Some birth control medications also momentarily alter the uterine lining, decreasing the likelihood that a fertilized egg will embed.

Let’s dive into this topic with the help of some qualified virtual doctors.

How Do Birth Control Pills Work?

There are mainly two types of birth control pills—combination and progestin-only pills.

Combination Pills

Combination pills include synthetic versions of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Combination pills function in two different ways. They do this by first preventing ovulation in the body. In simpler words, the ovaries don’t release an egg every month.

Second, the body thickens the cervical mucus, the fluid that surrounds the cervix and aids sperm in reaching your uterus to fertilize an egg. As a result, sperm can't enter the uterus due to this thickened mucus.

Progestin-only Pills

As the name suggests, progestin-only pills include only progestin and no estrogen. These pills are also called minipills. Progestin-only pills can function in multiple ways. They primarily function by condensing your cervical mucus while reducing the endometrium.

The endometrium is the uterus lining where a fertilized egg implants. If the endometrium is thin, it gets difficult for the egg to embed in it, preventing pregnancy. These types of birth control pills can also prevent ovulation.

How Effective Are Birth Control Pills?

If consumed correctly, birth control is quite effective in preventing pregnancy. Both types of pills have a 9% failure rate. In short, 9 out of 100 people using birth control pills can get pregnant.

Progestin pills should be consumed within the regular 3-hour period for more effectiveness. If you miss the dose, take it as soon as possible and try another contraception method, such as condoms, for the next two days.

Unlike progestin-only pills, combination pills offer more flexibility. Generally, you must take your combination pill on a fixed time daily. However, if you take them within the regular 12-hour period, you can still be protected.

Remember; some medications, such as rifampin, HIV medications, etc., can sometimes make birth control pills less effective. Moreover, birth control pills might be ineffective if you're experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. In such circumstances, it's best to have a backup contraception method.

Do you need help with birth control pills? FastDocNow can help you out.

FastDocNow offers professional online healthcare services. Thanks to their experienced virtual doctors, they’re equipped to help patients online. They also provide consultations for oral contraceptives, including combination and progestin-only pills.

Get in touch with them to schedule a consultation with their experienced online doctors.

 

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