Anyone who wants to prevent pregnancy knows that there are several types of contraceptives on the market, right? Among them, is the birth control pill, one of the most used methods in the world, especially in Brazil.
For hormonal and sexual reasons, it is common for its use to start in adolescence and continue until adulthood, when the woman decides to have children. The birth control pill is a small pill that contains hormones that prevent your ovaries from ovulating and, as a consequence, from fertilizing.
With a very high success rate, it is essential to choose reliable and quality pills, as it is about your health and a serious issue: pregnancy!
However, those who are now starting to explore this universe better may have some doubts. With that in mind, we created this post to answer 6 frequently asked questions about the use of the birth control pill. Check out!
1. When to start the card?
To be as sure as possible that there is no risk of pregnancy, it is ideal that the first pill is taken on the first day of menstruation.
That’s because it is on that day that a new ovulation cycle begins. In this way, the hormones found in the remedy will prevent the body from ovulating and, therefore, the woman will not enter the fertile period.
When starting a pack, do not worry, as it is common to experience nausea and some other symptoms. However, if the problems persist for days, don’t hesitate to see your doctor !
2. How should it be taken?
From the first pill, you should continue to take one tablet a day, always at the same time until the end of the pack. The time chosen is according to the preference of the drinker. It is essential to follow the schedules carefully so that the effect is not diminished or compromised.
In case of forgetfulness, know that the pill can be taken within 12 hours after the right time. After that period, the pill for that day should no longer be taken and should continue with the pack as normal.
When the pill is taken at a different time, it is normal to happen what we call a menstrual leak. It is nothing more than the leakage of a small amount of blood, this situation can last until the next menstruation and regularize with the beginning of a new pack.
Another very important issue is to respect the period of pause of the medicine according to the package insert! This is the time for menstruation to fall and for the body to start a new menstrual cycle.
3. Are there any risks of becoming pregnant while taking contraceptives?
When ingested correctly, the pill’s effectiveness is over 90%. But you should always pay attention, as some things can cut the effect of pills, such as antibiotic drugs, alcoholic beverages, vomiting and diarrhea.
Because it is very effective if taken in the right way, the use of a morning-after pill right after intercourse is not necessary!
In fact, if you are using the contraceptive pill correctly, when you take this other pill, you risk cutting off the effect of both and still causing adverse reactions!
Remembering that the pill does not replace the use of condoms. The condom, in addition to preventing pregnancy, also prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as AIDS. Therefore, its use is indispensable and does not depend on whether or not to take contraceptives.
4. What types of birth control pill?
There are, basically, two types of pills: those of progesterone or mini pills and those of combined hormones.
Each of the types has the basic function of preventing pregnancy, but depending on the choice, they may have other benefits, such as: improving skin and hair, decreasing premenstrual tension (PMS) and cramps, regularizing acne and menstruation and disease control, such as the polycystic ovary.
The choice of the ideal pill will depend on what suits you most with each woman.
Progesterone or mini pills
This type of pill has only one hormone in its formula, usually progesterone. Because of this, it has less hormonal load and is commonly found in cartons with 28 to 35 long, which must be taken without pause. As their hormone rate is low, the pills cannot be taken late and it is common for women not to menstruate;
Combined hormones
the combined hormone pills are the most common to find on the market. They can be monophasic (the pills have the same amount of hormones) or multiphasic (the pills have different amounts of hormones).
In addition, they have cards with 24 pills and a 4-day break; with 21 pills and a 7-day break; or 28 pills without a break, but the last 4 pills are placebos.
5. Are there any side effects?
Like any medicine, birth control pills do have side effects, which vary according to each organism.
The most common symptoms to occur are headache or migraine, nausea, weight changes, drop in libido and absence of menstruation.
Hypertensive women or those with a family history may become more susceptible to the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as thrombosis. Because of this, consultation with a doctor is essential in order to identify the patient’s condition and its risks. This way, the specialist will be able to indicate the most appropriate contraceptive and that has the least amount of side effects.
6. Will I be able to get pregnant after I stop taking it?
The use of hormonal contraceptives does not cause infertility. Most women restore fertility right after they stop taking the pill.
Depending on the organism, this process may take more or less, but it is important to understand that it is a gradual evolution. Regardless of the duration of contraceptive use, fertility will return to the previous level.
The search for a gynecologist should be considered if, after a year of contraceptive break, the woman is unable to conceive or menstruation does not return.
To find the best medicine for you, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. He will order exams and, from them, recommend the best choice. The first one you try will not always be right for you! So, if you are not enjoying it or feel many side effects, talk to your doctor so they can make changes.
