Oral Contraceptive Pills are hormone supplements that trick the pituitary gland into believing you're pregnant, which stops the ovaries from releasing the egg each month (ovulation).
They have a 99 per cent success rate if you take it at the same time, everyday.
Before you start with an OCP, visit your gynaecologist for a through check-up.
OCPs come in packs of 21 and 28 (everyday pack) pills. Start on the first day of your periods and take one pill everyday for the next 21 or 28 days - depending on the pack you buy.
When taking the 21-pills pack, remember to stop the pills after 21 days. Wait till you're done with your periods, before you start with a new pack.
If you're the forgetful kind, then the 28-pills pack is for you. It contains 21 hormone pills and 7 placebos. You need to them continuously and don't have to remember when to stop.
Always take the pill on a full stomach - ideally, after breakfast or lunch.
Everyone misses a pill or two sometimes. If you remember the pill after your usual time, simply take it as soon as possible. The next day, take it at the same time that you usually do.
If you miss than two pills in a row, continue with them as usual. However, use an external contraceptive like a condom, for a few days after that.
Since every woman's body reacts differently to OCPs, you may or may not experience side effects. But, it's necessary to consult with a gynaecologist before taking them.
Be open about any specific medical conditions that you may have. Inform your doctor if;
You have thromboembolic disorder (the tendency to form blood clots).
You or a family member has a history of cancer related to the reproductive organs, including the breasts.
You or someone in your family has a history of heart attacks, coronary heart diseases, angina (severe chest pain) or kidney failure.
You are a smoker above the age of 35.
You suffer from hypertension (BP) or diabetes.
You are a nursing mother.
What are the possible side effects?
When you're on Oral Contraceptive Pills, it's perfectly normal to experience:
Headaches initially
Occasional nausea
Occasional spotting (mid-cycle)
Tenderness of the breasts
Slight weight gain
However, stop your OCP if;
You get migraine attacks after you start taking them.
You experience excessive flow during your monthly period.
Your weight fluctuates often.
You experience severe bouts of depression and mood swings that affect your daily activities.
You observe any other unusual symptoms like pain in lower abdomen, hot flashes, pain while urinating.
In any case, inform your gynaecologist immediately about any discomfort you experience after starting an OCP.
OCPs come in two types:
The Combination Pill
Commonly referred to as 'the Pill', the Combination Pill contains two artificially produced female hormones - i.e.: Oestrogen and Progestin.
The Mini Pill
This variety of OCPs contain only Progestin. It thereby avoids some side effects of the combination pill, but not all of them.
Why consider OCPs as my method of birth control?
If taken with proper consultation, OCPs free you from all birth control worries. They give you the freedom to decide.
Also, OCPs are known to have some positive side effects. They;
Reduce menstrual pain and heavy flow during periods.
Make your menstrual cycle more regular and predictable.
Help with severe acne problems. Some doctors prescribe OCPs for complicated acne cases.
However, medical experts are still debating on the accuracy of the positive effects.
Now that you know the perks and pitfalls, you can decide if OCPs are the birth control option for you. Again, it is always best to visit your gynaecologist for a check-up first.
Answered by
Vidya Anand
, an ibibo Advisor,
at
10:03 AM on May 16, 2008
