The facts about birth control pills

Shiny is getting married next month. She and her fiancé have talked things over and they want to avoid a pregnancy for one year. This is a good decision since a newly wedded couple needs time to adjust to each other before taking on the added responsibility of a baby. She saw her gynaecologist for contraceptive advice and has been prescribed birth control pills (also called oral contraceptives or "the pill"). Her friends in the office unnecessarily scared her by telling her that the pills would harm her. They are wrong.

Birth control pills are used by millions of women all over the world to prevent pregnancy. The pill is a good choice for women who want to temporarily postpone a pregnancy. It is easy to use, convenient, and reversible. The pill is a very effective form of birth control. When women use the pill correctly, less than 1 in 100 will get pregnant in a year. 

How do birth control pills work?

Birth control pills are made of hormones that prevent ovulation. In addition, the cervical mucus thickens, which blocks the sperm from entering the cervix (the mouth of the uterus). The lining of the uterus also thins, making it less likely that a fertilized egg can attach to it.

It is important to remember that birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Only condoms can prevent STDs like syphilis, gonorrhoea, HIV and Hepatitis B.

Types of birth control pills:

There are two basic types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Most women who take the pill take a combination pill.

Combination Pills

Combination birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone). Your gynaecologist will help you decide which is the best combination pill for you. Pills work only if you take them correctly. Do not skip pills for any reason.

In India, most birth control pills come in 21 pill packets. One pill is taken at the same time each day for 21 days. There is a wait of 7 days before starting a new pack. During the week that the pill is not taken, the period will start.

If you have forgotten to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the normal time. It is okay if you have to take two pills in the same day. If you forget to take two or more pills, do not stop taking the pills but condoms must be used as a backup for the rest of the cycle.