December 05, 2012

Hormonal Methods of Birth Control: The Pill

   
So -- what is it?

Birth control pills -- often referred to as "The Pill" or "oral contraceptives" -- are a hormonal method of birth control. There are actually two types of birth control pills -- pills that contain both estrogen and progestin (these are called "combination pills") and pills that are progestin-only. Most people, however, use the combined pill. 

Birth control pills come in small, discreet packs and you take one every day to prevent pregnancy. The hormones in these pills work to prevent pregnancy in two ways: 
  • preventing ovulation; ie, keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg (if there's no egg, there's nothing for the sperm to fertilize)
  • thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to swim and preventing them from reaching the eggs
When used properly, the pill is highly effective.
  
How effective is it/how do you use it?

When taken correctly, the pill is a highly effective birth control method. Less than 1 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed. However, with typical use, about 9 out of 100 people will get pregnant each year because they don’t always take the pill each day as directed. As you'd probably expect, the effectiveness varies greatly depending on whether or not you take them the right way.

"Perfect use" varies slightly in meaning with the pill, depending on the type you're taking. 
  • If you're using progestin-only pills, you have to take it at the same time each day. Same. Time. 
  • Combination pills must simply be taken once a day, with less importance being placed on the time you take it. 
When I was on the pill for two years, I had two daily alarms set on my phone to make sure I took my pill every single day; a primary alarm and a back-up one ten minutes later. While it matters less if you're not on the progestin-only pills, I still personally suggest taking your pill at roughly the same time every day so it becomes a regular and expected part of your routine. This way, you're less likely to accidentally skip a day.
A 28-pack of combination pills, with a week of "inactive" pills at the bottom.
In the photo above, you'll notice that this pill packet has one week of white pills at the bottom. That's a pack of combination pills. The combination pill comes in packs of either 21 or 28. In both of these, the pack contains 21 "active" pills (pills with hormones). In 28-day packs, there are one week of "inactive" pills (pills without hormones) at the bottom, also called "placebos". During the week of "inactive" pills is when you should, roughly, have your period each month. Even though these pills have no hormones in them, you're still protected from pregnancy during this week. The only reason that week of inactive pills are present in 28-day packs are to keep you in the habit of taking it each and every day. In 21-day packs, this inactive week is not present. With those, you simply take your pill daily for three weeks, go without taking it for exactly one week, then start a new pack -- but you really gotta make sure you start taking them on the right day!

Some packs of combination pills come with months worth of active pills. These are specifically designed to reduce the number of periods you have in a year. Some people also continuously take active pills -- that is, they skip their inactive week and immediately start taking their next pack -- to avoid their periods.

However, progestin-only pills only come in 28-day packs. There are no inactive pills with progestin-only packs. With these, several things could happen -- you might get your period during the fourth week, get no periods at all, or have bleeding on and off throughout the month. 

  

What happens if I don't take my pill correctly?

Oops. Mistakes happen. If you accidentally skip a day, yet again, what you do next varies a little bit depending upon which type of pill you're taking. 

Combination Pills

How at-risk for pregnancy you are depends on when you missed a pill and how many of them you missed. The risk gets a lot higher if you went seven or more days without having any hormones -- this might happen if you don't start your new pack on time, and/or if you forget to take the last one or two pills.

If you have PIV sex during the seven days after one of your missed pills, you'll want to use a back up method, such as a condom. You can also take emergency contraception for up to five days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. This is a great option if you had PIV sex before you realized you missed any pills. The sooner you take emergency contraception, the better it works, so don't stall!

This table tells you what to do if you miss any pills from a 21-day or 28-day pack of combination pills:

Chart from PlannedParenthood.org

Progestin-Only Pills

You can become pregnant if you take progrestin-only pills more than three hours later than your regular time. If this happens: 
  • Take the pill the moment you remember.
  • Take the next pill at the usual time (this could mean you take two pills in a day).
  • Continue to take the rest of your pack at your regular time.
  • If you have PIV sex within the next 48 hours, use a back-up method, such as a condom.
  • If you had PIV sex before realizing you missed your pill, you can also use emergency contraception for up to five days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.  Like I said earlier, the faster you take it, the better it works, so hop-to.
Even if you quickly correct your mistake, missing a pill often leads to spotting/irregular bleeding, so don't be alarmed if this happens. Taking two pills in a day can also lead to some nausea and general feelings of crappiness, but don't worry, it'll pass soon.

An important thing to note -- if you vomit shortly after taking one of your pills, you should consider that pill "missed". The general rule of thumb is 30 minutes. Follow the missed-pill instructions above if this happens or contact your doctor and ask them for directions on what to do next. 

  

Many people love relying on the pill as a means of birth control because it's easy, effective, and offers a range of benefits. For example, both the combined pill and the progestin-only pills reduce menstrual cramps, make your periods lighter, and offer some protection against Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Combination pills offer many more benefits, such as protection against acne, bone thinning, non-cancerous breast growths, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and extreme PMS symptoms, such as depression and headaches. 

If you want to use hormonal birth control but don't think you can remember to take a daily pill, you might want to look into another hormonal method, such as the vaginal ring, the Implant, or the IUD

It's important to remember that the pill does nothing to protect you from sexually transmitted infections.  Unless you are in a relationship where you know for a fact that everyone involved has been tested and is free of STIs, you should still use a condom when having sex.

Most times, birth control pills cannot be obtained without a prescription. If you don't have insurance, there are health clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) who are willing to give it to you for a reduced price. To get on the pill, a doctor will give you a brief check-up and ask you questions about your medical and sexual past to decide if this is the right method for you and which of the two sorts of pills would be best for you. 

22 comments:

  1. very informative, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The animation and visual designs are terrific. Throughout the adventure Astro is a very appealing character. If you love cool robots that come in all shapes, sizes and configurations, you'll find plenty to enjoy here.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Without doubt, females regarding virtually all age groups choose to very own and also have as much artist prada replica while they can easily, which usually not merely complements their particular attire but in addition matches their particular life-style. Each girl wants to be able to load their particular attire together with diverse fake cartier watches regarding bags, although producing a special array regarding diverse situations. Regarding these kinds of rolex submariner replica that are seeking to make a assortment in the home can easily elect to obtain these coming from internet vendors. In the event you lookup the internet, it is possible to locate a large amount of respected internet vendors in which promote cheaper and also low-cost bags. This kind of swiss replica breitling an individual meet the wants regarding possessing newest components with out using up any gap within your pants pocket. You can effortlessly pick from the particular large number about exhibit and also spot a great buy on the web to obtain the obtain sent with front door. Nonetheless, it's advocated to get coming from simply respected and also well known internet vendors that delivers the newest number of bags. Furthermore, be sure you verify burberry replica critiques just before building a obtain.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I didn't realize that a woman needs to take the pill every day in order to prevent pregnancy. However, it does seem quite efficient. After all, it is over 99% effective. Are there any other alternatives for birth control that you would suggest? I'm only asking because my wife and I think that she may be allergic to the pill. http://www.allwomensclinic.com/services.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. I truly inspired with your writing ability and design of your web post. The author clearly describe all the parts of the article with good language and information.Waiting for new stuff.
    custom essay writing service

    ReplyDelete
  6. We are all aware of preferences under the classes of home advances, direction, rebuilding, et cetera, however envision a situation in which you are the proprietor of a business. Fortunately there is a program that is considered especially for our veteran and organization weakened business people. cash advance chicago

    ReplyDelete
  7. It settlement is not reachable, the case is alluded by the cases expert to the Financial Ombudsman who will convey his free decision, which will be passed on and disclosed to the borrower by the payday credit discounts official or claim authority.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Monetary stresses are troublesome. Not knowing whether you will have enough to endure to the finish of the month is extremely distressing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The higher charge is on account of they are given to subprime borrowers, for the most part the individuals who have terrible credit or no credit, and are viewed as an unsafe speculation for the moneylender.

    ReplyDelete
  10. While investigating moneylenders, instruct yourself on what every one charges for their little dollar credits. When you discover a loan specialist that offers terms you are alright with, make sure to get it in composing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for this helpful information.
    Hormonal irregular characteristics happen when there is excessively or excessively little of a hormone in the circulatory system. As a result of their first job in the body, even small hormonal irregular characteristics can cause symptoms all through the body.
    Visit here to buy all types of online medicines-"buy prescription drugs online"

    ReplyDelete
  12. Air Jordan Xx9 Black Black White, W. Thornhill and J. Van de Zande, Proceedings of the 2010 Meeting of the Association of Applied Biologists: International Advances in Pesticide Application. Air Jordan Iii Black Cement Grey, Protesters demanding a freeze on rents in Minneapolis. Richard Tsong Taatarii/Star Tribune via Getty ImagesEmergency relief for renters across America may protect them from the threat of eviction during the coronavirus crisis but it won't last for long.The economic shutdown necessitated by COVID 19 has undermined the ability of millions of families and individuals to pay their landlords. But current measures to alleviate their hardship will not last through the summer, leaving the country at risk of a surge of evictions and homelessness within months.The current crisis also hits landlords, small ones especially, who may now struggle to meet mortgage payments, property taxes and other essential expenses.

    When we combine your speed with the speed of other phones on the road, across thousands of phones moving around a city at any given time, we can get a pretty good picture of live traffic conditions. Jordan Jumpman Pro Black White Metallic Gold, Temple Street didn have the machine, but they borrowed one from the Mater. "They were wonderful to us in Temple Street," Darina says. "There and then, I vowed to buy that machine for them.

    Nike Air Jordan Black High Top, The Thorns' preseason tournament had been scheduled to take place from March 29 April 4."The Portland Timbers are in full support of Major League Soccer's decision to postpone the 2020 season for 30 days. Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well being of our fans," said the Timbers and Thorns in a statement Thursday. The teams will contact fans that have purchased tickets to canceled events with information about next steps.Are you a stadium worker at Providence Park affected by MLS suspending its season? The Oregonian/OregonLive wants to hear from you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ray Ban Sunglass Hut and spoke excellent English. Many thanks to Mona and team for a wonderful time exploring Jordan Shoes For Sale Cheap this beautiful country. Billy MK Outlet Joe went overboard with his comments on domestic violence, but that shouldn stop him from Michael Kors Bags Sale fighting Canelo. Hearn Ray Ban Prescription Sunglasses brings up a good point. A Discount Jordan Shoes Wholesale fighter can do a lo to things in the community New Black Yeezys over the Ray Ban Round Sunglasses years, but if he messes up even once, it can overshadow all Coach Bags On Sale Online the good that they did.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thankfully, there are some Long Island Licensed New Yeezys 2020 Real Estate Brokers who specialize in Rental Properties, and can help you find the perfect new home for you and your family. Hiring a broker when looking to rent an apartment has many benefits because they're familiar with the local market and are always up to date on available properties, brokers can streamline the Coach Bags Clearance process of finding the right rental. Whether you're Cheap Ray Ban Glasses looking to rent your first studio, or you're scoping out the rental market for a home for your family, hiring a broker will make the renting the right space simple and hassle MK Outlet free..

    It is the Advertiser's responsibility to comply with all domestic and foreign laws Coach Bags Outlet and regulations applicable to its Advertising within the WebMD Network (and to include all legally required legends, disclosures and statements in such Michael Kors Outlet Store Advertising), including without limitation the current FDA guidelines for Direct to Physician (DTP) and Direct to Consumer (DTC) advertising. WebMD will not monitor compliance with such laws and regulations. However, WebMD reserves the Nike Air Force 1 Cheap Outlet right to review all Advertising for compliance with applicable laws and regulations and, if WebMD becomes aware of any breach or potential breach of any applicable law or regulation or of these guidelines, WebMD may remove the New Jordan Shoes 2020 Coach Outlet Clearance Advertising from the WebMD Network..

    ReplyDelete
  15. This time, however, Root will not take the foot off the pedal. After Trent Bridge, having Michael Kors Bags Outlet experienced the twin impostors of triumph and disaster in his first two matches as captain, he stressed the obvious truth that what they were doing, including a simplistic one size fits all approach to how a Test match should be played, was not good enough. Three debutants were blooded for the next match and two Coach Outlet Clearance Sale of them, Westley and Roland Jones, showed a Nike Air Force 1 Cheap Outlet capacity to seize the moment, which bodes well for the future.

    Selecting Healthy Coach Purses On Clearance MK Outlet Store CutsEven though Coach Outlet Clearance Sale any cut of chicken provides a large amount of Michael Kors Outlet Online the protein you need, not all varieties are low in saturated fat. Since too much saturated fat is detrimental to your heart health, you'll need to keep your intake of this harmful fat to less than 10 percent of your total calories. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, this amounts to a Coach Outlet Online maximum of 22 grams of saturated fat, which has 9 calories per gram.

    ReplyDelete
  16. OCS sincerely apologizes for how long you have had to wait for your order, Ford said in the email. A small gesture of our appreciation for your patience we are providing you with a refund of the $5 shipping fee you paid. To the email, the promised shipping refund applies only to people who ordered affected products from the online store on Oct.

    The average small Coach Outlet Online movie popcorn Ray Ban Outlet with "buttery" topping has about 600 calories, Best Yeezys about the MK Outlet Online same as a quarter pound cheeseburger (550 calories).A slice of cheesecake Nice try. The average Jordan Shoes For Sale small movie popcorn with "buttery" topping has about 600 calories, about the same as a quarter Coach Outlet Clearance Sale pound cheeseburger.

    When he was in middle school, something happened to Casanova Frankenstein that happens to a lot of kids. On the bus Nike Air Force 1 Cheap Outlet home from school, another boy started making fun of him. As soon as they got off the bus, the kid sucker punched him right in the face. Cheap Michael Kors Handbags.

    ReplyDelete