Зміст
The birth control pill is one of the most effective methods of contraception, with an almost 100% guarantee. However, for the pill to be truly effective, keep a few important rules in mind and ask your doctor to choose the remedy that works best for you. Below you will find some information you need to know about this form of contraception.
Important discipline
You must take the tablets every day, preferably at the same time. Any missed dose or increased time between packs can lead to ovulation and unplanned pregnancy. You should take the first tablet on the first day of your period. Then take one dose every 24 hours until the end of the pack. Then take a 7-day break for periods similar to menstruation.
Option for the forgetful
Pharmaceutical companies cater to the needs of women who often forget to swallow a pill or start new packaging. The days of the week are marked on the blisters with each tablet (even if they are single-phase) to help control the intake. Some packs, in addition to hormone tablets, contain 7 more neutral tablets. Then you don’t need to take a 7-day break. This way, you will never forget to start the next pack. If you do not take a pill one day at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Even if more than 12 hours have passed, take the missed pill and then take the next one at your usual time.
When you are afraid that you will get better
Many women are reluctant to use oral contraceptives for fear of gaining weight. Some tablets may actually contribute to water retention (weight may increase by 2 kg). Ask your gynecologist to choose the product with the lowest hormone content.
Control your liver
Taking hormonal drugs with estrogens can overload the liver and disrupt the secretion of bile by its cells. Therefore, taking the pill, you should conduct liver tests every few months (measure the level of bilirubin and enzymes: AST, ALT, GG TP). In case of any abnormalities, stop taking the pills and use another form of contraception that your gynecologist recommends (vaginal ring, IUD, patches).
Watch your heart!
Hormonal contraception increases blood clotting. The level of fibrinogen (it is involved in the formation of blood clots) increases up to 20%, and the progestogen contained in the tablets can increase the concentration of lipids. As a result, the risk of thromboembolism and heart attack increases. Women who smoke, obese women and those who have previously suffered from thrombotic diseases are especially vulnerable. Pills are not recommended for them.
If you experience a drop-in libido
This is a fairly common symptom in women who use pills. Switching to another can help, as well as herbs that increase blood circulation in the genital tract, for example, an infusion of ginseng. You can also season your meals with ginger or take a dandelion preparation.
The best time to take a pill
It is best to take the pills in the evening hours – thanks to this, you will not feel the side effects from taking hormones, for example, nausea, headaches. Women using hormonal contraception should be aware that they have a (slightly) increased risk of breast cancer. Therefore, they should be regularly examined by a gynecologist.
What weakens the effectiveness of the tablets?
Grapefruit – Reduces drug absorption. For this reason, you should not take grapefruit juice tablets or eat a lot of fruit.
St. John’s wort – the hyperforin contained in it increases the efficiency of the liver, forcing it to break down (metabolize) synthetic hormones faster.
Laxatives, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-TB drugs, and sleeping pills can make the pill less effective.
Additives such as chromium. They can make it difficult for hormones to be absorbed. Caution! Chromium is sometimes found in weight loss drugs.
Menstrual shift
If you want to shorten your period or avoid bleeding while on vacation, pills will give you that opportunity.
