Hormonal contraception - the pill

Hormonal methods of contraception are based on the effect of hormones on the female menstrual cycle. All hormonal methods of contraception are currently intended for women, although research aimed at finding hormonal contraception for men is already in the final stages. Hormonal methods are pills, patches and injections.

Pill

Oral contraceptives, popularly called pills, are tablets that contain synthetic versions of female sex hormones - estrogen and progesterone. There are a large number of different pills, but all of them, when taken correctly, affect the menstrual cycle and the probability of fertilization is very small. Today's pills have lower doses of hormones than earlier pills and therefore fewer side effects.

Most pills come in a pack of 21 pills, which are taken every day until the pack is used up, then there is a 7-day break, and then a new pack is taken. There are also packages that contain 28 pills (7 pills have no effect) that are taken every day (without a break of 7 days), which achieves a better effect because it is more difficult to forget to take a pill.

Proper use (read the instructions for your tablets first - this is the instructions for most pills on the market):

1. the first pill is taken on the first day of menstruation

2. take one pill at the same time every day for 21 days

3. take a break of 7 days (menstrual bleeding should occur during this period and you are protected during this period as well)

4. on the eighth day, take the pill from the new pack even if your period is still going

Pills are a very reliable and easy method of contraception, which makes them very popular. They enable smooth sexual intercourse, periods are less painful, reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and after stopping the intake, the possibility of fertilization quickly returns. Side effects are mild and can often be eliminated by switching to a different type of pill. They include headaches, breast tenderness, acne, abdominal bloating, loss of sexual desire... Pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

You can read more about pills HOW TO CHOOSE THE SUITABLE CONTRACEPTIVE PILL?.