Women around the world have been using birth control pills to prevent unwanted pregnancies and family planning for approximately 70 years. Although these pills are available in different forms on the market, their common feature is that they contain hormones. A woman who wants to prevent pregnancy with birth control pills must be examined by a gynecologist before starting the medication.
What is its content?
Birth control pills on the market mostly contain estrogen, which we call the female hormone, and progesterone, which is the ovulation hormone, and are called combined oral contraceptives. There is also a contraceptive containing only progesterone, known as minipill, on the market.
How do birth control pills protect against pregnancy?
They mostly prevent ovulation. In addition, it prevents sperm from passing into the uterus by thickening the mucus secreted from the cervix, and prevents sperm and egg from meeting by disrupting the movements of the tubes. It makes the inner uterine surface, which we call endometrium, unsuitable for the baby to settle.
How should I use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy? When should I start?
Preferably starting on the first day of menstruation ensures ease of use and the protection of the drug against pregnancy starts from the first box. Birth control pills available on the market usually contain 21 or 28 pills. If a 21-day medication is used, you should use the medication for 21 days, take a 7-day break, and switch to the other box on the 8th day. This routine should continue uninterruptedly as 21 days of pills - 7 days of break.
Some birth control pills are marketed as containing 28 pills to avoid calculating breaks and to avoid disrupting the habit of using medication. While 21 of these drugs contain hormones, the other 7 usually contain iron. When the box is finished, you should move on to the next box without any breaks. Menstrual bleeding will occur when you reach the last pills in the box. Care should be taken to take the medicine at the same time of the day. If a daily dose is forgotten, the medicine should be taken as soon as remembered. And the box should be continued by drinking that day's medicine.
Does it cause infertility?
Birth control pills do not cause infertility. quit medicine After ovulation, ovulation continues and pregnancy may occur in the following menstrual period.
Do birth control pills make you gain weight? Does it increase hair growth?
When they were first used, it was observed that birth control pills containing high doses of estrogen caused weight gain due to edema due to water retention. Nowadays, these pills contain low doses of estrogen, making weight gain less likely. If weight gain is observed during the first use, this is due to edema due to water retention. Some birth control pills have an antiandrogenic effect depending on the type of estrogen they contain and are used to prevent increased hair growth.
Can I use birth control pills while breastfeeding?
Combined oral contraceptives are not recommended during breastfeeding because they reduce milk supply. Minipills containing only progesterone can be used during breastfeeding. If minipill is to be used, care should be taken to take it at the same time of the day. If there is a delay of more than 3 hours, there is a possibility of pregnancy in the following 48 hours and an additional contraceptive method should be used?
Who should not use birth control pills?
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Those with breast cancer suspicion
Those with a history of thromboembolism (clotting)
Those with pregnancy suspicion
Those with liver and diabetes
p>Those with psychiatric illness (depression)
Those with migraine and hypertension
Women who smoke over the age of 35
What are the side effects?
The amount of estrogen contained in birth control pills is in low doses today. And the side effects have gradually decreased since they were first used. Nausea may occur in the first days. It may cause sexual reluctance, headaches and intermittent bleeding in the first 3 months. It should be kept in mind that it predisposes to clot formation, and it should not be used if there is a previous illness such as stroke or heart attack.
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