How to take oral contraceptives

Such a delicate topic, such as taking oral contraceptives, must be discussed with a gynecologist. But if you have questions, and there’s absolutely no one to ask, then we will try to answer them.

There are many rumors and myths surrounding hormonal contraception that are so scary that they quickly begin to be discussed by girls and women in a narrow, friendly circle. But their validity remains doubtful, since they are invented by the same women who do not have knowledge in gynecology. So that you no longer have doubts, let us dispel these fears and concerns.

Indications for use

Oral contraceptives were invented in the 50s of the twentieth century, and 10 years later, after numerous studies, were approved for use by women. These were the first pills that became an alternative to other means of protection, but soon women began to feel other side effects.

Today, contraceptive drugs not only protect against pregnancy, but also cure some gynecological and dermatological diseases.

The indications for receiving OK include:

• restoration of the hormonal background after childbirth or abortion;
• normalization of the menstrual cycle;
• women with anemia;
• endometriosis;
• fibrocystic mastopathy;
• with painful periods;
• with PMS;
• ovarian cyst;
• acne;
• alopecia.

Depending on the composition, hormonal contraceptives can lower testosterone in the blood, as a result of which acne and acne disappear, hair loss stops, the figure becomes more feminine.

What are oral contraceptives

All birth control pills are divided into 3 groups, each of which is suitable for its age and state of health. They are divided into microdosed (20-25 μg estradiol), low dose (30-35 μg estradiol) and high dose (40-50 μg estradiol).

Types of OK and their purpose:

1. Microdosed. Suitable for young girls, women who have not yet given birth, and people over 35 years old.
2. Low dosage. They are prescribed to women who have given birth, as well as to girls in whom microdosed OK caused bleeding.
3. High dosage. They are prescribed for serious hormonal disorders and only in extreme cases.

Estradiol or its derivatives is an active component of each type of birth control pill. And the therapeutic effect of the drug depends on what the auxiliary hormone will be. Drospirenone, dienogest, chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate and levomefolate have an antiandrogenic property, that is, they inhibit the production of male hormones.

Side effects

Since birth control pills are a drug, they not only have the desired effect, but also cause some side effects. In most cases, they are extremely rare, but women with a sensitive body should be careful.

Side effects OK:

• feeling of nausea and dizziness;
• frequent changes in mood, the appearance of moodiness and irritability;
• decreased sexual desire;
• migraine;
• prostration;
• swelling and pain in the chest;
• bloody issues.

Typically, these symptoms appear in the first three months of taking OK, and after the body gets used to a new condition, they disappear. In the event that for a long time you feel discomfort, you do not get a daub, it often hurts and is dizzy, then OK you are not suitable and you have to change them.

Contraindications

Also, hormonal contraceptives have a number of contraindications, without taking into account which, you will only aggravate your health. Be sure to tell the doctor your medical history and the problems that are currently worrying, so that he adequately assesses the situation and appoints the correct OK.

Contraindications:

• the presence of malignant tumors;
• violation of the liver and kidneys;
• vascular disease;
• pregnancy;
• hypertension;
• frequent headaches;
• bleeding with an unexplained cause;
• thrombosis;
• the period before and a month after the operation;
• prolonged immobility;
• lactation period.

If you decide to take birth control pills, then, in order to avoid complications, get rid of the smoking habit, as there is a risk of vegetative-vascular dystonia. It is also worth consulting with your doctor if you are overweight or have diabetes.

How to choose the right oral contraceptives

When choosing an OK, many girls are guided by two principles: price and reviews of girlfriends. This is fundamentally the wrong decision. Since everyone’s organisms are different and do not have the same level of certain hormones. In order to choose the right drug, it is necessary to take tests and identify the general picture of the state of the body and hormonal levels. Based on this, the doctor will prescribe the best option.

It is also worth considering your wishes and complaints. Acne, hair growing in unnecessary places, baldness on the head and other cosmetic problems can be solved with birth control pills, if you choose them correctly. Many hormones are prescribed in extreme cases of these problems.

But the tests and an experienced doctor will not give you a guarantee that the body will perceive the intervention in its hormonal background. If you observe a strong manifestation of side effects, then it is better to change the drug. For example, with ongoing bleeding, estradiol levels need to be increased. Constant headaches and high blood pressure, on the contrary, suggests that the remedy is too “strong” for you.

How to take birth control pills

Today, all birth control pills are available in convenient packaging on which the calendar is printed and the days of the week are indicated. Therefore, confusing something is difficult. On the first day of the onset of menstruation, you start with a pill over which the start is written and then go in a circle until you drink all 21 pills. Drink them at one time, it’s best to set yourself a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss another appointment. A seven-day break should follow.

Some manufacturers for the convenience of women, along with active pills, produce a placebo. There are 7 pieces in the package and they are designed to be taken during the break. That is, when the package does not contain 21, but 28 tablets, the next pack should be started at the end of the previous one, without making a weekly pass.

On the second and third day of the cycle, you can also start drinking pills, but they will not give a quick effect, and for some time you will have to additionally be protected. For some time before menstruation, you can’t start taking it, you must definitely wait for their arrival. This can only be done if you have already drunk at least 2 packs of OK.

Menstruation during the administration of hormonal contraceptives comes on the same day, that is, the cycle is exactly 28 days. If you drink them already long enough, then you can put off critical days. When you don’t want them to start, just don’t take a break.But you should not abuse it.

When comes the effect of OK

If you started drinking pills on the first day of your period, then you can stop using additional methods to stop the next day. In the event that this happened later, you need to wait another week.

Many girls, especially those who are not familiar with this method of protection against unwanted pregnancy, are afraid that it will not be effective. Today it is the most reliable way, which gives a guarantee in 99 percent of cases, but only with the condition that you have taken the pill correctly.

What happens if you forget to take a pill

Some girls are inattentive and forget to take the next dose of hormones, but remember this only after a few hours. If this happens, then follow the instructions that came with the tablets. In the event that more than 12 hours have passed, you urgently need to drink a contraceptive and be protected for a week by additional methods.

If this time has not yet expired, then the pill should be taken as soon as possible, but you should not worry about reducing the effectiveness of the drug. Diarrhea or vomiting several hours after swallowing the tablet may affect the effectiveness of OK, so it is better to take the next pill out of turn.

It is true that birth control pills get fatter

The myth that hormonal contraception leads to rapid weight gain is based on real facts. The first tablets released contained a large dose of estradiol and could cause this side effect. They also led to accelerated hair growth on the body and other unpleasant manifestations.

Modern drugs contain hormones tens of times less than it was half a century ago, so they can not affect the metabolic processes in the body and are absolutely safe for your figure.

Acne contraceptive

We should also talk about such a property of OK as getting rid of acne. Today, many doctors consider hormonal contraceptives an effective way to deal with them, especially in adolescence, when appearance is very important. This method is safe if you choose the right drug. It should be microdosed OK with antiandrogenic effect.

Do not be scared if the problem only worsens in the first month of admission, because the body gets used to the intervention of synthetic hormones. This side effect should pass soon, and the skin will be cleansed, become smooth and beautiful.

Does hormonal contraception cause infertility

Many believe that if you interfere with the body, it will fail and will not be able to independently perform its functions. But, in the case of birth control pills this will not happen.

While we take them, the ovaries “rest”, and after the course is over they completely restore their functions in 1-2 months. During this period, they become very active, which, on the contrary, contributes to the rapid conception.

Can I stop drinking OK

If something does not suit you or you find an alternative to this method, then you can stop drinking the drug after the end of 21 active tablets. In the middle of the pack this is categorically not recommended and is possible only according to strict indications.

When you do not drink the full course, then there is a hormonal malfunction, which is very stressful for the body. You will not only worsen your well-being, but will provoke some diseases.

The decision to start taking OK is a crucial step. Therefore, remember that hormonal drugs can not be prescribed for yourself, but only after consulting a gynecologist. Also pay attention to contraindications, in order to avoid the occurrence of health problems. If there are no obstacles to the start of taking, then you can safely try this safe and reliable method of contraception.

Video: 4 important questions about the choice and duration of admission