Birth Control Pills: What They Are, Advantages and Disadvantages, Usage, Side Effects

There are various birth control methods that both men and women can use for family planning.

Among these methods, birth control pills are an effective option for sexually active women. Topics such as their mechanism of action, side effects, advantages, disadvantages, and reliability are of interest to many. However, birth control pills are currently recognized by physicians as an effective pregnancy prevention method that can be used by all healthy women. Therefore, women who wish to prevent pregnancy can consult their doctors to learn more about birth control pills, undergo a general check-up, and receive their doctor's advice on using birth control pills for pregnancy prevention.

What Is the Birth Control Pill?

Birth control pills are a method of contraception used by women that can prevent pregnancy at a very high rate, even with unprotected sexual intercourse. These pills, which contain hormones, are also known as hormonal contraceptives due to their contents or oral contraceptives due to being taken by mouth. They are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate of 99.9%. However, they do not protect against HIV, gonorrhea, or any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Birth control pills contain either a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormones or only the hormone progesterone. The hormones in these pills are synthetic, meaning they are human-made, and have the same effects as the natural hormones produced in a woman’s body. The type of hormone and hormonal balance in the pills can vary for each type of birth control pill. Not all of these pills are suitable for every woman, so it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before starting to use birth control pills.

Advantages of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills have significant advantages compared to many other contraceptive methods, which is why they are often preferred by women for pregnancy prevention. Some of these advantages include:

• Provides 24/7 protection without the need for any additional action during sexual intercourse, thus eliminating the need for concern or preparation.
• Helps regulate menstrual cycles, prevent anemia, maintain hormonal balance, and treat certain hormone-related conditions like excessive hair growth and acne.
• Reduces heavy menstrual bleeding and helps relieve painful periods.
• Has a much higher effectiveness compared to many other contraceptive methods.
• Fertility is typically restored shortly after stopping the use of birth control pills.

Disadvantages of Birth Control Pills

The primary disadvantage of birth control pills is that they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, women using birth control pills for pregnancy prevention should also consider using condoms for protection against STIs. Condom use, a barrier method, is the most effective way to prevent STIs. Using birth control pills along with condoms provides effective protection against infections. In individuals who are monogamous and undergo regular health screenings, the risk of STIs is lower, so birth control pills alone may be sufficient. The decision on this matter is up to the individual.

How to Use Birth Control Pills

Combination pills, which contain both estrogen and progesterone, come in three different subtypes. The first type, monophasic pills, is taken in a one-month cycle, with each pill containing equal amounts of estrogen and progesterone. During the cycle, active (hormone-containing) pills are taken, followed by inactive pills at the end of the cycle, during which menstrual bleeding occurs. The second type, multiphasic pills, provides different levels of estrogen and progesterone throughout the cycle. As with monophasic pills, inactive pills are taken at the end of the cycle, and the menstrual period occurs during this time. The third type, extended-cycle pills, is taken in 13-week cycles. After 12 weeks of active pills, inactive pills are taken, and menstrual bleeding occurs. Women using these pills typically experience menstrual bleeding only three times a year. In addition to all these types, there are also progestin-only pills. These pills, also known as "mini-pills," are preferred by women who cannot take estrogen for various reasons. All pills taken during the cycle are active, and menstrual bleeding may or may not occur while taking progestin-only pills. Combination pills containing estrogen and progesterone are available in various forms and are sold in pharmacies in monthly packs containing 21 or 28 pills. For the 21-pill packs, a seven-day break is taken after finishing the pack. The 28-pill packs are used continuously without a break. Some extended-cycle pills contain the necessary pills for a 91-day cycle. Progestin-only pills come in 28-day packs, with 28 pills in each pack. Regardless of the type, birth control pills should be taken at the same time every day as directed by a healthcare provider or pharmacist. Taking the pills correctly, consistently, and at the same time each day is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness and protection of birth control.

Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are a safe and effective contraceptive method for many women. However, because they contain hormones, they may cause various side effects that vary from person to person. Each woman’s body may react differently to the hormones in birth control pills. Common side effects of these pills include:

• Decreased libido
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Weight gain
• Breast tenderness, fullness, and sensitivity
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Headaches
• Mood changes

These side effects usually appear during the first weeks or months of starting birth control pills and tend to lessen or disappear as the body adjusts. If the side effects persist or cause significant discomfort, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare provider. In some cases, switching to a different type of birth control pill may be necessary if a particular pill causes too many side effects. Additionally, birth control pills may increase the risk of blood clotting. Pills containing a combination of estrogen and progesterone, in particular, may slightly raise the risk of blood clots in the veins. While this risk is low for healthy women, natural events like pregnancy and childbirth also increase the risk of clotting. However, an increased risk of blood clots can potentially lead to complications like heart attack, hypertension, or stroke. Therefore, women with health conditions such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged bed rest, high blood pressure, or bleeding disorders may benefit from considering alternative birth control methods.

For these reasons, it is recommended that women interested in using birth control pills for family planning undergo a health checkup and seek advice from gynecology specialists. In some cases, women with certain medical conditions may need to switch to a different type of birth control pill or may choose not to use these pills at all. Similarly, women using birth control pills should have regular gynecological exams and routine tests.

If you are considering birth control pills as a contraceptive method, consult a gynecologist to find out if this method is suitable for you. If your doctor approves, you can begin using the pill recommended by your healthcare provider.