Hormonal
contraception
Contraceptives are mainly used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, they do not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases, so this aspect must also be taken into account when deciding to use only oral contraceptives to avoid pregnancy. Then you can learn more about the effectiveness of contraceptives, what are the possible side effects, as well as the alternatives available to you. Of course, whatever contraceptive method you wish to use, it is recommended that you go to a consultation in our clinic, in order to take the medication adapted to your needs and your body and to avoid the occurrence of adverse effects.
What types of contraceptives are there?
Contraceptives consist of combinations, in different doses, of artificially produced hormones that mimic the hormones naturally produced by the ovaries. According to the predominant hormones, there are combined contraceptives (estrogen-progestins) and monohormonal contraceptives (they contain only progestins). They stop the ovaries from producing eggs, thicken the mucus to prevent sperm from entering, and reduce the thickness of the walls, reducing the chance that a fertilized egg will attach to the wall and begin to grow.
The second category of contraceptives, monohormonal contraceptives, is based solely on synthetic progestins. These types of contraceptives are especially recommended for women who, for various health reasons, cannot take estrogen. Pills in a sheet cover one menstrual cycle, but contain only active drugs. Depending on the case, menstruation may or may not occur if you take this form of contraception.
How to choose contraceptives ?
The choice of oral contraceptives may also depend on the following factors:
- symptoms during menstruation
- cardiovascular health
- chronic diseases
Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. If this is the case, it is advisable to discuss the effectiveness and interaction with other medications, dietary supplements or natural products with our professional.
Avoid using oral contraceptives if :
- you are planning to get pregnant
- you have had a stroke
- you have thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disease
- you have high blood pressure
- you have had a heart attack
- you have liver disease
- you have breast cancer or a history of breast cancer
- you have bleeding of unidentified origin
What are the side effects of oral contraceptives ?
Birth control pills are a safe method for most women. However, it may have side effects such as:
- loss of periods or excessive bleeding that may last longer than a week
- bleeding between periods
- nausea
- vaginal irritation
- breast tenderness
These symptoms usually disappear after a few months of using contraception, but if they persist, it is recommended to return to our clinic.
What are the most
common myths about contraceptives
There are many myths about the use of contraceptives, most of which are false or scientifically unproven. Below are some of the most common myths about contraceptive use, along with some explanations.
«Contraceptives make you fat»
Many women believe that taking contraceptives leads to weight gain, but according to the data, this is more of a myth than reality. A 2017 study of 150 normal-weight and obese women shows that taking contraceptives did not lead to weight gain in any group. Similarly, a report analyzing 22 previous studies found no link between oral contraceptive use and weight gain. In studies that found a link between birth control and weight gain, the difference was no more than about 4 lbs.
«The pill must be taken every day at the same time»
Although taking the pill every day at the same time is not a bad thing, most birth control pills are equally effective no matter what time they’re taken, as long as you take them daily. However, there is an exception: monohormonal contraceptives. They must be taken daily within a three-hour «window».
«Contraceptives affect fertility»
It takes several months for your menstrual cycle to return to normal, whether you are using oral contraceptives, IUDs or other similar forms. However, there is no evidence that using contraceptives affects long-term fertility.
Contraceptives do protect you from an unwanted pregnancy, but not from an STD.
However, there is no evidence that the administration of contraceptives affects long-term fertility.
Contraceptives, on the other hand, protect you from an unwanted pregnancy, but not from an STD. However, acquiring such a disease can affect fertility, which is another reason why contraceptives are recommended in conjunction with condom use.
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