2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

The birth control pill or the contraceptive pill (also called "the Pill") is a daily pill that contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone that prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the organs of the body. In this case, the hormones in the Pill control the ovaries and the uterus. Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilized. The Pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus. Most combination pills come in either a 21-day pack or a 28-day pack. One hormone pill is taken each day at about the same time for 21 days. Depending on each pack, the woman will either stop taking birth control pills for 7 days (as in the 21-day pack) or she will take a pill that contains no hormones for 7 days (the 28-day pack). A woman has her period when she stops taking the pills that contain hormones. Some women prefer the 28-day pack because it helps them stay in the habit of taking a pill every day.

Advantages
If the pill is taken according to instructions it is over 99% effective. This means that less than 1 woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
If you are healthy, don't smoke and there are no medical reasons for you not to take the pill, you can take it until your menopause. At the age of 50, if you are still having periods, you may be advised to change your method.
doesn't interrupt sex
usually makes your bleeds regular, lighter and less painful
may help with pre-menstrual symptoms
reduces the risk of cancer of the ovary, womb and colon
may protect against pelvic inflammatory disease
May reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and breast disease that is not cancer.
Disadvantages
There are some serious side-effects.
You may get temporary side-effects at first including headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes. If these do not stop within a few months, changing type of pill may help.
The pill may increase your blood pressure.
The pill does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use condoms as well.
Breakthrough bleeding (unexpected bleeding on pill taking days) and spotting is common in the first few months of pill use.
My Opinion
I think that the pill is a good choice of contraception for married couples who know each others sexual history and therefore do not need to protect against sexually transmitted infections and diseases, but for couples who are unsure of their sexual histories then this is a risky option. The side effects related to the Pill sound worrying and I would not recommend its use for anyone but I could understand people wanting to use it in marriage and to help their menstrual cycles become lighter and less painful

Learn more about this author, Naomi Garton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The contraceptive pill in general terms?
We want to hear your view. Write now!