The contraceptive pill represents one of the most popular contraceptive methods, as it offers the greatest protection against unwanted pregnancies. However, it does not protect the user against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and has a number of side effects.

How to use it?

You should not take any pregnancy control pill without consulting your gynecologist. The specialist will prescribe the most suitable pill for your state of health, age and specificity of the period.

The woman needs to take the contraceptive pill every day, preferably at the same time, for 21 days in a row. During the last 7 days of the cycle, she will either take no pill or receive an inactive one, depending on the type of product she is using. During the seven day off pill, she will get her period.

You should then start using the pill again after the seven-day break, on the same day of the week as before.

Side effects of birth control pills

This method of birth control has quite a few side effects, some temporary, some long-term. When you first start using the pill, nausea, morning sickness, spotting, and breast tenderness can be a problem. But the symptoms go away as the body gets used to the new level of hormones.

In the long run, the contraceptive pill can have serious side effects, so specialists recommend not using it for years. Among the health risks of long-term administration we must mention an increased risk of cervical and breast cancer, blood pressure problems, thrombosis, liver dysfunction, benign cysts, etc.

Who should NOT use the birth control pill?

Women with a chronic health condition or a family history of thrombosis, for example, should not use hormonal methods of pregnancy control.

The contraceptive pill is not recommended for women who have been treated for ovarian cysts, cancer, or liver problems.

Smokers and women over the age of 35 should also not use pregnancy hormonal control due to the increased risk of side effects.

Your doctor will usually recommend blood tests and a careful assessment of your health to ensure that your body system is within optimal parameters. Oral contraceptives should not be prescribed otherwise because of the health hazards they pose, particularly in some categories of users. In addition to the birth control pill, you may want to explore your other birth control options.