Different Kinds of Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are an extremely effective method of birth control. Taken by women, they use artificial hormones to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Most oral contraceptives require a doctor's prescription, so you can discuss the various options in the clinic. Before visiting your doctor and choosing your method of contraception, make sure you understand the different types of birth control pills and what makes each type unique.
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History
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The birth control pill was approved in 1960. Throughout the years it has become more and more popular with women. According to HealthyWomen.org, the birth control pill is used by about a third of the couples using contraception in the United States today. When it first came out, serious health risks were associated with the high levels of hormones used in the pills. Today, the pills have changed and can actually provide health benefits.
Types
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There are 3 main types of birth control pills: combination, progesterone only, and emergency contraception. Combination pills contain a mixture of estrogen and progestin in each pill. Depending on the brand, the ratio of the two hormones can vary throughout the cycle or stay the same. Progestin-only pills live up to their name. They have no estrogen and contain progestin and are typically reserved for women who cannot take estrogen or for nursing mothers. Emergency contraception is the final type of birth control pill. It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to have any effect. These come in one- or two-dose regimens.
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Time Frame
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Timing is everything with birth control pills. Combination pills and progestin pills must be taken the same time every day to be completely effective. These typically come in pack cycles of 21, 28, or 91 days. The 21- and 28-day-cycle pills allow your body to produce a period every month, while you get your period only every three months with the 91-day cycles.
Benefits
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Besides their obvious benefits, there are positives to birth control pills. They decrease symptoms of PMS, improve endometriosis, reduce acne, reduce benign breast cysts, and decrease painful menstrual cramping. Progesterone pills benefit nursing mothers because they provide an excellent form of birth control without drying up their milk. Estrogen tends to decrease milk supply. The main benefit of the emergency contraception pill is that is an over-the-counter drug for women 17 and older. This makes it easy to access.
Adverse Affects
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Generally speaking, birth control pills are safe for healthy nonsmoking women, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are some adverse effects that some women may experience: irregular bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. According to HealthyWomen.Org, women with high blood pressure, blood clots, or heart disease should avoid the pill or talk to their doctor about various options because newer formulas have been shown to increase instances of blood clots.
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