En
Tr
Contents 7
What Are Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives)?
How Do They Work?
Birth control pills are an effective and reliable birth control method used to prevent women from becoming pregnant. These pills contain synthetic hormones that mimic the effect of the body's natural hormones. There are two main types:
Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs): Contain synthetic versions of both estrogen and progestin.
Mini-Pills (Progestin-Only Pills): Contain only progestin and are suitable for women who cannot use estrogen.
Birth control pills prevent pregnancy through several different mechanisms:
Preventing Ovulation: COCs prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries).
Thickening Cervical Mucus: Progestin thickens the mucus at the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus.
Preventing Implantation by Thinning the Uterine Lining: It thins the uterine lining, which makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills also offer various medical benefits:
Benefits of Birth Control Pills
Regulating the Menstrual Cycle: Birth control pills stabilize an irregular menstrual cycle and usually provide lighter and less painful periods.
Easing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms: By controlling hormonal fluctuations, combined pills can ease PMS symptoms.
Helping with Acne Treatment: COCs can be used to treat acne, particularly acne caused by hormonal imbalance.
Helping in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Birth control pills regulate hormonal balance in women with PCOS and ease symptoms.
Reducing the Risk of Ovarian and Uterine Cancer: Long-term use has been shown to potentially reduce the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer.
Types of Birth Control Pills
Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs):
Monophasic Pills: Every active pill contains a fixed amount of estrogen and progestin.
Multiphasic Pills: Contain hormone levels that vary across different phases of the cycle. They mimic natural hormonal fluctuations.
Mini-Pills (Progestin-Only Pills): Suitable for women who cannot use estrogen or who are breastfeeding. They do not always prevent ovulation but prevent pregnancy through the mechanisms of thickened mucus and a thinned uterine lining.
How Are Birth Control Pills Used?
Birth control pills usually come in packs of 21 or 28 days. In 21-day packs, one pill is taken each day, followed by a 7-day break. Menstrual bleeding occurs during this break period. In 28-day packs, 21 active pills are followed by 7 placebo (inactive) pills, allowing pill-taking to continue without interruption.
Mini-pills should be taken regularly at the same time every day. Delays in timing can reduce their effectiveness.
Effectiveness and Reliability
When used correctly, birth control pills are more than 99% effective. However, usage errors (such as forgetting to take the pill or taking it late) can reduce this effectiveness to as low as 91%. For this reason, it is very important to take the pill regularly and at the same time every day.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
As with any medical method, birth control pills may also have certain side effects and risks:
Common Side Effects: Nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight changes, and mood swings are commonly reported.
Risk of Blood Clots: COCs can increase the risk of blood clotting, particularly in women who smoke and in women over the age of 35.
High Blood Pressure: Birth control pills can raise blood pressure in some women.
Migraine: Pills containing estrogen can trigger migraine attacks.
Women with a history of thromboembolic disease (a blood clotting disorder) in particular should consult their doctor before using COCs. In addition, progestin-based mini-pills may be a safer option for women who cannot use estrogen.
Who Should Not Use Birth Control Pills?
Birth control pills may not be a suitable option for everyone. Women with the following conditions in particular should not use them without consulting their doctor:
Women who smoke and are over the age of 35
Those with a history of heart or vascular disease
Blood clotting disorders (such as deep vein thrombosis)
History of breast cancer
Serious liver disease