The contraceptive pill, or simply “pill”, is a hormone-based medicine and the main contraceptive method used by most women, and must be taken daily to guarantee 98% protection against unwanted pregnancy.
Some examples of contraceptive pills are Diane 35, Yasmin or Cerazette, for example, however the type of contraceptive varies from woman to woman and, therefore, must be recommended by a gynecologist.
Correct use of the pill has some advantages over other contraceptive methods, such as regulating menstruation, combating acne or reducing menstrual cramps, but it also has some disadvantages, such as not protecting against sexually transmitted infections and having the power to cause side effects. side effects such as headache or nausea. Learn about the main contraceptive methods, advantages and disadvantages.
How the pill works
The contraceptive pill works by inhibiting ovulation due to the presence of hormones in its composition and, therefore, the woman does not enter the fertile period. Therefore, even if there is an ejaculation inside the vaginal canal, the sperm do not have any type of egg to fertilize, meaning there is no pregnancy.
Furthermore, the pill also prevents the dilation of the cervix, reducing the entry of sperm and preventing the uterus from being able to develop a baby. Understand what the fertile period is like for those taking contraceptives.
How to use correctly
To use the pill correctly, you must take into account that there are different types of pills:
- Normal pill: You should take 1 pill a day, always at the same time until the end of the pack, and then take a break of 4, 5 or 7 days, depending on the pill, and consult the leaflet.
- Continuous use pill: You should take 1 pill per day, at the same time, every day, without pausing between pills.
It is important that the pill is taken at the same time, as this ensures the ideal amount of circulating hormones capable of preventing ovulation. However, if you forget, it is important that the pill is taken as soon as you remember and that a condom is used during sexual intercourse. See what to do if you forget your contraceptive pill.
Common questions about the pill
Some of the most common questions about the pill are:
1. Does the pill make you fat?
Some contraceptive pills have the side effect of swelling and a slight increase in weight, however, this is more common with continuous-use pills and subcutaneous implants.
2. Is the pill abortifacient?
The contraceptive pill is not an abortifacient, but when it is taken during pregnancy it can harm the baby.
3. How to take the pill for the first time?
To take the pill for the first time, you must take the first tablet on the first day of your period. Also find out how to change contraceptives without running the risk of getting pregnant.
4. Can I have sex during the break period?
Yes, there is no risk of pregnancy during this period if the pill was taken correctly throughout the previous month.
5. Can a man take the pill?
No, the contraceptive pill is only recommended for women and has no contraceptive effect on men. See which contraceptives can be used by men.
6. Is the pill harmful?
Just like any other medication, the pill can be harmful to some people, and therefore its contraindications must be respected.
7. Does the pill change the body?
No, but at the beginning of adolescence girls start to have a more developed body, with larger breasts and hips, and this is not due to the use of the pill, nor to the beginning of sexual relations.
8. Can the pill fail?
Yes, the pill can fail when a woman forgets to take the pill every day, doesn’t respect the time of taking it or when she vomits or has diarrhea within 2 hours of taking the pill. Some medicines can also reduce the effect of the pill. Check which medicines cut the effect of contraceptives.
9. When does the pill start to take effect?
The contraceptive pill starts to take effect on the first day of taking it, however, it is better to wait until you finish a pack before having sex.
10. Does the pill protect against diseases?
There are some studies that indicate that it can reduce the risk of some types of cancer, however, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and, therefore, in addition to taking the pill, you should also use a condom in all sexual relations.
