Guide to Natural Birth Control

There are two kinds of birth control pills – combination estrogen and progestin pills, and progestin only pills. They both have hormones found in the ovaries. You need a prescription from a doctor to get birth control pills and you’ll want to pay particular attention to the dosage and making sure you take them as prescribed. Birth control pills have the highest effectiveness rate as any other method, so it very common and popular among women.

How do Birth Control Pill Works?

The combination estrogen and progestin pills work by preventing ovulation. Ovulation is when a woman’s ovaries release eggs. They also thicken the mucus in the cervix which keeps the sperm from attaching itself to an egg. Progestin only pills usually don’t prevent ovulation, but only thicken the cervical mucus.

Effectiveness of Birth Control Pills

The birth control pill is said to be 99% effective. But that implies that it’s taken every day without fail. That sort of perfect use is uncommon. Typical use will give you about a 92% effective rate. The key to how well the pill works is how regularly it’s taken. But, there are certain medicines that lessen the pill’s effectiveness like oral yeast infection medicines, antibiotic rifampin, St. John’s Wort, HIV drugs, and certain anti-seizure medications.

And, remember that vomiting will lessen the birth control pill’s effectiveness, simply because it does not have ample time to be absorbed in to the body. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you think you’ve vomited your pill for the day.

Benefits with Birth Control Pills

The birth control besides being an excellent oral contraceptive protects against numerous health problems including acne, osteoporosis, excess body hair, ovarian cancer, Pre Menstrual Syndrome, vaginal dryness, uterine cancer, and ectopic pregnancies. It also helps to regulate your monthly cycle.

Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

Some women experience negative side effects from taking the birth control pill. Most of these side effects clear up within the first three months of taking the pill. You may experience nausea, headaches, depression, bleeding between periods, breast tenderness, and a change in sexual desire.

If you experience nausea or vomiting you can try taking the pill with a meal to lessen that effect. If after 3 months you still experience any side effects, talk to your physician so they can change your dosage or choose a different type of birth control pill.

Who Can Take the Pill?

Most healthy women can take birth control pills. However, if you have breast cancer or if you think you are pregnant, do not take the pill. Women over 35 who smoke should not take the pill. Also, women with heart disease, blood clots, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, or migraine headaches should not take the pill.

Because so many women take the birth control pill, women are lulled into a false sense of security with it. The pill is not for everyone and if you experience any of the side effects mentioned or have a history of any cardiovascular or liver disease, you should ask your doctor for an alternative.

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