Pill 08

What is a pill?

The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP), also known as the birth-control pill, or simply "the Pill", is a combination of an estrogen (oestrogen) and a progestin (progestogen), taken by mouth to inhibit normal female fertility. This method of contraception is trusted and largely used by women in the world.

The birth control pill is a daily pill that contains hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body's organs. In this case, the hormones in the Pill control the ovaries and the uterus.

It contains two synthetic female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the monthly release of the egg from the ovaries. Oral contraceptives are almost 100% effective when taken correctly. The mini-pill contains only one hormone, progesterone, and has an efficacy rate of 97%.

This method of contraception is currently used by more than 100 million women worldwide. Its use varies widely by country, age, education, and marital status: one quarter of women aged 16–49 in Great Britain currently use the Pill, compared to only 1% of women in Japan.

Why use contraception?

Contraception is necessary if you wish to avoid an unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

How does the pill function?

Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation. The pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.

Advantages?

-A regular bleed with reduced blood loss

-Acne often improves

-Improvement or absence of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) which can cause uncomfortable symptoms and mood changes in the days before the period starts.

Disadvantages?

-Tender breasts, nausea (feeling sick) and breakthrough bleeding mainly in the first few months of taking the Pill

-The Pill may cause some weight gain, mood changes or loss of libido in some women

-Rare health problems

References

http://www.thewomens.org.au/ThePill http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/contraceptivepills.htm

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