If you’re looking for a form of contraception, you might have considered taking the birth control pill. They’re extremely effective, if taken properly, and they’re easy to use. Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN has some information that can help you to decide whether the pill might be right for you.
Birth Control Pills Are a Hormonal Form of Birth Control
It’s important to understand that birth control pills use hormones to function as a contraceptive. Combination birth control pills contain both progestin and estrogen. They work by preventing ovulation and keeping the egg from getting to the uterus, where it might meet up with sperm. Minipills, often also called low-dose pills, only contain progestin and they also prevent the egg from getting to the uterus and possibly making contact with sperm. There are other factors, too, such as whether the pills are monophasic or multiphasic. Monophasic pills contain the same amount of hormone levels in all of the active pills. Multiphasic pills have variations in the hormones in the active pills.
Taking the Pill
There are a few ways that you can take the pill for contraception. The most important factor, no matter what type of pill you take, is that you should take the pill at the same time every day. This form of contraception relies heavily on consistency in order to ensure that it is as effective as possible.
Conventional pill packs offer 21 active pills and seven pills that are basically sugar pills which are taken during the week of your period. These inactive pills are there because not taking a pill at all can make it more difficult to remember to take the active pills, and that can cause the pill to be less effective.
Continuous dose packs of the pill usually contain either an entire package of active pills or, if they’re sold as a three-month supply, 84 active pills and seven inactive pills. This is designed to allow you to skip periods for two out of three months.
Should You Take the Pill?
There are a wealth of factors that answer the question of whether you should take the pill or not. If you’ve just given birth, are older than 35, or have a history of certain medical conditions, your doctor may recommend that you find a different form of birth control. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to determine the right option for you.
Contact Eagle’s Landing OB/GYN in Stockbridge, GA today if you’re looking for a more personalized answer about whether the pill might be right for you. We can take a closer look at all of the factors involved in your situation and help you to find an option that fits your life.
