Birth Control Pills and Pregnancy

Taking birth control pills is the best and the most efficient way of contraception and it is easy to use. Birth control pills are oral contraceptives for women that curb the natural functioning of the hormones and prevent pregnancy.

Birth Control Pills
Hormones in the female body play an important role in controlling the release of the egg from the ovary and also prepare the body to receive the fertilized egg. Birth control pills contain certain hormones that prevent pregnancy. Apart from birth control, they are also prescribed for women who have menstruation problems, like an irregular menstrual cycle. Taking a birth control pill on a daily basis leads to a more regular and normal menstrual cycle. Birth control pills are also used to alter the date of periods. Birth control pills are of two types, the ones containing one hormone (progesterone), known as mini-pills; and the ones with two hormones (estrogen and progesterone), known as combination pills.

How Do Birth Control Pills Work?
Combination birth control pills are available in packs of 21 pills or 28 pills. They have to be taken daily for 21 days. The pack with 28 pills contains 21 active pills and 7 placebos. They are meant for women to maintain the habit of taking a pill everyday. The period occurs during the last seven days when the woman stops taking birth control pills. Combination birth control pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation. Ovulation is the process of the releasing of the egg from ovaries. When there is no ovulation, there is no release of the egg and hence, pregnancy cannot occur.

Birth control pills containing one hormone, known as Mini-pills, work in a different way by thickening the cervical mucous and thus, preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. A mini-pill has to be taken everyday and it can also lead to completely stopping of periods for months. Although a mini-pill has a 95% efficacy, it is less effective than other birth control pills.

There are also some birth control pills that change the natural cycle of monthly periods. When this pill is taken, a woman has a period after every 3 months, instead of the regular monthly period. These pills are to be taken for 84 consecutive days; while inactive pills are to be taken for the last seven days in order to have periods.

Birth Control Pills and Pregnancy
Birth control pills are effective if they are taken daily, regardless whether the woman has an intercourse on that day or not. It also needs to be taken at the same time regularly, without any interruption. Even if a single dose of the pill is skipped, there is an increased chance of pregnancy. One must also remember that though birth control pills are effective, there may also be other factors that may result in accidental pregnancy. Using contraceptives like condoms, is also equally important. One must also keep in mind that taking birth control pills does not prevent transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs); using a condom is the only way to avoid STDs.

Birth control pills have to be taken only with the consent of your doctor. The doctor will also advise you on the suitable time for you to start taking birth control pills. It is also advisable to consult your doctor if you skip the daily dose of the pills for more than 2 days. It is recommended for women to discontinue taking birth control pills if they suspect a pregnancy. Birth control pills are also not meant for women suspecting cancer; women with a history of heart disease, blood clots or vaginal bleeding.

Birth Control Pills Side Effects
Many women or young girls are unaware of the possible side-effects of a birth control pill. The prominent side-effects of these pills are nausea, giddiness, weight gain, irregular menstrual bleeding, blood clots, depression and headaches. Discomfort or pain is experienced by women in the initial days of using birth control pills. This is not serious and changing the brand can be helpful. But they need to consult the doctor first. Women who wish to become pregnant should immediately stop using birth control pills.

Emergency contraceptive pills are pills to be taken after intercourse, within the first 24-48 hours, to prevent pregnancy. Taking pills is one of the most effective methods of birth control, but one needs to be aware and have a thorough knowledge about birth control pills and pregnancy.