Birth Control Pills Effectiveness

There are different ways to prevent pregnancy in women and one of them is the use of birth control pills. Many doctors say that this is one of the most reliable methods for birth control. Also known as an oral contraceptive, a birth control pill offers convenience and does not have potential side effects. However, those planning to have a baby need to stop taking birth control pills.

Generally, a pack of this oral contraceptive contains 28 pills. There are basically 2 types of birth control pills, one contains 2 synthetic hormones (progestin and estrogen) while the other contains only estrogen. There are more than 30 brands of birth control pills one can choose from. The main difference between each of these brands is the amount of hormones contained in them. There are some pills that help to keep the person away pregnancy after having unprotected vaginal intercourse. These are called emergency contraception pills (ECP), also referred as "morning after pill". ECPs are not designed to be used regularly as they contain higher amount of progestin than the standard birth control pills. Although birth control pills have been effective to curb pregnancy, their usage does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS.

Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
Proper dosage can help to reap benefits of this medication without causing any side effects. The most common side effect associated with the use of birth control pills is headaches. Blood clots have been reported in a small percentage of women. Other side effects include change in weight and nausea. In case you face any medical problems while taking the pills, immediately contact your doctor.

Birth Control Pills Effectiveness
Effectiveness of birth control pills! Are these pills really effective to prevent pregnancy? Many pharmaceutical companies making birth control pills claim that the medication is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, this is not true as studies have proven that the actual effectiveness of the pill is much lower. Not following the usage instruction correctly can reduce its effectiveness to a great extent. Birth control pills need to be taken as prescribed to avoid any side effects.

Medications and Birth Control Pills
Use of antibiotics along with birth control pills is generally not recommended. This is because certain antibiotics can restrict the ability of the birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. For instance, the antibiotic rifampin, commonly prescribed for tuberculosis patients can significantly impair the effectiveness of these contraceptives. Even antibiotics like penicillin and tetracycline derivatives may lessen the effect. Birth control pills will work best if the person is not taking any other medicines. St. John's Wort, a herb commonly used for the treatment of nerve pain can also decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. Ephedrine is another medication that can affect the way the body responds to birth control pills. Ladies having smoking habits should also not take pills normally prescribed for non-smokers.

Other Factors that Decrease Birth Control Pills Effectiveness
Birth control pills are also not very effective if the person is suffering from certain medical conditions. For instance, diarrhea and vomiting are known to hamper effectiveness of birth control pills. Women who are inconsistent at using these pills can also contribute in reducing the effectiveness of these contraceptives. These pills do not work effectively if they are not taken on a regular basis. Forgetting or skipping the medicine at times will not provide enough protection against pregnancy. Studies suggest that you need to take the these pills everyday and at the same time for maximum effectiveness. Taking it 3 to 4 hours late has shown the effectiveness rate to drop to 95%.

Birth control pills effectiveness can be more than 99% when they are used correctly. Women can start taking these pills once they are prescribed. Remember, skipping these pills can make them less effective.