New Delhi: Hormonal contraceptives when properly used can be most effective in spacing methods, and 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. More than 65% of women use this method to avoid pregnancy today.
The pill is given orally generally for 21 consecutive days on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle followed by a break of 7 days during which periods occur.
These pills are available in different brands and pricing at present and are generally available on a valid prescription only.
Adverse effects
- Based on some studies conducted all over the world. Women who consumed these pills have 40% higher death chances because of Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) than women who never opted for this method.
- Weight Gains
- Liver Disorder
- Effect on Foetal Development
- Migraine
- Headache
- Effect on Lactation
- Effect on Fertility
- Breast soreness
Pros
- Some teenage girls complain of PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome (irregular periods, unwanted hair, and acne). Taking these pills can balance the hormones.
- Relieve in Polycystic ovary syndrome- This is the condition when the uterus grows out of it causing painful menstrual cramps. In Polycystic ovary syndrome taking pills will not stop the lines to grow but it will work as a pain killer, which can help one to manage the pain.
- Regular Periods
- These pills are helpful in managing mood, stress, and Anemia by balancing the level of hormones.
- Progestogen-Only Pill – This pill is also known as a mini pill or POP pill. This is the synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, these pills make it harder for sperm to reach
Egg. Some Progestogen-only pills contain desogestrel which prevents ovulation. This means no egg is fertilized.
Pros– It can be taken while breastfeeding,
- Women who had a miscarriage or abortion can also take it
- Women over the age of 35 can also take it
Cons– Time boundation
- People with strokes and heart attacks are not advised to use it.
- During the initial stages, a person may face irregular bleeding and headaches.
Centchroman (Ormeloxifene) : Ormeloxifene is one of the selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM method.It is taken once a week. The exact mechanism is not.
It has a failure rate of 1or 2% out of 100.
Pros: Non-Hormonal
· Easy to use (once a week)
· Safe for breastfeeding mothers
Cons: Absent Menses
Scanty bleeding during menses
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) – Emergency Contraceptive Pills are the way to protect against unwanted sex and pregnancy. This pill is consumed up to 120 hours (5 days) of having unprotected sex.
Pros: Can be used in emergency
· Only a single dose is enough
Cons: Nausea
· Vomiting
· Higher chances of failure compared to others.
Intrauterine devices: T-shaped plastic which is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. This is a reversible process.
Pros: Cost-Effective
· Last usually till 3 to 12 years, depending upon the type.
· Convenient
Cons: Rarely found
· Insertion can be painful
· Don’t protect from STI
· Transdermal Patches: You wear patches on certain parts of the body and release hormones through the skin.
Cons: Skin Reaction
Pros: It can be applied on the lower or upper abdomen excluding the breast.
*Barrier methods: They include a condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, and contraceptive sponge
Pros: Prevents STIS
- Safe
Cons– Not easily available
· Female sterilization or Tubal ligation: This is a female surgical method that permanently blocks eggs to meet sperm.
Pros– Does not affect sex drive and hormone levels.
Cons– Cannot be reversed if the surgery goes wrong.
- Does not protect from STIs