Using Contraceptive Pills
November 12, 2009
Contraceptive Pills contain synthetic hormones progesterone and estrogen, the same hormones that are produced by the ovaries and which govern the reproductive cycle in females.
There are several types of contraceptive pills available in the market that one may choose from but it should not be used as the only method of birth control. It is most likely that the pills may not function for first 7 days when you start taking them and so it becomes important that alternatives like condoms or diaphragms are used in addition to the pills.
There are many ways one can start using the pills. You may either choose to start them on the day your period starts, or after five days (from when your periods start).
If you are using a pack which contains pills for 21 days then once the pack finishes wait for one week and then start the next pack. In case of a pack that contains 28 pills do not discontinue even for a single day.
Which ever pack you choose, make sure you do not miss your pill any day. For this, make habit of consuming the pill with a daily activity that you do, like at breakfast, evening tea, etc.
Side Effects
Most of the side effects have known to disappear by 3 to 4 months of using the pills. This includes spotting in between the menstrual cycle. This is normal for a month but should not continue.
Some women report nausea, vomiting and frequent headaches. For such women, a pill with lesser amount of estrogen can be prescribed. It is common to experience mood swings with use of contraceptive pills. These can be ignored as long as they do not interfere with lifestyle too much.
Changes in weight are another common side effect. Bloating due to increased appetite and breast tenderness may make you feel uneasy.
Rare side effects include unbearable pain in the thigh or calf, persistent headaches, trouble in breathing, weakness, numbness, irritated mood and abdominal pain. If any of these occur then consult your doctor immediately.
Most of the side effects can be minimized by regular exercises and making some healthy changes in diet.
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