Female contraceptives work by inducing the user with specific levels of estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation each month. This means that an egg will not be released from the uterus during that month, preventing the chance of conception. Additionally, birth control pills work by thinning the lining of the uterus, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant itself into the uterine walls even after conception.
Female oral contraceptives are known to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy if taken as instructed. This means that most birth controls will fail every 1 out of 100 times. However, assuming they’re not always taken as directed, oral contraceptives are closer to 93% to 97% effective in preventing pregnancy. That said, backup methods of birth control (like condoms, spermicides, and pull-out method) are often recommended in addition to the use of a female oral contraceptive. The pills are not effective in protecting against STDs.
Some of the health benefits of female oral contraceptives include a lighter period with fewer pre-menstrual symptoms. Additionally, monthly periods are much more regular if you use female oral contraceptives because of your regulated and consistent hormone levels. Moreover, there are studies today that show prolonged use of the same oral contraceptive is tied to decreased susceptibility to ovarian and uterine cancer.
It’s important to remember that with unnatural hormones may come side effects. The most common side effects of oral contraceptive birth control pills include nausea, irregular breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, weight gain, mood changes, or headaches. Consult a doctor if side effects get severe, because there are other oral contraceptive options available, and it is important to find the one that is right for you.
At the end of the day, all oral contraceptives are different, and it’s important to find out which is right for you when you’re looking for an effective and consistent birth control method. Talk to your doctor or an expert to find out more, always remember to research your options, and ask questions before making your decision.
Article by Zoey ZoBell
Feature Image Source: The Luxury Spot
