Birth Control Pills

There are a lot of birth control pills that are available in the market nowadays. They have different compositions when it comes to the types of hormones used. However, they have the same purpose which is to inhibit the ovulation process in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

The three types of pills are:

1. Progestin-Only Pills (POP)

Progestin-only pills, or the mini-pills, are pills that don't contain estrogen. These pills are ideal for women who are breastfeeding because estrogen can reduce the production of milk. These pills prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm cells from entering the uterus by thickening the cervical mucus.

Advantages of Progestin-Only Pills:

* Decreases menstrual pain and cramps
* Decreases blood loss from menstruation
* Can be used by breastfeeding mothers

Disadvantage of Progestin-Only Birth Control Pills:

* Can cause breakthrough bleeding, spotting or irregular bleeding patterns
* Must be taken everyday and at the same time
* No protection against sexually transmitted diseases
* Slightly less effective compared to combination birth control pills
* Possible side effects include headaches, abdominal pain, and amenorrhea

2. Combination Pills

Most of the types of birth control pills sold over-the-counter are combination pills. These oral contraceptives contain both the hormones estrogen and progestin.

Classifications of combination pills are the following:

* Monophasic Pills. The 21 active pills contain similar amounts of estrogen and progestin. The remaining 7 pills, which are to be taken during menstruation period, are placebos and don't contain any hormones.

* Multipashic Pills. These pills are also known as multiphasic, triphasic and biphasic pills. They contain different amounts of the hormones estrogen and progestin.

* Continuous Use Pill. These pills are designed to be taken continuously without any breaks. Women taking these pills will not have their monthly menstrual period.

Advantages of Combination Birth Control Pills:

* Reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
* Prevents ectopic pregnancy
* Decreases menstrual pain, cramps and blood loss
* Improves the symptoms of endometriosis, acne, hirsutism and rheumatoid arthritis
* Has beneficial effects on cholesterol (LDL and HDL)
* Menstrual cycles becomes regular
* Premenstrual symptoms lessens
* Reduces bone density loss
* Decreases ovarian cysts, breast cysts and benign breast disease
* Reduces both physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Disadvantages of Combination Birth Control Pills:

* May lead to a drop in blood pressure levels
* May cause blood clots
* May contribute to benign liver tumors and gallstones
* Could cause spotting, headaches, nausea, and vomiting
* Possible side effects include increased breast size, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding and weight gain/loss.

3. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP)

These pills are designed to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sexual intercourse. The pills contain progestin levonorgestrel.

Advantages of the Emergency Contraception Pill

* Can be used in cases of emergency such as missed oral contraceptives, condom breakage, forced sex or late contraceptive injections
* Decreases the chances of unintentional pregnancy

Disadvantages of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

* Timing may be difficult for some
* Possible side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain and lighter/heavier menstrual bleeding.

Before deciding which of the types of birth control pills to take, always ask for an advice from your health care professional as to which birth control options are the right ones for you.