Birth control pills are also referred to as oral contraceptives. They are one of the most commonly used methods of birth control among women. In spite of their popularity many women still wonder about the effectiveness of birth control pills. If used correctly, they can prove to be effective in preventing pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives

Birth control pills are often recommended as a tool of family planning and for preventing unplanned pregnancies. Women who plan on using this method of contraception must first educate themselves on how the pills work and how effective they are. It also helps to know how soon the pills take effect. The effectiveness of birth control pills is largely dependent on the manner in which they are consumed and the type of pills they are. There are many different types of birth control pills such as emergency pills, progestin-only pills and combination pills. Emergency pills, as the name suggests, should be used only for emergencies as taking them regularly can adversely affect the health. Progestin-only pills are considered to be less effective than combination pills.

Combination pills contain estrogen and progesterone, the female hormones. They are known to be the most effective type of birth control pills. Progestin-only pills are known to have many side effects. They can be taken by women affected with estrogen-related disorders. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor regarding the intake of birth control pills. The effects of birth control pills are usually displayed after a month or so, in addition to which there are also long term effects. In case of emergency pills, the effect occurs only if they are taken within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. Combination and progestin-only pills take about a day to take effect. But these have to be taken daily. If a pill is missed on one day, then two pills may have to be taken the next day. If one fails to do so, the effectiveness may be reduced. Regular intake of these pills will enable the regulation of estrogen and progesterone levels in the body.

There certain side effects of birth control pills, as with any hormonal medication that interferes with normal hormonal levels. However, they are safe for women who are in good health and who do not smoke and the pills that are available today are also much safer. Caution would still be advised however. Some of the more immediate side effects of birth control pills include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, Headache, dizziness, mood swings, tenderness of the breasts, abdominal pain, weight gain and menstrual irregularities. The symptoms usually subside after regular use of the pill is discontinued.