Type

Among the many contraceptive options, one of the most popular contraceptives is the birth control pill. However, you may still feel confused when choosing birth control pills, because there are several types of birth control pills available. Then, what are the types of birth control pills and how are they different? Which birth control pill is most suitable for you?

What types of birth control pills can you choose?

According to an article published in Planned Parenthood, the birth control pill is an effective contraceptive, with an effectiveness level of up to 99.9% for preventing pregnancy. However, when you are about to use it, you should not arbitrarily choose birth control pills. Although all have the same function, each has a different way of working. The following is the complete information.

1. Combination pill

As the name suggests, this type of birth control pill is a combination of various artificial hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. The combination pill makes the ovaries release their eggs, but stimulates the cervix (cervix) to thicken and surround the uterus. This condition prevents sperm from meeting the egg.

Usually, in combination pills, there are two types of pills, namely the active pill which contains the artificial hormone and the inactive pill which does not contain the hormone. Therefore, based on the dosage and frequency of menstruation, there are two types of combination pills, namely:

Monophasic pills

In this type of birth control pill, the pill is used on a one-month cycle and each active pill contains the same dose of hormones.

In the last week of your cycle, you have recently taken an inactive or hormone-free pill. At that time, you will also have your period.

Multiphasic pills

Meanwhile, on this type of birth control pill, you will use it on a one-month cycle. However, each tablet has a different dose of hormones.

However, the same is the case with monophasic pill, You will also take inactive or non-hormone pills in them. Not only that, you will also experience your period in the last week of using this type of birth control pill.

Extended-cycle pills

Slightly different from the two previous types of birth control pills, this type is used for 13 weeks, or it can be called a 13 week cycle. You will be taking active birth control pills for the first 12 weeks. After that, you took the inactive birth control pill in the last week. As a result, you will experience menstruation only three to four times a year.

Apart from preventing pregnancy, the use of these pills is also good for relieving the symptoms of stomach cramps and headaches that often strike during menstruation.

In some cases, combination pills are used to relieve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Combination pills containing less than 50 micrograms of artificial estrogen are known as low-dose pills. Women who are sensitive to artificial hormones can use this combination pill.

2.Progesterone pills (mini pills)

If the previous type of birth control pill contained estrogen and progesterone, then the mini pill contained only the hormone progesterone. In addition, the progesterone dose in this type of birth control pill also tends to be less than the combination pill.

Mini pills work by thickening the mucus around the cervix, so that sperm cannot get inside. In addition, this pill also thins the uterus, so that the egg cannot stick to the uterine wall. Mini pills also suppress or reduce ovulation or egg production, but not consistently.

These pills that only contain progesterone are considered lighter and these birth control pills are good for breastfeeding mothers. Not only that, your reproductive condition will quickly return to normal shortly after stopping drug use, no need to wait long.

Which type of birth control pill to choose?

Not all types of birth control pills are suitable for every woman. Therefore, you should consult your doctor to determine what birth control pills you are using. Of course this is adjusted to your conditions. Other considerations to watch out for when choosing birth control pills are:

Symptoms that often appear during menstruation.
Are breastfeeding or not.
Heart health conditions.
History of high blood pressure.
History of stroke and migraine.
Various drinking drugs that are being consumed.

Every drug you take must have side effects, including this birth control pill. So, you should ask your doctor and first know the side effects that will arise when you use this drug.

Tips for consistently taking birth control pills every day

Taking different types of birth control pills may or may have great potential in helping you prevent pregnancy. It's just that you have to make sure that you are using it properly.

Unfortunately, there are many factors that can potentially make you wrong when taking birth control pills. For example, forgetting to take birth control pills, missing pills, or not updating your doctor's prescription immediately after the pill runs out. These things have the potential to make the pills you are using not work properly.

Therefore, if you want to use any type of birth control pill as your contraceptive, make sure that you are ready to commit to taking birth control pills every day. There are some tips that you can choose to avoid various possible mistakes in using these pills.

Use an app or an alarm that can help you remember when to take these birth control pills.
Put the pack of birth control pills where you can see them every day, so that it is easier for you to remember when to take these pills.
If you travel a lot, or even travel every day, make sure that the pills are in your bag so you don't get left behind.
If you have friends or family members who also use birth control pills as a contraceptive, ask them to remind each other to take birth control pills with you so they don't forget.
Ask your partner for help to take these birth control pills.

From the various tips above, choose the one that you think is the most likely and easiest for you to live. In addition, you can also use a condom as a backup contraceptive every time you have sex with a partner. This may increase your chances of not becoming pregnant by 100 percent.

Not only that, using condoms can also help you avoid sexually transmitted diseases, one of the advantages of a condom that birth control pills don't have.

If the information regarding the types of birth control pills mentioned above is still unclear and you still need more information, please contact your doctor or health practitioner.