Contraceptive Pill: Types, Price, Side Effects, Effectiveness, Advantages

Have you ever wondered which is the best way to take control of your reproductive health? In a world with so many birth control options, it can be a task to find the right one for you. Contraceptive pills offer a convenient and effective solution for many women. But what exactly are these pills, how do they work, and what should you know before choosing them? This blog will answer all your questions about contraceptive pills—from their types and prices to their side effects and effectiveness.

What Are Contraceptive Pills?

Contraceptive pills, commonly known as birth control pills, are medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. These pills contain hormones that regulate a woman’s reproductive system to inhibit ovulation and alter the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

Different Types Of Contraceptive Pills

Choosing amongst different types of contraceptive pills can be difficult, but understanding each type helps in making an informed decision.

Combination Pills: These contain both estrogen and progestin. They are the most common type and work by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-Pills): Progestin-only pills are less effective than combination pills, with a 9 in 100 chance of pregnancy with typical use. These primarily work by thickening cervical mucus and sometimes by inhibiting ovulation.
Extended-Cycle Pills: These allow you to have fewer periods each year by providing active hormones for a longer duration. They are designed to mimic the natural hormonal changes that occur during a menstrual cycle, but with a reduced frequency of periods.
Low-Dose Pills: These contain lower amounts of hormones and are suitable for women sensitive to higher doses of estrogen.
High-Dose Pills: These are prescribed for specific medical conditions for women who do not respond well to lower doses.

How Do Contraceptive Pills Work

The mechanism behind contraceptive pills is fascinating and complex. They primarily work through three main functions:

Preventing Ovulation: The hormones in the pill stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
Thickening Cervical Mucus: This makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
Altering the Uterine Lining: This makes it less likely for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Who Can Take Contraceptive Pills

Contraceptive pills are suitable for many women, but certain health conditions may require consultation with a healthcare provider. Generally, women who are in good health, not pregnant, and do not have certain medical conditions can take contraceptive pills. It’s crucial to discuss your health history with your doctor to determine the best option for you.

Contraceptive Pills Price in India

The cost of contraceptive pills in India varies widely depending on the brand and type. Usually, the contraceptive pill prices in India are pretty affordable. Although, for precise pricing, it’s best to check with local pharmacies or healthcare providers. If you need specific pricing or more information, don’t hesitate to contact us at Suvida for assistance.

Advantages Of Contraceptive Pills

Birth control pills offer other benefits beyond just preventing pregnancy:

Highly effective when taken correctly
Regulate menstrual cycles
Reduce menstrual cramps
Lower the risk of ovarian cysts
Improve acne

Related Blog: Top 10 Benefits of Birth Control Pills

Side Effects Of Oral Contraceptive Pills

While contraceptive pills are generally safe, they can cause side effects in some women. Common side effects of birth control pills include nausea, weight gain, mood changes, and breast tenderness. Most side effects are mild and often resolve after a few months of use. If you experience severe side effects, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

When Should One Start Taking Contraceptive Pills

Contraceptive pills should be taken at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness. Starting the pill pack can vary; some women start on the first day of their period, or it can be started within the first 5 days of their period. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best start day for you.

How Effective Are Contraceptive Birth Control Pills

When taken correctly, contraceptive pills are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they use the pill as directed. It’s essential to take the pill at the same time every day and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

How Is The Birth Control Pill Taken?

Birth control pills are taken regularly, usually at the same time each day. The typical pill pack contains 21 active pills with hormones and 7 inactive pills without hormones, which you take during your period. Some packs may have 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills or other variations.

Precautions To Take While Taking Oral Contraceptive Pill

While taking contraceptive pills, consider the following precautions:

Avoid smoking, especially if you are over 35.
Inform your doctor about any other active medications.
Watch out for any unusual symptoms and consult your doctor if they occur.
Maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
Use additional protection if you miss a pill.

Is The Emergency Pill Same As The Regular Contraceptive Pill?

Emergency contraceptive pills, often called the “morning-after pill,” are not the same as regular contraceptive pills. They are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Regular contraceptive pills are taken daily, while emergency pills are taken only as needed and should not be used as a regular form of birth control.

How Safe Are Regular Contraceptive Pills?

Regular contraceptive pills are considered safe for most women. However, they may not be suitable for women with certain health conditions, such as a history of blood clots, breast cancer, or severe migraine. It’s important to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about your health history before starting the pill.

Which Contraceptive Pill Is Most Used?

Combination pills are the most commonly used type of contraceptive pills. They are preferred for their effectiveness and the additional benefits they provide, such as menstrual regulation and managing PCOS.

Is The Contraceptive Pill A Safe Method For Birth Control?

Yes, contraceptive pills are a safe and effective method of birth control for most women. They offer the added benefits of regulating menstrual cycles, reducing menstrual cramps, and lowering the risk of certain cancers. Oral contraceptive pills may protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Which Is More Effective: Oral Contraceptive Pills, Injections, or Patches?

Method	Effectiveness	Usage
Oral Contraceptive Pills	Over 99%	Taken daily
Hormone Injections	Over 99%	Every three months
Transdermal Patches	Over 99%	Changed weekly

Oral Contraceptive Pills:

These are taken daily and are over 99% effective when used correctly. They offer the flexibility of stopping and starting easily, but missing a dose can reduce effectiveness.

Pros:

Regulate menstrual cycles
Reduce menstrual cramps
Can improve acne

Cons:

Must be taken regularly at the same time
Can cause side effects like nausea and mood changes

Hormonal Injections:

Administered every three months, injections are a convenient option for those who prefer not to take a daily pill. They are highly effective but require a healthcare visit for each dose.

Pros:

Only need to remember every three months
Highly effective
Can reduce menstrual bleeding and pain

Cons:

Requires a visit to a healthcare provider for each injection
Potential for delayed return to fertility after stopping

Transdermal Patches:

These are applied to the skin and changed weekly. They deliver a steady dose of hormones and are as effective as the pill and injections when used correctly.

Pros:

Easy to use with weekly application
Regulate menstrual cycles
Can be worn discreetly under clothing

Cons:

May cause skin irritation at the application site
Less effective if the patch falls off and isn’t replaced promptly

Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle and health needs. For instance, if you prefer not to remember a daily pill, injections or patches might be a better fit. Conversely, if you prefer easy discontinuation, oral contraceptive pills offer that flexibility.

Contraceptive Pills FAQ

What If One Forgets To Take A Birth Control Pill?
If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one, follow the instructions on your pill pack and use backup contraception.
Does The Contraceptive Pill 100% Prevent Pregnancy?
No method is 100% effective, but contraceptive pills are over 99% effective when taken correctly.
Do Contraceptive Pills Delay Periods?
Some contraceptive pills may delay periods, especially extended-cycle pills designed for fewer menstrual cycles.
Do Birth Control Pills Cause Weight Gain?
Some women may experience weight gain due to fluid retention, but this side effect is not common for all.

Conclusion

Contraceptive pills are a highly effective and convenient option for family planning and pregnancy prevention. They come in various types, including combination, progestin-only, extended-cycle, low-dose, and high-dose, catering to different needs and preferences. The effects of contraceptive pills are regulating menstrual cycles and reducing menstrual cramps, though some side effects like nausea and mood changes can occur. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to find the safe contraceptive pills in India that best suit your health profile.

At Suvida, we are dedicated to providing accessible and reliable over the counter contraceptive pills. As a flagship brand of Eskag Pharma Pvt. Ltd., we ensure our products meet the highest safety and efficacy standards. Whether you are looking for regular contraceptive pills or pregnancy pills, Suvida offers a wide range of options to support your reproductive health.