Birth control, also known as contraception, refers to prevention of unwanted pregnancy. It is an integral part of family planning for married couples and a proactive safety measure for unmarried women. Contraception usually becomes an important consideration for a woman following her involvement in an unprotected sexual intercourse because of a contraceptive failure, as in the case of a torn condom, or other reasons.
The existing birth control methods vary from hormonal contraception to the use of physical barriers such as condom or intrauterine device (IUD). Among these methods, hormonal birth control tablets have earned the trust of millions of women worldwide for their safety and reliability. More than 25 hormonal contraceptive pills are now available in the UK market, helping many women make the right choice at the right time.
Regular and emergency contraceptive pills
Hormonal birth control medicines are available in two forms: regular contraceptive pills and emergency contraceptive pills (also known as morning after pills). Regular pills are usually a combined formulation containing synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, two sex hormones that your body produces naturally. However, certain contraceptive pills contain only a single hormone and yet are indicated to be taken on a regular basis for prevention of pregnancy. Cerazette (desogestrel) is a popular medicine belonging to this category.
Emergency contraception, as the term suggests, is indicated to be used only when the need for contraception is urgent. It may so happen that you forget to take your regular contraceptive dose for a couple of days, or you have sex in the weekend when your neighbourhood pharmacies are closed. Under such circumstances, emergency contraceptives (EC) pills are probably your last resort to avoid getting pregnant. These pills are also called 'mini pills' because of their small hormonal content. The most popular pills in this category include ellaOne 30mg and Levonelle 1500.
How to make the right contraceptive choice
Every woman is different, so what may suit one woman may not suit another. Consider the following pros and cons of both types of contraception before making a choice.
Advantages
Regular birth control pills such as Microgynon, Cilest, Yasmin and Cerazette are almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Most of the regular contraceptives are meant to be used for long term and can be helpful for women who have just had a miscarriage or an abortion. Certain regular pills can also give you relief from mood disorders which many women complain about while using contraceptive methods.
Some women suffer from adverse drug reactions to oestrogen. Progesterone-only emergency pills can be very helpful for them. Another benefit of emergency contraceptives is that they work instantly to prevent ovulation. But it is advisable that you consult a doctor to find out which method of contraception caters best to your contraceptive need.
Disadvantages
Despite outstanding efficacy and safety, dual-hormone pills can cause certain adverse side effects, including breast tenderness, nausea, headache, and weight gain. A mini pill, on the other hand, can create irregular bleeding pattern soon after you start taking it. Most hormonal contraception methods are not recommended for women who are already pregnant or nursing.
Whichever form of contraception you choose, make sure it's a prescription drug. It can save you from lots of unnecessary hassles and anxieties.
The existing birth control methods vary from hormonal contraception to the use of physical barriers such as condom or intrauterine device (IUD). Among these methods, hormonal birth control tablets have earned the trust of millions of women worldwide for their safety and reliability. More than 25 hormonal contraceptive pills are now available in the UK market, helping many women make the right choice at the right time.
Regular and emergency contraceptive pills
Hormonal birth control medicines are available in two forms: regular contraceptive pills and emergency contraceptive pills (also known as morning after pills). Regular pills are usually a combined formulation containing synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, two sex hormones that your body produces naturally. However, certain contraceptive pills contain only a single hormone and yet are indicated to be taken on a regular basis for prevention of pregnancy. Cerazette (desogestrel) is a popular medicine belonging to this category.
Emergency contraception, as the term suggests, is indicated to be used only when the need for contraception is urgent. It may so happen that you forget to take your regular contraceptive dose for a couple of days, or you have sex in the weekend when your neighbourhood pharmacies are closed. Under such circumstances, emergency contraceptives (EC) pills are probably your last resort to avoid getting pregnant. These pills are also called 'mini pills' because of their small hormonal content. The most popular pills in this category include ellaOne 30mg and Levonelle 1500.
How to make the right contraceptive choice
Every woman is different, so what may suit one woman may not suit another. Consider the following pros and cons of both types of contraception before making a choice.
Advantages
Regular birth control pills such as Microgynon, Cilest, Yasmin and Cerazette are almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Most of the regular contraceptives are meant to be used for long term and can be helpful for women who have just had a miscarriage or an abortion. Certain regular pills can also give you relief from mood disorders which many women complain about while using contraceptive methods.
Some women suffer from adverse drug reactions to oestrogen. Progesterone-only emergency pills can be very helpful for them. Another benefit of emergency contraceptives is that they work instantly to prevent ovulation. But it is advisable that you consult a doctor to find out which method of contraception caters best to your contraceptive need.
Disadvantages
Despite outstanding efficacy and safety, dual-hormone pills can cause certain adverse side effects, including breast tenderness, nausea, headache, and weight gain. A mini pill, on the other hand, can create irregular bleeding pattern soon after you start taking it. Most hormonal contraception methods are not recommended for women who are already pregnant or nursing.
Whichever form of contraception you choose, make sure it's a prescription drug. It can save you from lots of unnecessary hassles and anxieties.
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