More Than a Pill

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You may have used or currently use the pill as a birth control method. Your doctor might have given you some general recommendations for its proper use. However, you may not know how the pill actually prevents pregnancy or its other potential side effects.

Most birth control pills are a combination of synthetic hormones (progestin and estrogen). There is also the mini pill that only contains progestin but tends to be less popular. The pill was approved by the American Federal Drug Administration in 1960 and was legalized in Canada in 1969. More than 100 million women worldwide use this method of birth control, making it a very popular one.

The pill prevents pregnancy primarily by stopping the natural menstrual cycle. The synthetic progestin and estrogen mimic the higher than normal hormones found in a woman when she is pregnant. The body believes that conception has taken place and stops releasing eggs.

Also, the pill reduces the amount of mucus at the entrance of the cervix and thickens it. In these conditions, the sperm is unable to pass through the cervix to get to the uterus. Thirdly, the progestin hormone thins the lining of the uterus, so that even if an egg was fertilized, it cannot implant itself in the uterus.

The concentration of progestin (i.e. 0.1 mg) is higher than the estrogen (i.e. 0.02 mg) in the pill. The estrogen was added to minimize unwanted bleeding between periods. Also, there are pills that have the same relative concentration of progestin and estrogen for each day of the menstrual cycle (monophasic), while others change the concentration of these synthetic hormones to mimic the natural menstrual cycle (bi and tri-phasic). Based on the latest research, the monophasic pill seems to be more effective in controlling undesirable blood spotting between periods.

It is recommended the pill be taken every day at the same time. However, you have about a 12-hour window if you forget. Most birth control pills come in a 28-day cycle: 21 days of pills and 1 week of no pills or sugar pills. You are protected from pregnancy even during that week off. The pill is 99.7% effective if used perfectly. The actual use of the pill brings its’ effectiveness down to the 92-98% range.

The pill is popular because of its convenience, relatively low price ($15-$50/month), and the ease with which women can regain their fertility. Some of its positive side effects are a decrease in acne, reduction of risks of ovarian and endometrial cancer, reduction of menstrual flow, a decrease in menstrual cramps, and mood swings.

However, the pill can have negative side effects such as high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, breast cancer, the elevation of blood cholesterol, breast tenderness, weight gain, increase vaginal secretions, depression, and lower libido. The pill is not for women who are: 35 years old and smoke, obese, had breast cancer, or have a history of cardiovascular diseases or high cholesterol.

The pill has revolutionized how women control their fertility. It gave us the opportunity to decide when and with whom we want to conceive. Keep in mind that with all its positive aspects, there are serious side effects that make it more than just “a pill”.

Literary Truths

Here are some of the concerns expressed by health care professionals regarding the use of the birth control pill:

• Disruption of the natural menstrual cycle: the synthetic hormones found in the pill shut down the ovulation process. The blood flows every 28 days is a forced bleed, not a normal shedding of the uterine lining.

• Risk of cancer: the synthetic estrogen and progestin in the pill are not the same as found in women’s bodies. This leads to an increased risk of breast and cervical cancers.

• Depletion of nutrients: the pill can deplete a woman’s body of vitamin B6, Folic Acid, B12, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Tyrosine, and essential fatty acids.

• Increased susceptibility to STI’s: synthetic progestin thins the lining of the uterus, making women more vulnerable to contracting sexually transmitted infections (i.e., AIDS).

• Weight gain: higher dosages of the pill can increase water retention and make it more difficult for women to gain muscle mass.

• Risk of depression: women who are already depressed and are taking only the synthetic progestin can become more depressed. The pill may cause a decrease of serotonin (a “feel good” brain neurotransmitter).

• Lowered libido: the pill makes the body believe that it is continually pregnant. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, women tend to have a lower sex drive, and a higher estrogen level compared to testosterone.

• Candida (yeast) infections: the pill can act like an antibiotic and destroy the good bacteria in your GI tract. Yeast that is already present in your body can then grow out of control.

Truth in Motion

References

Birth Control Pill

Contraceptive Safety

Is The Pill Playing Havoc on Your Mental Health?

Japanese Women Shun The Pill

Scientist Develop Male Birth Control Pill

Scientist Have Developed a Birth Control Pill For Men

Summary Table of Contraceptive Efficacy