What is the Birth Control Pill?

Before talking about the birth control pill, which is a very important tool for family planning today, it is necessary to talk about the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is a physiological event that affects women's bodies and lives. The menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days. During this period, the balance of the hormonal system is very important. Ovulation begins in the first 14 days of the menstrual cycle. With the start of this process, the inner surface of the uterus thickens again.

In the next 14 days, the uterine wall prepares for fertilization. The role of progesterone and estrogen hormones is very important for this process to be regular. If the person does not start pregnancy after 28 days, the body automatically reduces the amount of progesterone. Thus, the menstruation, which we know as menstrual bleeding, takes place. This cycle, which goes on smoothly for most women, is problematic for some women. In such cases, birth control pills are used to restore the balance of hormones. Birth control pills also prevent ovarian production and thus prevent pregnancy.

How to use the birth control pill?

Birth control pills, which should be used regularly, decrease their effectiveness if they are used irregularly. For this reason, in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies, the pills should be used in the amount recommended by the doctor and, if possible, at the same time. If you do not use the pill on time, the contraceptive rate of the pill will decrease. Therefore, you should not delay using the pills.

You should not unconsciously start birth control pills on your own. You should definitely consult a doctor about this. Birth control pills contain 21 pills. The pill should be started on the first or second day of menstruation. After you start using the pill, you must use it regularly for 21 days. After your pills are finished, you stop using the pills for 7 days. Meanwhile, the person experiences a menstrual period. After this 7-day break, it is continued to be used with new pills.

Some medicine boxes contain 28 pills. There is no 7-day rest break in the use of this birth control pill. In other words, the person using the pill continues to drink the pill for 28 days. You need to be careful while using this pill.

Who Are Birth Control Pills Not Suitable For?

Using birth control pills is not suitable for everyone. A doctor should be consulted before starting to use it. People who are not suitable to use birth control pills are as follows;

• People with stones in the gallbladder and people with migraine
• People with advanced diabetes
• People over 35 years old and smokers
• Persons aged 35 and over who have recently quit smoking (1 year)
• High blood pressure patients
• People who have just given birth and are breastfeeding their baby
• Cancer patients
• People using antibiotics and epilepsy drugs
• People who have had a previous stroke or partial paralysis
• People with heart disease
• Pregnant women

Advantages of Using Birth Control Pill

The advantages of birth control pills used in regulating hormonal balances and preventing pregnancy are as follows;

• Helps relieve pain for those who have painful menstrual periods
• It minimizes the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• Some women experience heavy bleeding during their menstrual period. Bleeding is stabilized with birth control pills.
• After stopping birth control pills, reproductive functions return to their original state after a while. If the person wants to become pregnant, they can stop using the pills.
• It is thought to reduce uterine cancer.
• It is used to set the menstrual date earlier or later than normal. However, it should be done under the supervision of a doctor.
• It helps to reduce the stress and tension experienced before menstruation.
• It is used in the treatment of functional ovarian cysts periodically.
• It is used for the treatment of endometriosis disease.