Types of Contraceptive Pills in Kenya: How to use, their effectiveness, side effects, pros and cons
What are contraceptive pills?
Contraceptive pill or birth control pill, is one of most
ancient birth control method. It was invented back in 1960 and its demand has
never diminished to date.
Contraceptive pill remains one of the most widely used birth
control by woman here in Kenya. This is largely because, compared to other
birth control methods in Kenya, it is easy to use, safe and very effective.
The pill is hormone based and is taken orally.
How contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy
Like I mentioned, the pills are hormone- based. They
therefore work by releasing hormones which inhibit the different biological
processes that may lead to pregnancy, for example ovulation.
The contraceptive pill works in different ways;
- Prevents ovulation i.e. inhibits the ability of an ovary to release an egg each month.
- Prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. This is done by thickening the mucus membrane which makes it difficult for the sperm o penetrate the membrane and reach the egg. Note that the mucus, which is found around your cervix, is the fluid that helps the sperm swim to the egg. Thickened mucus will therefore make it hard for the sperm to reach the egg.
- Thinning the endometrium. The endometrium is that part of your uterus where the egg will implant after fertilization by the sperm. Thinning the endometrium will make it difficult for an egg to implant, therefore preventing pregnancy.
Types of birth control pills
There are two main types of contraceptive pills;
- The combined contraceptive pill
- The mini pill/ Progesterone-only pill
The combined contraceptive pill
It is the most common and widely used contraceptive pill. The
pill is called combined because it contains two hormones; progesterone and estrogen.
These two are important inhibitors of pregnancy. These hormones are usually
artificial, meaning they are man-made but the female body also produces the
natural types.
How to take the combined contraceptive pill
You take one pill every day at around the same time for 21
days i.e. three weeks. After the 21 days, you have a break of one week (seven
days) during which you will have your period. You then start taking the pills
again after that one week break. Take note that if you don’t strictly take the
pill at the same time every day, it could become ineffective and fail to
prevent you from getting pregnant.
Women who have had miscarriages or abortions can start using the pill within five days.
Pros
It has been reported to reduce risk of cancer that affect ovaries, womb and the colon.
- Reduces the pain you feel during your periods. It also makes periods regular and lighter.
- It can, in some incidences, reduce symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
- Combined pills may in some cases reduce your risk of developing acne
- It may also offer protection against pelvic inflammatory disease
- Some users have reported reduced risks of ovarian cysts, fibroids and non-cancerous breast disease
Cons
- Some women have shown increase in blood pressure after using the pill
- Unlike the male/female condom, combined birth control pills will protect you against STIs
- A few months into using the pill, you may experience breakthrough bleeding
- Although in rare cases, combined pills have been associated with increased risk of breast cancer and thrombosis.
- A few uncomfortable side effects may result from using the pill. These include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness e.t.c. If these symptoms persist, try using a different pill or consult your doctor.
- Cannot protect against STIs
Risks and Side effects
- The estrogen in the combined pill makes it easier for blood to clot. Clots in blood may cause heart attack, stroke, vein thrombosis (in your leg) and pulmonary embolus (clot in your lung). The risk of developing blood clots from using the combined pill is however very rare. Consult your doctor to see if you have any risk factors that may lead to this.
- Some research work have connected the usage of combined contraceptive pills to breast cancer, liver cancer and cervical cancer. Hormonal contraceptives have been shown to make women vulnerable to breast cancer.
Can you use the combined pill?
If you are healthy and do not have any of the risk factors that may cause the pills harm your body, there is no reason why you shouldn't use it.The following should however not use the combined contraceptive pill;
- Pregnant women
- Women who smoke and are 35 years or older
- Women who are overweight
- Women who stopped smoking less than a year ago and are 35 years or older
- If you are using certain medications that may not go well with the combined birth control pill (Consult your doctor about the types of medications you shouldn't use with the pill
2. The Mini Pill
This one is also known as the progesterone-only pill. As the name suggests, it contains only one
type of pregnancy inhibiting hormone; progesterone. The progesterone dose in
mini pill is however lower than that in a combined birth control pill.
This pill is usually
prescribed to women who for some medical or other reasons, cannot take estrogen. These
include woman who have high blood pressure, history of blood clots or are
overweight.
Unlike the combined pill, the mini pill is taken daily
without the one week break.
There are two types of progesterone only pill;
- Three-hour progesterone-only pill- taken within three hours of the same time every day.
- 12- hour progesterone-only pill- taken within 12 hours of the same time every day.
How to take the mini pill
Progesterone only pills come in packs of 28 pills. Like the
combined pill, you have to take one pill each day at around the same time.
Skipping the pills will make them ineffective. You have to continue taking even
when you fall sick or experience your period.
If you gave and want to use the mini pill, you can do so within 21 days of giving birth. If you had abortion or miscarriage you can still take the pill afterwards.
Who can take the mini pill?
- Breastfeeding mothers
- Women who are over 40 years
- Overweight women
- Women with high blood pressure
- Women who smoke and are over 35 years
Do not use the pill if you have/have had breast cancer, liver cancer, heart disease or vaginal bleeding.
Pros
- Can be used by breastfeeding mothers unlike the combined pill.
- Women who are 35 years or older can still use it
- It can reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and painful periods
- It is good for women who are allergic to estrogen hormone
Cons
- May be less effective if you don't take it at the same time everyday.
- Some medication will reduce its effectiveness
- May interfere with the normal pattern your periods
- Cannot protect you against STIs.
Risks and Side effects
- Using the pill may cause acne
- It may result to breast tenderness and breast enlargement
- Mini pill can lead to an increased or decreased sex drive
- Mood swings may be observed
- You may also develop headache and migraine
- The pill may trigger nausea and vomiting
- You may develop stomach complications
- Some women have been observed to add weight after using the pill
How effective are contraceptive pills?
When taken with strict adherence to prescriptions, the pills
are usually 99% effective. CDC reports that contraceptive pills, have 9%
failure rates. This means that if 100 women use the pill, only nine of them may
get pregnant. The failure can be due to medical reasons or failure to adhere to
instructions.
You should also consider the types of medications you take
with the pills. Some of them for example, antibiotics, HIV medications and some
anti-seizure medications may make the pill less effective.
You should consult your doctor on more information about
which medication to take or not to take with contraceptive pills.
Vomiting and diarrhea will also reduce the effectiveness of
the pill as it may be removed from the body before it is fully absorbed.
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