Pros and cons of oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives have long ceased to be something new: for many women, taking them has become a habitual ritual. With them, sex no longer causes anxiety due to a possible pregnancy.

If you have regular sex life, but are not ready to become a mother, oral contraceptives are one of the most convenient contraceptives for you. And many of them normalize the cycle, improve mood and more.

Reading a review of the best oral contraceptives will be useful not only for those who plan to try them for the first time, but also for those who would like to switch to a new drug.

Yarina

Peculiarities:

• Tablet form: 1 package 21 pcs. for 3 weeks.
• Low-dose oral contraceptive.
• Antiandrogenic effect.
• Main components: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

Pros:

• Improves the condition of skin and hair.
• Normalizes the menstrual cycle.
• Reduces the intensity of menstrual bleeding.
• Reduces pain during menstruation.
• No effect on weight.
• A budget option for protection against unwanted pregnancy.

Minuses:

• Some women notice a decrease in libido after taking the drug.
• A possible side effect is pain in the mammary glands.
• State of apathy.

Pros and cons of oral contraceptives

How can an ordinary woman understand this, especially since OK propagandists do not focus on the negative effects.

Let's pay tribute to pharmaceutical companies that have worked hard to improve oral contraceptives and have ensured that today's pills contain very small amounts of hormones, which means they are much safer than their predecessors.

From a statistical point of view, the beneficial effects of birth control pills seem to outweigh their negative properties. But this does not mean at all that everything will be as rosy for a specific person as for the abstract average character in scientific research.

All the same, hormonal drugs have enough contraindications, which can only be assessed by a gynecologist, and not by a pharmacist at a pharmacy or a best friend who is “everything is fine.” So, we will present the pros and cons of OK, and readers will decide for themselves whether they are ready to go to the doctor for the necessary prescription.

Possible benefits of taking oral contraceptives.

— The longer a woman takes OCs, the lower her risk of developing ovarian cancer. Taking it for 10 years reduces the risk by 60-80%. The risk of developing ovarian cysts is also reduced.

— The risk of endometrial cancer is reduced by 50%.

- The risk of colorectal cancer can be reduced by 35%.

- Slightly, but the risk of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, which can lead to infertility, is reduced.

— Estrogens contained in OCs protect women from age-related bone loss, and therefore from the development of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period.

— The irregular menstrual cycle is normalized, since OCs dictate their cycle to the body.

— Since OCs suppress ovulation, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is significantly reduced.

— While taking OCs, acne and seborrhea often disappear, since the work of the sebaceous glands decreases.

— The risk of developing iron deficiency anemia is reduced, since blood loss during menstruation is reduced.

Possible harm from taking oral contraceptives.

- Long-term use of OCs slightly increases the risk of breast cancer.

- Slight increase in the risk of developing liver cancer.

— The risk of infection with chlamydia, that is, the development of chlamydia, increases.

— Women who smoke and those who suffer from hypertension increase the risk of developing myocardial infarction and stroke.

— In some cases, OCs can increase the risk of blood clots and thromboembolism.

- Taking OCs can cause a slight increase in blood pressure.

— Some women may have problems gaining excess weight.

Alexander Melnikov, Ph.D. honey. sciences

Marvelon

Peculiarities:

• Combined oral drug.
• Low dosage.
• Main components: progestogen and estrogen.
• Efficiency is about 80%.

Pros:

• Suppresses menstrual pain.
• Reduces menstrual bleeding.
• Positively affects libido.
• Improves hormonal levels.
• Does not cause weight changes.

Minuses:

• With long-term use there is a risk of thrombosis. Preliminary consultation with a doctor is required before use!
• Makes the blood thick.
• Large list of contraindications.
• May cause skin rashes.

Pros and cons of hormonal contraception

The most widely used method of contraception is using hormonal pills. Modern birth control pills work due to the synthetic analogues of female hormones they contain. While taking these pills, the hormonal background changes and approaches the hormonal background of a pregnant woman. As a result, the egg simply does not leave the ovary. Developments in the field of hormonal agents are aimed at reducing the content of hormones. Pharmacists create products that contain minimal amounts of estrogen and progestogen and still remain safe.

The main disadvantage of birth control pills is that they need to be taken regularly and constantly. Often women, in a series of everyday worries, miss an appointment, which can lead to pregnancy. If this happens to you, take two tablets the next day, but use a condom in the remaining days before your period.

Sometimes, when starting to take hormonal pills, women encounter problems such as headache, discharge, breast engorgement or nausea. In this way, the body adapts to the new state. If these symptoms do not go away after 2-3 cycles, choose another drug.

Another problem is weight gain. Some synthetic progestogen analogues promote fluid retention in the body. In this case, it is worth changing the drug. The pills also cause an increase in appetite during the first months. Just control yourself and control your diet, then you will not gain weight.

At the same time, hormonal pills help normalize the menstrual cycle and alleviate premenstrual syndrome. Stabilization of hormonal levels reduces oily skin, and therefore the appearance of acne. It also slows down the growth of facial hair.

The absence of ovulation allows the ovaries to “rest.” This has a certain therapeutic effect: it reduces the risk of ovarian inflammation and the development of uterine cancer. Also, taking many hormonal pills is a prevention of inflammatory diseases in the pelvic area.

Sometimes gynecologists use hormonal contraception in the treatment of infertility. The ovaries are allowed to rest, and then the medications are abruptly stopped. Against the background of hormonal release in the body, a long-awaited pregnancy often occurs.

Today, hormonal pills are the most reliable method of female contraception.

Another development in this area is the NuvaRing vaginal ring. This elastic little ring is inserted into the vagina and releases a microscopic dose of estrogen - 15 mcg - daily. Hormones directly enter the blood, relieving the liver and kidneys of the load. The ring allows you to exercise in peace, and you only need to think about it once a month.

The only negative is that a foreign body in the vagina can disrupt the natural microflora and cause thrush.

Some girls prefer hormonal injections. Cyclofem, Depo-Provera, Noristerat and Messigina act for three months and prevent conception. But these drugs do not contain estrogen, so their effectiveness is lower than that of combined oral contraceptives. Long-term disruption of the cycle (for three months) does not benefit the ovaries. In addition, you cannot interrupt their action yourself. You will have to wait for the entire validity period.

In many antenatal clinics you can see advertisements for hormonal intrauterine devices. These drugs are placed in the uterine cavity and release small doses of the hormone. The contraceptive effect lasts for 7 years. Hormones in such a spiral as Mirena are also used for medicinal purposes. Its installation is a prevention of ovarian dysfunction.

Unfortunately, just like the vaginal ring, the IUD is a foreign body. Its prolonged presence in the uterus can cause inflammatory diseases. In addition, the cervix is ​​always slightly open and is a gateway for infections.

The development of pharmacology today allows you to make a choice in favor of the right remedy that can solve the complex problems of your body. Most importantly, when choosing, be sure to consult with your gynecologist.

Silhouette

Peculiarities:

• Most often prescribed to women during pre- and menopause.
• Main components: ethinyl estradiol and dienogest.
• Often recommended for treating rashes.

Pros:

• Reduces pain during menstruation.
• Normalizes the menstrual cycle.
• Reduces bleeding.
• Does not contribute to excess weight gain.

Minuses:

• Large list of contraindications.
• Causes chest pain.
• With prolonged use, attacks of nausea are possible.

Do not forget that any drug has contraindications. If you want to switch to OK, you need to consult a gynecologist-endocrinologist!

Pros and cons of oral contraceptives

Photo: zena.aktualne.cz

The controversy around oral contraceptives (OCs) began to break from the day they appeared. Scientific research either accused them of causing cancer, heart attacks, strokes, thrombosis, or found a lot of useful qualities in them. How can an ordinary woman understand this, especially since OK propagandists do not focus on the negative effects.

Let's pay tribute to pharmaceutical companies that have worked hard to improve oral contraceptives and have ensured that today's pills contain very small amounts of hormones, which means they are much safer than their predecessors.

From a statistical point of view, the beneficial effects of birth control pills seem to outweigh their negative properties. But this does not mean at all that everything will be as rosy for a specific person as for the abstract average character in scientific research.

All the same, hormonal drugs have enough contraindications, which can only be assessed by a gynecologist, and not by a pharmacist at a pharmacy or a best friend who is “everything is fine.” So, we will present the pros and cons of OK, and readers will decide for themselves whether they are ready to go to the doctor for the necessary prescription.

Possible benefits of taking oral contraceptives.

— The longer a woman takes OCs, the lower her risk of developing ovarian cancer. Taking it for 10 years reduces the risk by 60-80%. The risk of developing ovarian cysts is also reduced.

— The risk of endometrial cancer is reduced by 50%.

- The risk of colorectal cancer can be reduced by 35%.

- Slightly, but the risk of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, which can lead to infertility, is reduced.

— Estrogens contained in OCs protect women from age-related bone loss, and therefore from the development of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period.

— The irregular menstrual cycle is normalized, since OCs dictate their cycle to the body.

— Since OCs suppress ovulation, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is significantly reduced.

— While taking OCs, acne and seborrhea often disappear, since the work of the sebaceous glands decreases.

— The risk of developing iron deficiency anemia is reduced, since blood loss during menstruation is reduced.

Possible harm from taking oral contraceptives.

- Long-term use of OCs slightly increases the risk of breast cancer.

- Slight increase in the risk of developing liver cancer.

— The risk of infection with chlamydia, that is, the development of chlamydia, increases.

— Women who smoke and those who suffer from hypertension increase the risk of developing myocardial infarction and stroke.

— In some cases, OCs can increase the risk of blood clots and thromboembolism.

- Taking OCs can cause a slight increase in blood pressure.

— Some women may have problems gaining excess weight.

More on the topic:

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Contraception and contraindications. Video. Adviсe

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Contraceptives: reliable protection against...

Choose a contraceptive, or What did the doctor prescribe?

How to live in harmony with your hormones, or Why are hormones responsible for everything?

Contraceptives and sperm: may the best man win?

Belyakov Andrey

Triquilar

Peculiarities:

• Highly dosed drug.
• Main components: ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel.
• There are several types of tablets in 1 package.
• Recommended for girls under 30 years old.

Pros:

• Suppressing pain during menstruation.
• High degree of protection against unwanted pregnancy.
• Thoughtful instructions for use.

Minuses:

• May cause problems with excess weight.
• One possible side effect is migraine.
• Large list of contraindications.

What causes female sexuality?

Female sexuality is very complex, it consists of many details. There are hormones, and there are other factors that influence female libido.

Biological factors:

• hormonal background;
• the amount of carrier protein that binds sex hormones (hormones cannot work while bound to it);
• various diseases;
• the effect of some medications.

Psychological factors:

• depression, neuroses;
• negative or positive sexual experience;
• relationship with a partner;
• confidence in protection from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

It is still not entirely clear how hormones and hormonal contraceptives affect sexuality. Hormones that affect a woman’s libido have the following effects:

• The main estrogen - estradiol - improves mood, increases sexual desire, sensitivity of erogenous zones, ensures hydration of the vagina during intercourse and the onset of orgasm.
• The male sex hormone - testosterone (and women have it) - increases libido and promotes erotic fantasies.
• Progesterone can reduce libido and mood.
• Prolactin reduces sexual arousal. For example, during breastfeeding, many women lose interest in sex.

Janine

Peculiarities:

• Oral combination drug.
• Suppresses ovulation processes, affects the properties of cervical mucus and the endometrium.
• Main components: ethinyl estradiol and dienogest.

Pros:

• Improves skin and hair.
• Does not cause changes in body weight.
• High degree of reliability.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Effect on libido.

Lactinet

Peculiarities:

• Mini-drinks.
• 28 tablets in 1 package.

Pros:

• Allowed for smokers and breastfeeding people, as well as for obesity.
• Does not affect weight.
• Minimum side effects.
• After cancellation, conception is possible almost immediately.

Minuses:

• Depressive states are likely.
• Side effect is increased bleeding.

Claira

Peculiarities:

• Main components: estradiol valerate and dienogest.
• Often used by women during menopause.

Pros:

• Quickly restores the menstrual cycle.
• Improves overall emotional state.
• Does not affect weight.
• Improves skin and hair.

Minuses:

• Causes a feeling of bloating in the abdomen.
• Expensive drug.

Diana-35

Peculiarities:

• Oral combined contraceptive.
• Low dose and monophasic.
• Recommended after 30-35 years.

Pros:

• Positively affects the course of the menstrual cycle.
• Evens out the skin.
• Suppresses pain during menstruation.
• Slightly enlarges the breasts.

Minuses:

• Makes a woman more emotional.
• There are many side effects.
• Helps with polycystic ovary syndrome, but only while taking it.

The benefits of hormonal contraceptives

Ishchenko Irina Georgievna

Obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound diagnostics doctor, candidate of medical sciences, specialist in the field of aesthetic gynecology, candidate of medical sciences

Bulatova Lyubov Nikolaevna

Obstetrician-gynecologist, highest category, endocrinologist, ultrasound diagnostics doctor, specialist in the field of aesthetic gynecology

Vybornova Irina Anatolyevna

Obstetrician-gynecologist, endocrinologist, candidate of medical sciences

Kaufman Ekaterina Valerievna

Obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist. Ultrasound diagnostics doctor, specialist in aesthetic gynecology.

You need to know that in addition to having high contraceptive properties, currently used hormonal contraceptives also have the ability to have a positive effect on the female body as a whole. Such opportunities are particularly expressed in balancing the menstrual cycle, so many doctors recommend their use in the presence of both severe and moderate forms of dysmenorrhea. If periods occur periodically, have an irregular cycle, are characterized by too high intensity or pain, then the use of contraceptives can significantly improve such situations. At the same time, their beneficial effect on the body does not extend to complications such as atypical uterine bleeding that occurs due to certain gynecological diseases.

Also, the necessary use of hormonal contraceptives can easily relieve disorders such as PMS or premenstrual syndrome. Hormonal contraceptives are indispensable for any form of pain that occurs in the middle or at the end of the cycle; they relieve unpleasant nausea, headaches, and discomfort of the mammary glands. This may be due to the fact that when taking hormonal drugs, the volume of menstrual blood decreases. If there is a predisposition to iron deficiency anemia, then its manifestation occurs much less frequently. Many studies conducted in scientific circles have proven that hormonal contraceptives have a beneficial effect on the prevention of ectopic pregnancy, helping to eliminate such a serious gynecological abnormality.

A number of birth control pills are very effective means that can protect against additional diseases. The overall effect of the impact is aimed at preserving the ability of the female body to maintain the reproductive function. There are combined oral contraceptives (COCs) that protect the woman’s body from diseases that cause inflammation of the pelvic organs, preventing the occurrence of malignant tumors of the ovaries, as well as the uterine mucosa. When choosing contraceptives, you need to take into account that they also eliminate cosmetic diseases. Doctors from various medical centers will provide the necessary assistance in this matter. In them, experienced gynecologists and dermatologists will always point out the necessary recommendations to combat emerging problems.