Birth control pills: Myths and Reality

Birth control pills, or pills, for several decades is one of the most popular methods of contraception. Nevertheless, around them there are many myths. Here are the most common misconceptions:

"Birth control pills protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Indeed. When used properly, the pill prevents pregnancy, but do not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. To protect against STDs should use condoms.

"Even taking birth control pills, a woman can get pregnant, which means that they are not effective enough.

Indeed. With proper daily intake of oral contraceptives chance of becoming pregnant is less than 1%. However, many women take pills regularly. Hence - become pregnant while taking birth control pills. Here are the most common reasons that women who use oral contraceptives, may become pregnant:

* Only 42% of women taking birth control pills every day.
* At least 16% forget to take them to the end of the month.
* About 25% of women cease intake of contraceptive drugs in the year, but do not use other means of contraception.
* Approximately 33% of adolescent girls at least once every 3 months miss pills.

Ask the doctor how to take contraceptive pills. Carefully read the instructions and follow the instructions clearly on the application.

"Contraceptive drugs have many undesirable side effects."

Indeed. Older oral contraceptives contain a much higher dose of estrogen and progestin than today. By reducing the number of hormones in the preparations of a new generation, the risk of side effects is significantly lower. Contraceptive pills have both pluses and minuses. They prevent pregnancy, normalize the menstrual cycle, facilitates the state during menses and reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.

However, some women experience negative aspects of oral contraceptives. Contraceptive pills increase the risk of developing cardiovascular system and increased thrombotic events in the limbs. Side effects also include nausea, headaches, breast swelling, weight gain, blood-tinged vaginal discharge and depression. Many of them disappear in a few months after the start of oral contraceptives.

Therefore, before taking consult with your doctor. Give him drugs and Supplements you are taking. Some medications may decrease the effectiveness of pills.

"Contraceptive drugs can lead to cancer."

Indeed. Modern research has shown that oral contraceptives or did very little to do with the development of breast cancer. Fears that the pills will lead to the development of other types of cancer, also not confirmed. On the contrary, oral contraceptives reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.

"Birth control pills increase the risk of having a child with developmental disabilities."

Indeed. Even if the pregnancy occurred while taking oral contraceptives, they do not affect fetal development and health of the child.

"During the reception control pills can be smoked.

Indeed. In smokers, women over 35 years and those whose relatives suffered from breast cancer or endometrial, the risk of dangerous side effects from taking birth control pills significantly increases. In some cases, they may not use oral contraceptives. Discuss with your doctor whether you should protect themselves in this way. If you can not quit smoking, it is better to stop the choice on other methods of preventing pregnancy.
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