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Contraception is the use of a method or a product to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types of contraception. Some are permanent, while others are temporary. Contraceptives exist as devices, hormones that may be taken orally or delivered by the skin or mucus membranes, permanent surgical procedures, or barrier methods. Contraception may also involve using an understanding of the timing of conception to avoid pregnancy.
Combination pill also called “the pill” - this type of birth control contains the hormones estrogen and progestin and is available in different hormone dosages. The pill is taken daily to block the release of eggs from the ovaries and prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives can also lessen menstrual flow and can reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cancer, benign ovarian cysts, endometrial cancer, and iron deficiency anemia. It does not protect against STDs or HIV.
The pill may add to the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, and blockage of the arteries, especially in smokers. Women who are over the age of 35 and smoke, or have a history of blood clots or breast, liver, or endometrial cancer may not be good candidates for this type of birth control. The pill is 95 to 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy. Some antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of the pill in some women and a back-up method of birth control may be prescribed in addition to antibiotics.
Most oral contraceptives are swallowed in a pill form. One brand, called Femcon, can either be swallowed or chewed.
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