The changing lifestyle, competitive market, and new R&D programs, the market is flooded with newer drugs. Similarly, oral contraceptives were made and launched in the market to avoid unwanted pregnancy. The Pill was made in the mid-1950s, which significantly changed the perceptions of intercourse and family planning.

The commercial sell of oral contraceptives was started on 9 May 1960 after the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration.
The Pill is known as a key invention of the 20th century in the medical sector. Initially, consuming this hormone pill was a 21-day course and followed by a week course of a placebo pill, containing sugar.

Nowadays, there are many variations and involves consuming the pill for only 3 days and skipping the placebo pill.
Just like coitus, oral contraceptives also carry a lot of misinformation. This ill-informed use of the pill may also lead to adverse effects on the woman’s body. It is true that the freedom of birth control does come with some strings attached and you should be well informed to avoid the risks.

The Pill – Contains and Working
Normally the pill is a combination of two female hormones oestrogen and progestin. These hormones are also responsible for regulating our menstrual cycle. There are majorly three types of contraceptive pills –

Combined Pills: These pills contain both hormones oestrogen and progestin.
Mini Pills: It only contains progestin, which is also used for lactating mothers.

Emergency pills: These pills are to be consumed within three days of unprotected sex to avoid pregnancy.

A woman becomes pregnant when the egg released by the ovary is fertilized by a sperm. This egg is attached to the womb and develops into a fetes when receives nourishment. The release of an egg in a woman’s body is controlled by hormones.

The pill is made with artificial hormones, which prevents the release of an egg. The pill also makes the mucus at the cervix thick so that the sperm is prevented from reaching the ovary.

Benefits
The pill is known to balance female sex hormones, therefore, sometimes gynaecologists prescribe it to regulate the menstrual cycle and manage polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS). Another obvious benefit is to prevent getting pregnant. Giving the woman control of their reproductive health, it has a vital role in family planning.

It has a skin benefit as well, as the pill regulates the period it reduces acne. The pill eliminates ovarian cancer & benign breast disease. Also, helps in curing iron deficiency anaemia.

Risks of Improper Use of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)
Along with the benefits, there are a lot of common side effects of this medication. We have maintained the side effects further in the blog.

These side effects might not be life-threatening but improper consumption like an overdose, skipping a pill in the course, reactions to certain stimulator may lead to fatal effects on your body and life.

The body needs sex steroid hormones for lots of different things. Oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are all important for the health of a woman’s body. These hormones are important for bone health, cardiovascular health, libido, mood, cognition, and especially the health of the genital tissues. When a female body isn’t exposed to these hormones, due to use of contraceptive pill, it may lead to consequences.

Some studies suggests that women using a hormonal contraceptive method experienced less frequent sexual activity, arousal, pleasure, and orgasm and more difficulty with lubrication. It is quite common for young women on OCPs to report pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) as well. Some women may not experience dyspareunia but may present a different set of symptoms like urinary urgency, urinary frequency, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) or yeast infections. All of these things can happen with OCP use, but often go unrecognized or ignored.

Common Side Effects
High blood pressure
Frequent tiredness or weakness
Nausea and dizziness
Abdominal cramping, bloating or stomach upset causing discomfort
Mood Swings
Weight gain or loss
Acne problem due to hormonal imbalance
Gain or loss of body or facial hair
Changes in the pattern of the menstrual cycle and bleeding.
Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling.
Swelling of ankles and feet
Vomiting

Rare Side Effects
Change in speech pattern
Aggravation of asthma
Sensitive skin causing brownish, blotchy spots on skin exposed to sunlight
Gum inflammation
Changes or lumps formed in the breast
Headaches or migraines and loss of co-ordination
Increased risk of gallbladder disease
Increased or diminished interest in sexual intercourse and responsiveness
Coughing up of blood
Benign liver tumors or liver cancer
Urinary tract or vaginal infection, itching or irritation
Blood clots or stroke
Groin, chest or calf pain
Loss or change in vision
Severe depression and weakness

Possible Health Risks
Gallbladder disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
Blood clots
Liver cancer
Heart attack

Avoid if You Face Following Conditions
Take any herbal supplements
Have high cholesterol
Have diabetes
Recently had a miscarriage or abortion
Feel depressed or have been diagnosed with depression
Recently had a baby
Think you may have a lump or changes in one or both of your breasts
Have kidney, liver, or heart disease
Breastfeeding
Taking medication for epilepsy

Conclusion
You should opt for consuming The Pill taken under the guidance of gynaecologist. If you are also looking for family planning advice reach out to Dr Vaishali Chavhan at Saanvi Clinic.