Contraceptive: how it works, how to take it and other common questions

The contraceptive pill, or simply "pill", is a hormone-based medicine and the main contraceptive method used by most women around the world, which must be taken daily to ensure 98% protection against unwanted pregnancies. Some examples of the contraceptive pill are Diane 35, Yasmin or Cerazette, for example, but the type of contraceptive varies from woman to woman and, therefore, should be indicated by a gynecologist.

The correct use of the pill has some advantages over other contraceptive methods, such as regulating menstruation, fighting acne or reducing menstrual cramps, but it also has some disadvantages, such as not protecting against sexually transmitted infections and having the power to cause effects side effects such as headache or feeling sick.

See the main contraceptive methods, their advantages and disadvantages.

How does the pill work?

The contraceptive pill inhibits ovulation and, therefore, the woman does not enter the fertile period. Thus, even if there is an ejaculation inside the vaginal canal, epsermatozoids do not have any type of egg to fertilize, and there is no pregnancy.

In addition, the pill also prevents the cervix from dilating, decreasing the entry of sperm and preventing the uterus from being able to develop a baby.

Understand how is the fertile period of those who take contraceptives.

How to use the pill correctly?

In order to use the pill correctly one must take into account that there are different types of pills:

Normal pill: You should take 1 pill a day, always at the same time until the end of the pack, and then take a break of 4, 5 or 7 days, depending on the pill, and you should consult the package insert. Continuous use pill: One pill should be taken daily, always at the same time, every day, without pausing between packs.

1. Does the pill make you fat?

Some birth control pills have swelling and a slight weight gain as a side effect, however, this is more common in continuous use pills and subcutaneous implants.

2. Is the pill abortive?

The contraceptive pill is not an abortion, but when it is taken during pregnancy it can harm the baby.

3. How do I take the pill for the first time?

To take the pill for the first time, you must take the first pill on the first day of menstruation. Also learn how to change contraceptives without risking pregnancy.

4. Can I have intercourse during the break period?

Yes, there is no risk of pregnancy in this period if the pill was taken correctly during the previous month.

5. Do I need to stop taking the pill from time to time to 'rest'?

It is not necessary.

6. Can the man take the pill?

No, the birth control pill is indicated only for women, having no contraceptive effect on men. See which contraceptives can be used by men.

7. Is the pill bad?

Just like any other medication, the pill can be harmful to some people, so its contraindications must be respected.

8. Does the pill change the body?

No, but in early adolescence, girls start to have a more developed body, with larger breasts and hips, and this is not due to the use of the pill, nor to the beginning of sexual relations.

9. Can the pill fail?

Yes, the pill can fail when the woman forgets to take the pill every day, does not respect the time of taking it or when she vomits or has diarrhea up to 2 hours after taking the pill. Some remedies can also cut the pill's effect. Find out which ones.

10. When does the pill start taking effect?

The birth control pill starts to take effect on the first day of your intake, however, it is better to wait to finish a pack to have sex.

11. Do I always have to take the pill at the same time?

Yes, the pill should be taken, preferably, always at the same time. However, there may be a small tolerance in the schedule, up to 12 hours, but this should not become a routine. If it is difficult to take it at the same time, it may be safer to choose another method of contraception.

12. Does the pill protect against disease?

There are some studies that indicate that it can decrease the risk of some types of cancer, however, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and, therefore, in addition to taking the pill, you should also use a condom at all times.