Continuous/Extended Cycle Pills
Side Effects of Birth Control Pills
The Pill is a term for the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), which is a form of birth control. It contains both estrogen and progestogen (progesterone), two types of hormones critical to the menstrual cycle.
By using this medication, and the hormones inside it, it prevents ovulation (the release of the egg from the ovary) so that pregnancy does not occur. It also weakens the lining of the uterus so that an egg is less likely to be implanted.
Remember, speak with your doctor and go through the risks and benefits of any medication or treatment before use.
There are two versions of this pill: the 28-day pack and the 21-day pack.
The 28-day pack contains 21 active pills and 7 non-hormone pills. The 7 non-hormone* pills are there to help you keep a routine when taking these pills. The non-hormone pills (also known as placebo or reminder pills) also allow you to have your period. Your period during this non-hormone week may be lighter and less painful than your regular periods.
The 21-day pack contains only active pills. Normally, when finishing the 21-day pack, the next pack is used after waiting 7 days, during which your period will have started. In some cases, with a doctor’s approval, the 21-day pills are used continuously without waiting 7 days in between 21-pill packs. This is sometimes prescribed for those who have hormonal imbalances that interfere with quality of life and prefer to reduce or skip their periods.
*The placebo pills are often a different colour from the other pills.
There’s also a “Mini-Pill”
There is another type of birth control pill called the progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POCP), which contains only progestogen*, and no estrogen. These pills were developed for those sensitive to estrogen use. Some POCPs are also known as the “Mini-Pill.”
Progestogen-only pills prevent pregnancy by:
➤ thinning the uterine lining to prevent egg implantation
➤ thickening cervical mucus to stop sperm
➤ the mini-pill may also stop ovulation, but this is not its primary way of preventing pregnancy
Mini-pills need to be taken regularly and often at the same time each day.
Choosing the regular pill or the mini-pill will depend on your personal medical history, needs, preference and symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe what is most suitable for you.
*Progestin is a synthetic progestogen used in birth control
Continuous/Extended Cycle Pills
Continuous-use birth control is birth control that is taken for a year or longer, with no breaks. When you use active hormones to delay your cycle for this long, you will also not have withdrawal bleeding (“the period” that comes with birth control).
Extended-use birth control is when you stretch the amount of time for your birth control beyond the usual 21-day length. You will still take breaks during extended-use birth control and will experience withdrawal bleeding.
Side effects of Birth Control Pills
As with any medication or treatment, side effects may happen with birth control pills.
Some common side effects include:
➤ vaginal spotting (bleeding)
Some rare, but serious side effects include:
Some people should not take birth control pills. Pills are not recommended for women over the age of 35 who smoke. They are also not recommended for those with certain conditions, including those who have had blood clots, have had breast or uterus cancers, or have uncontrolled blood pressure, migraines or liver disease.
Always consult your doctor before taking birth control.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/17707-minipill
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/womens-health/art-20044044
https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-pills
