Birth control pills are a group of drugs used to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of birth control pills, namely: pcombination birth control pills and progestin-only birth control pills.
Birth control pills work by affecting the work of the ovaries and uterus, thereby preventing the fertilization process, namely the meeting of the egg and sperm cells.
Birth control pills are a type of hormonal contraceptive that need to be taken regularly at the same time every day to be effective. Please note that birth control pills cannot prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
Types of birth control pills
Based on the ingredients in birth control pills, birth control pills can be divided into 2, namely:
Combination birth control pills
Combination birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Most combination birth control pills consist of active pills that contain hormones, as well as some inactive pills (placebos) that don't contain hormones.
Combination birth control pills work by stopping the process of releasing an egg (ovum) during the ovary or ovulation process. This drug also works by thickening the mucus in the cervix (cervix) so that it is difficult for sperm to reach the egg, as well as thinning the uterine wall so that a fertilized egg cannot grow.
There are four types of combination birth control pills, namely:
- Monophasic birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone at a constant or the same level for each active pill.
- Biphasic birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The estrogen in each active pill in 1 cycle remains constant, while the progesterone levels in the active pill will increase after half a cycle.
- The triphasic birth control pill contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone whose dosage changes 3 times in 1 cycle. Changes in hormone levels will occur every 7 days.
- Tetraphasic birth control pills, contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone whose dosage changes 4 times in 1 cycle.
Combination birth control pills that are used long term are called extended cycle pills. Extended-cycle pills with active ingredients taken continuously for 12 weeks, followed by inactive pills for a week. This is so that users can experience menstruation.
Extended-Cycle Pills works by reducing the frequency of menstruation experienced by women in a year, so that women only experience menstruation 4 times a year.
Progestin-only birth control pills
This progestin-only (synthetic progesterone) birth control pill is usually known as the mini-pill. These birth control pills consist of only active pills, which contain a constant amount of progestin. The mini-pill is usually used by breastfeeding mothers and women who should not take estrogen.
The mini-pill works by thickening the mucus in the cervix so sperm cannot reach the egg. In addition, this drug also thins the volume of the uterine wall, so that a fertilized egg cannot grow. Sometimes the mini-pill can also prevent the process of releasing a mature egg (ovulation).
Warning Before Taking Birth Control Pills
Talk to your doctor before taking birth control pills. Here are some things you should pay attention to before taking birth control pills:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Birth control pills should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, heart disease, chest pain, liver cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, hypertension, migraines, or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Birth control pills should not be taken by pregnant women.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Use additional contraceptives such as condoms during the first 7 days of taking birth control pills or when you forget to take birth control pills, to prevent pregnancy.
- Talk to your doctor about using the combined birth control pill if you smoke and are over the age of 35. Although rare, these conditions can increase the risk of serious side effects, such as stroke or heart attack.
- Do not take St. John's Wort while taking birth control pills, because these herbal ingredients can increase the risk of bleeding from the vagina and reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
- Don't drink juice grapefruit, these drinks can increase the level of birth control pills in the blood and cause side effects.
- Call your doctor if you forget to take your birth control pills, think you're pregnant, or don't have your period for 2 consecutive cycles.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking birth control pills.
Side Effects and Dangers of Birth Control Pills
Side effects that can occur due to the consumption of birth control pills include:
- Nauseous
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding outside the menstrual cycle
- Menstrual blood volume is less than usual
- Decreased sexual desire (libido)
- Mood swings
- Mild headache
- Swollen or painful breasts when touched
The side effects above will usually improve after a few months since taking birth control pills. If it doesn't subside or the symptoms get worse, see a doctor. In addition, you should see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Severe stomach ache
- Blurred vision
- Severe headache
- Swelling in the legs
- Chest pain
Types, Trademarks, and Dosage of Birth Control Pills
The following is a breakdown of the trademarks of birth control pills based on their content:
Combination birth control pills
There are several types of combination birth control pills available, namely products that contain 21 active pills, 21 active pills + 7 placebo pills, and 84 active pills + 7 placebo pills. Combination birth control pills are usually taken once a day. Take the medicine according to the directions on the package.
1. Monophasic birth control pills
- Ethinylestradiol + Levonorgestrel
Trademarks: KB Andalan, Cyclogynon, 1 Combination Pill, Sydnaginon, Pilkab, Planotab, Mikrodiol 30 KB Gold Circle, Novadiol 28, Microgynon
- Ethinylestradiol + Drospirenone
Trademarks: Yasmin, Yaz, Synfonia 24
- Ethinylestradiol + Desogestrel
Trademark: Mercilon 28, Marvelon 28
- Ethinylestradiol + Cyproterone acetate
Trademarks: Diane 35, Celicor, Neynna, Elzsa
2. Triphasic birth control pills
- Ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel
Trademark: Trinordiol 28
3. Tetraphasic birth control pills
- Dienogest + estradiol valerate
Trademark: Qlaira
Progestin-only birth control pills (mini-pills)
There are two types of progestin-only birth control pills. The first type consists of 35 pills, which need to be started on the first day of menstruation. The second type consists of 28 pills that can be started at any time. The mini pill is usually taken once a day. If the pill is finished, take the next dose immediately.
- Levonogestrel
Trademark: Microlut
- Desogestrel
Trademarks: Desirett, Cerazette