How long does it take for various birth control methods to become effective. What factors influence the timeline for contraceptives to start working. Which birth control options provide immediate protection against pregnancy.

Understanding the Effectiveness Timeline of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are a popular contraceptive choice, but many wonder how quickly they start working. The effectiveness timeline depends on the type of pill and when you start taking it.

Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-Pills)

Progestin-only pills can offer immediate protection under certain circumstances:

• If started within the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, they work right away
• If started after day 5 or if you have a short cycle, they take 2 days to become effective
• When started 21 days after giving birth, they work immediately
• If taken within 5 days of a pregnancy loss or termination, they’re effective immediately; otherwise, it takes 2 days

Combination Pills

Combination pills containing estrogen and progestin have a different timeline:

• If started within 5 days of your period, they’re effective immediately
• If started at any other time, they take 7 days to work
• When begun 21 days after childbirth, they work right away
• If taken within 5 days of a pregnancy loss or termination, they’re immediately effective; otherwise, it takes 7 days

Is birth control pill effectiveness impacted by missing doses? Indeed, while birth control pills are 99% effective with perfect use, typical use effectiveness drops to around 93% due to occasional missed doses.

Immediate Protection: Birth Control Methods That Work Right Away

Some contraceptive methods offer instant protection against pregnancy. These options are ideal for those seeking immediate effectiveness:

1. Condoms and other barrier methods
2. Copper IUDs
3. Tubal ligation

Do copper IUDs provide long-term protection? Yes, copper IUDs can remain effective for up to 10 years after insertion, making them a long-lasting option for those seeking immediate and extended contraception.

The Timeline for IUD Effectiveness

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective contraceptives, but their onset of action can vary:

Copper IUDs

Copper IUDs begin working immediately upon insertion, regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle. They can provide effective contraception for up to a decade.

Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUDs that release progestin have a slightly different timeline:

• If inserted within 7 days of the start of your period, they’re effective immediately
• If inserted at any other time, they take 7 days to become fully effective

How long do hormonal IUDs last? Depending on the specific type, hormonal IUDs can provide effective contraception for 3 to 6 years.

Birth Control Implants: Understanding the Effectiveness Window

Birth control implants are small rods inserted under the skin of the upper arm. They release progestin to prevent ovulation. The timeline for their effectiveness is as follows:

• If inserted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, they work immediately
• If inserted at any other time, they take 7 days to reach full effectiveness

Are birth control implants a reliable long-term option? Indeed, implants are more than 99% effective and can provide contraception for several years, making them a convenient choice for those seeking long-term birth control.

The Effectiveness Timeline of Birth Control Patches

Birth control patches prevent ovulation by releasing estrogen and progestin through the skin. Understanding their effectiveness timeline is crucial for proper use:

• If applied within the first 24 hours of your period starting, they’re effective immediately
• If applied at any other time, they take 7 days to become fully effective

How often should you change the birth control patch? A new patch should be applied each week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week to allow for menstruation. This cycle is then repeated.

Vasectomy: A Long-Term Solution with a Delayed Effectiveness

Vasectomy is a permanent form of male contraception, but it’s important to understand that it doesn’t provide immediate protection against pregnancy:

• It typically takes about 3 months for a vasectomy to become fully effective
• During this time, sperm can still be present in the semen
• A follow-up semen analysis is usually recommended to confirm the procedure’s success

Why does a vasectomy take so long to become effective? After the procedure, it takes time for the remaining sperm in the reproductive tract to be cleared out. This process usually takes about 20 ejaculations or 3 months, whichever comes first.

Factors Affecting Birth Control Effectiveness

While understanding the timeline for birth control effectiveness is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize the factors that can impact its reliability:

Human Error

Many contraceptive methods rely on consistent and correct use. Common errors include:

• Forgetting to take pills at the same time each day
• Incorrect application of condoms or other barrier methods
• Failing to replace patches or rings on schedule

Interactions with Other Medications

Certain medications can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods. These may include:

• Some antibiotics
• Certain anti-seizure medications
• Some HIV medications

Can herbal supplements affect birth control effectiveness? Yes, some herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wort, can potentially reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider about potential interactions.

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can impact the effectiveness of birth control or make some methods unsuitable. These may include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• History of blood clots

Age

As women approach menopause, their fertility naturally decreases. However, it’s important to note that pregnancy is still possible until menopause is confirmed, and contraception should be continued as advised by a healthcare provider.

Does the effectiveness of birth control change with age? While the effectiveness of most birth control methods remains constant, some hormonal methods may become slightly less effective in women over 35, particularly if they smoke.

Choosing the Right Birth Control Method

Selecting the most appropriate birth control method is a personal decision that depends on various factors. Consider the following when making your choice:

Effectiveness

Different methods have varying levels of effectiveness. For instance:

• IUDs and implants are more than 99% effective
• Birth control pills are 99% effective with perfect use, but typical use effectiveness is around 93%
• Condoms are about 98% effective with perfect use, but typical use effectiveness is around 85%

Convenience

Consider how the method fits into your lifestyle:

• Do you want a method that requires daily attention, like pills?
• Would you prefer a long-acting method like an IUD or implant?
• Are you comfortable with methods used during intercourse, like condoms?

Side Effects

All birth control methods can have potential side effects. Common ones include:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Mood changes
• Weight fluctuations
• Nausea

Are there birth control options with fewer side effects? Non-hormonal methods like copper IUDs or barrier methods often have fewer systemic side effects compared to hormonal options. However, individual experiences can vary.

Future Fertility Plans

Consider your plans for future pregnancies:

• If you want to become pregnant soon, you might choose a method with a quick return to fertility
• If you’re sure you don’t want children, you might consider more permanent options like sterilization

Cost and Accessibility

The cost and availability of different methods can vary:

• Some methods, like condoms, are readily available over the counter
• Others, like IUDs or implants, require a healthcare provider for insertion
• Insurance coverage for different methods can vary

How can you determine which birth control method is best for you? Consulting with a healthcare provider is the best way to explore your options. They can help you consider all relevant factors and choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences.

The Importance of Backup Methods During the Effectiveness Window

Understanding the effectiveness timeline of your chosen birth control method is crucial, but it’s equally important to use backup protection during the initial period when your primary method may not be fully effective. Here’s what you need to know:

When to Use Backup Methods

Backup protection is typically recommended in the following situations:

• When starting a new hormonal birth control method
• If you’ve missed doses of your birth control pill
• After having an IUD inserted (for hormonal IUDs if not inserted during your period)
• Following a vasectomy, until a semen analysis confirms success

Choosing a Backup Method

Effective backup methods include:

• Condoms
• Spermicides
• Abstinence

How long should you use a backup method? The duration depends on your primary birth control method. For most hormonal methods, 7 days of backup protection is typically sufficient. For vasectomies, backup methods should be used until a semen analysis confirms the absence of sperm, usually after about 3 months.

The Role of Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can be used as a backup method if unprotected intercourse occurs during the effectiveness window of your primary birth control method. Options include:

• Emergency contraceptive pills (Plan B, ella)
• Copper IUD insertion within 5 days of unprotected intercourse

Is emergency contraception as effective as regular birth control methods? While emergency contraception can be highly effective when used correctly, it’s not intended for regular use and is less effective than consistent use of other contraceptive methods.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Birth Control Method

Once you’ve chosen a birth control method and understand its effectiveness timeline, it’s important to monitor how it’s working for you and make adjustments if necessary. Consider the following:

Regular Check-ups

Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to:

• Discuss any side effects you’re experiencing
• Ensure your chosen method is still the best option for you
• Address any concerns or questions you may have

Tracking Side Effects

Keep a record of any side effects you experience, such as:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Mood swings
• Weight changes
• Headaches

This information can help your healthcare provider determine if adjustments are needed.

Assessing Effectiveness

Pay attention to signs that your birth control may not be working as effectively as it should, such as:

• Pregnancy symptoms
• Missed periods (if not expected with your method)
• Irregular bleeding

When should you take a pregnancy test while on birth control? If you experience pregnancy symptoms or have reason to believe your birth control may have failed, it’s advisable to take a pregnancy test. Some birth control methods can affect menstruation, so missed periods alone may not always indicate pregnancy.

Changing Methods

If you decide to switch birth control methods, remember:

• Consult with your healthcare provider about the best way to transition
• Understand the effectiveness timeline of your new method
• Use backup protection during the transition if necessary

By staying informed about your birth control method’s effectiveness timeline and actively monitoring its impact on your body, you can ensure you’re using the most appropriate and effective contraception for your needs. Remember, no method is 100% guaranteed, but understanding and proper use can significantly reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

How long does it take for birth control to work?

The time it takes for birth control to start working depends on the method. Barrier methods, such as condoms, are effective at once, while a vasectomy can take 3 months or longer.

Barrier methods, such as condoms, work immediately when used correctly, while birth control pills may take several days to start working. A vasectomy usually takes at least 3 months to become effective, while tubal ligation works right away.

Below, learn more about these and other types of birth control, including when and how they start working and how effective they really are.

It is worth noting that no method of birth control is 100% guaranteed to work — there is always a chance of pregnancy, even with perfect use. With typical use, which take human error into account, the chances of pregnancy increase.

Also, health experts can only estimate how long these methods take to become effective. Use a backup type of birth control for at least as long as it is likely to take for a new method to start working.

Finally, keep in mind that some forms of birth control can have adverse effects. A healthcare provider can help make sure that a person is choosing the safest, most effective option for their needs.

Oral contraceptives prevent ovulation and make it harder for the sperm to reach the egg. There several types, including progestin-only and combination pills.

It is worth noting that birth control pills are not suitable for everyone and may involve some risks. Discuss the pros and cons carefully with a doctor.

How long do they take to work?

A few factors, including the type of pill, influence how long the pills take to work.

Progestin-only pills

Sometimes called the “mini-pill,” this type can work immediately if the person takes it between days 1 and 5 of their menstrual cycle. In other words, they should take the first pill in the first 5 days after a period has begun.

However, these pills take 2 days to work if the person has a short cycle or starts taking the pills after day 5.

After having a baby, a person can take their first progestin-only pill on day 21 after delivery, and it will work at once.

After a pregnancy loss or termination, the pill starts working right away if a person takes it within 5 days. Otherwise, the pill takes 2 days to become effective.

Combination pills

Combination pills contain two hormones — estrogen and progestin — that prevent ovulation.

If a person takes the first dose within 5 days of their period starting, it is effective immediately. If they start at any other time, the pill takes 7 days to work.

After having a baby, most people can start taking these pills on day 21 after delivery, and they are effective immediately.

Following a pregnancy loss or termination, the pill starts working at once if the person starts taking it within 5 days. If not, the pill takes 7 days to become effective. However, it is best to speak with a doctor, because the trimester can influence the effectiveness of this pill.

Identifying the start of menstruation is not always easy. Here, find other telltale signs of a period and learn how pregnancy spotting is different.

How effective are they?

With perfect use, birth control pills are 99% effective.

However, most people miss a dose from time to time. As a result, the overall effectiveness is around 93%.

Learn more about the types of birth control pill.

A healthcare professional inserts an intrauterine device (IUD) into the uterus. It contains copper, which interferes with the process of fertilization.

Some IUDs, such as Liletta, Mirena, and Skyla, prevent ovulation by releasing the hormone progestin.

How long does it take to work?

A copper IUD, or “coil,” begins working immediately and can remain effective for up to 10 years.

An IUD that contains hormones becomes effective right away if a doctor inserts it within 7 days of a period starting. Otherwise, it takes 7 days. Depending on the type, these last 3–6 years.

How effective is it?

These devices are more than 99% effective.

Here, find some tips on choosing an IUD.

The birth control implant is a tiny rod that a doctor inserts under the skin in the upper arm. It releases progestin and prevents ovulation.

How long does it take to work?

If a doctor inserts the device during the first 5 days of a cycle, the implant works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to reach full effectiveness.

How effective is it?

Overall, these devices are more than 99% effective. As with all methods of birth control, however, there is always a small chance of pregnancy.

The birth control patch prevents ovulation by releasing estrogen and progestin. A person applies a new patch each week for 3 weeks. On the fourth week, they use no patch to allow for menstruation.

How long do they take to work?

If a person applies the first patch within 5 days of starting a period, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to become effective.

How effective are they?

These patches are 91% effective.

Barrier methods prevent fertilization by stopping sperm from reaching an egg. Male and female condoms, the diaphragm, and the sponge all create a physical barrier.

Spermicides are substances that contain chemicals that kill sperm. A person might use a cream, foam, film, suppository, or gel variety. Insert it into the vagina, near the cervix.

How long do they take to work?

Barrier methods and spermicide begin working immediately.

Learn more about other nonhormonal methods of birth control.

How effective are they?

With typical use:

• diaphragms are 88% effective
• female condoms are 79% effective
• male condoms are 82% effective
• spermicides are 72% effective
• sponges are 88% effective for those who have never given birth and 76% effective for those who have given birth

Combining a physical barrier, such as a condom, with spermicide increases its effectiveness. Condoms need to fit properly to work, however.

Here, learn how to find the right size of condom.

A person inserts a vaginal ring into their vagina. They wear it for the first 3 weeks of their cycle, then remove it to allow menstruation to occur.

The ring releases estrogen and progestin, which prevent ovulation.

How long does it take to work?

If a person inserts the ring on the first day of their cycle, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to work.

How effective is it?

With typical usage, the vaginal ring is 93% effective.

Here, learn more about a type called NuvaRing.

Using the birth control shot involves having an injection of the hormone progestin every 3 months. This prevents ovulation.

How long does it take to work?

When a person has an injection within 5 days of a period starting, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days.

How effective is it?

With typical usage, the success rate is 94%.

Male sterilization, a procedure called a vasectomy, prevents sperm from getting into semen. A person still ejaculates, but pregnancy cannot occur.

How long does it take to work?

It can take several months to work.

After a vasectomy, fertility declines slowly and steadily. In most people, semen contains no sperm by the end of 12 weeks, but an older study, from 2003, found that 17% of participants still had sperm after 24 weeks.

Use a backup method of birth control until tests show that semen contains no sperm.

How effective is it?

The success rate of vasectomy is nearly 100%.

Tubal ligation, what some people call having their “tubes tied,” is one surgical form of female sterilization.

It involves closing or blocking the fallopian tubes, which would otherwise carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

How long does it take to work?

Tubal ligation is effective immediately.

How effective is it?

It is nearly 100% effective.

A wide variety of birth control options exist. Some, such as barrier methods, provide immediate protection, while others, such as a vasectomy, can take several months to work. Many take about a week to become effective.

It is worth noting that some forms are more effective than others, and certain types carry risks. After taking into account a person’s overall health and lifestyle, a healthcare provider can recommend the safest, most effective options.

How long does it take for birth control to work?

The time it takes for birth control to start working depends on the method. Barrier methods, such as condoms, are effective at once, while a vasectomy can take 3 months or longer.

Barrier methods, such as condoms, work immediately when used correctly, while birth control pills may take several days to start working. A vasectomy usually takes at least 3 months to become effective, while tubal ligation works right away.

Below, learn more about these and other types of birth control, including when and how they start working and how effective they really are.

It is worth noting that no method of birth control is 100% guaranteed to work — there is always a chance of pregnancy, even with perfect use. With typical use, which take human error into account, the chances of pregnancy increase.

Also, health experts can only estimate how long these methods take to become effective. Use a backup type of birth control for at least as long as it is likely to take for a new method to start working.

Finally, keep in mind that some forms of birth control can have adverse effects. A healthcare provider can help make sure that a person is choosing the safest, most effective option for their needs.

Oral contraceptives prevent ovulation and make it harder for the sperm to reach the egg. There several types, including progestin-only and combination pills.

It is worth noting that birth control pills are not suitable for everyone and may involve some risks. Discuss the pros and cons carefully with a doctor.

How long do they take to work?

A few factors, including the type of pill, influence how long the pills take to work.

Progestin-only pills

Sometimes called the “mini-pill,” this type can work immediately if the person takes it between days 1 and 5 of their menstrual cycle. In other words, they should take the first pill in the first 5 days after a period has begun.

However, these pills take 2 days to work if the person has a short cycle or starts taking the pills after day 5.

After having a baby, a person can take their first progestin-only pill on day 21 after delivery, and it will work at once.

After a pregnancy loss or termination, the pill starts working right away if a person takes it within 5 days. Otherwise, the pill takes 2 days to become effective.

Combination pills

Combination pills contain two hormones — estrogen and progestin — that prevent ovulation.

If a person takes the first dose within 5 days of their period starting, it is effective immediately. If they start at any other time, the pill takes 7 days to work.

After having a baby, most people can start taking these pills on day 21 after delivery, and they are effective immediately.

Following a pregnancy loss or termination, the pill starts working at once if the person starts taking it within 5 days. If not, the pill takes 7 days to become effective. However, it is best to speak with a doctor, because the trimester can influence the effectiveness of this pill.

Identifying the start of menstruation is not always easy. Here, find other telltale signs of a period and learn how pregnancy spotting is different.

How effective are they?

With perfect use, birth control pills are 99% effective.

However, most people miss a dose from time to time. As a result, the overall effectiveness is around 93%.

Learn more about the types of birth control pill.

A healthcare professional inserts an intrauterine device (IUD) into the uterus. It contains copper, which interferes with the process of fertilization.

Some IUDs, such as Liletta, Mirena, and Skyla, prevent ovulation by releasing the hormone progestin.

How long does it take to work?

A copper IUD, or “coil,” begins working immediately and can remain effective for up to 10 years.

An IUD that contains hormones becomes effective right away if a doctor inserts it within 7 days of a period starting. Otherwise, it takes 7 days. Depending on the type, these last 3–6 years.

How effective is it?

These devices are more than 99% effective.

Here, find some tips on choosing an IUD.

The birth control implant is a tiny rod that a doctor inserts under the skin in the upper arm. It releases progestin and prevents ovulation.

How long does it take to work?

If a doctor inserts the device during the first 5 days of a cycle, the implant works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to reach full effectiveness.

How effective is it?

Overall, these devices are more than 99% effective. As with all methods of birth control, however, there is always a small chance of pregnancy.

The birth control patch prevents ovulation by releasing estrogen and progestin. A person applies a new patch each week for 3 weeks. On the fourth week, they use no patch to allow for menstruation.

How long do they take to work?

If a person applies the first patch within 5 days of starting a period, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to become effective.

How effective are they?

These patches are 91% effective.

Barrier methods prevent fertilization by stopping sperm from reaching an egg. Male and female condoms, the diaphragm, and the sponge all create a physical barrier.

Spermicides are substances that contain chemicals that kill sperm. A person might use a cream, foam, film, suppository, or gel variety. Insert it into the vagina, near the cervix.

How long do they take to work?

Barrier methods and spermicide begin working immediately.

Learn more about other nonhormonal methods of birth control.

How effective are they?

With typical use:

• diaphragms are 88% effective
• female condoms are 79% effective
• male condoms are 82% effective
• spermicides are 72% effective
• sponges are 88% effective for those who have never given birth and 76% effective for those who have given birth

Combining a physical barrier, such as a condom, with spermicide increases its effectiveness. Condoms need to fit properly to work, however.

Here, learn how to find the right size of condom.

A person inserts a vaginal ring into their vagina. They wear it for the first 3 weeks of their cycle, then remove it to allow menstruation to occur.

The ring releases estrogen and progestin, which prevent ovulation.

How long does it take to work?

If a person inserts the ring on the first day of their cycle, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to work.

How effective is it?

With typical usage, the vaginal ring is 93% effective.

Here, learn more about a type called NuvaRing.

Using the birth control shot involves having an injection of the hormone progestin every 3 months. This prevents ovulation.

How long does it take to work?

When a person has an injection within 5 days of a period starting, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days.

How effective is it?

With typical usage, the success rate is 94%.

Male sterilization, a procedure called a vasectomy, prevents sperm from getting into semen. A person still ejaculates, but pregnancy cannot occur.

How long does it take to work?

It can take several months to work.

After a vasectomy, fertility declines slowly and steadily. In most people, semen contains no sperm by the end of 12 weeks, but an older study, from 2003, found that 17% of participants still had sperm after 24 weeks.

Use a backup method of birth control until tests show that semen contains no sperm.

How effective is it?

The success rate of vasectomy is nearly 100%.

Tubal ligation, what some people call having their “tubes tied,” is one surgical form of female sterilization.

It involves closing or blocking the fallopian tubes, which would otherwise carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

How long does it take to work?

Tubal ligation is effective immediately.

How effective is it?

It is nearly 100% effective.

A wide variety of birth control options exist. Some, such as barrier methods, provide immediate protection, while others, such as a vasectomy, can take several months to work. Many take about a week to become effective.

It is worth noting that some forms are more effective than others, and certain types carry risks. After taking into account a person’s overall health and lifestyle, a healthcare provider can recommend the safest, most effective options.

Oral contraceptive use and pregnancy Online journal

Each year, 1-10 women out of 10,000 women using this method of protection experience pregnancy while using combined oral contraceptives (COCs). Although, according to the instructions, it is recommended to additionally use a barrier method (condom or other) only in the first 7 days of taking COCs.

To determine how reliable this or that method of contraception is, an American biologist created the Pearl Index, based solely on experiments.

It reflects the number of pregnancies in 100 girls who use any contraceptive during one year. The lower the index value, the more reliable the contraceptive method under study. The most common method – a condom – has an index of 7-14%. Taking hormonal contraceptive pills is more effective (the index is 0.1 -0.9).

What is the reason for the “failure” of the drug? Let’s try to figure it out, because, taking COC, every woman wants to be sure of the result.

1. “Wrong” choice of contraceptive
Often, when she becomes pregnant while taking COCs, the patient blames herself or the doctor for the fact that the pills were chosen incorrectly. Actually it is not. All COCs have a similar composition, contain estrogens (ethinyl estradiol) and gestagens (analogues of natural progesterone), and the differences between them are only in the chemical structure of these substances and their dosages. In any case, the mechanism of action of all such hormonal pills is to block ovulation.

Gestagen-containing birth control pills (mini-pills) block ovulation not in 100% of cases, but they thicken the cervical mucus, preventing the penetration of spermatozoa into the uterus and preventing the implantation of the fetal egg. More often they are prescribed for unstable ovulation, for nursing mothers, for example.

Thus, all oral contraceptives are quite reliable.

2. Violation of the pill regimen
OCs are usually started on the 2-5th day of the menstrual cycle, that is, immediately after the next menstruation begins and there is confidence in the absence of pregnancy. Many people think that the contraceptive effect of the drug appears immediately, literally from the first pill, in fact it is not. That is why it is recommended to use additional methods of protection in the first 7-14 days from the start of taking COCs.

Also in the instructions for any COC it is said that the tablets should be taken every day at the same time. Violation of the intake regimen can actually cause pregnancy.

If the delay in taking the pill is more than 12 hours, you can not count on reliable protection. You should immediately take the missed dose, take the next one at the usual time, and use other means of protection in addition to COCs, such as a condom or spermicide, for the next seven days.

3. Indigestion
If vomiting occurs within three hours after taking another COC tablet, it is likely that the medicine was not absorbed and came out with vomit. If, after stopping vomiting, you do not immediately take an extraordinary dose of the drug, it is quite possible to weaken the contraceptive effect and the onset of pregnancy.

If diarrhea occurs, you should not worry, although you can play it safe and take another pill, there will be no harm from it, but protection will be enhanced and pregnancy will not occur – that’s for sure.

4. Taking medications
Decreased effectiveness of hormonal protection may be caused by the interaction of COCs with other drugs. In particular, it has been proven that antibiotics from the group of rifampicin and ampicillin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs that affect the enzymatic activity of the liver and accelerate the excretion of hormones from the body, affect the contraceptive ability of tablets.

You should always inform your doctor about the use of a hormonal method of contraception and, if it is not possible to change the drug, use additional methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy. It is generally required to use a condom or spermicides within 4 weeks after stopping the medication prescribed for the disease. If there is a need for long-term treatment, you should stop taking COCs in favor of other methods of contraception.

5. Intermenstrual spotting
By itself, the discharge does not reduce the effectiveness of OK, rather, there is a feedback. The appearance of bloody discharge between menstruation indicates that the woman’s body does not have enough hormones introduced from the outside in order to reliably insure her against the occurrence of an unwanted pregnancy.

If bloody discharge from the genital tract occurs, it is recommended to stop taking the tablets from the package and discuss with the attending gynecologist the replacement of this drug with a higher dose. In conclusion, I would like to say that the onset of pregnancy while taking COCs does not threaten the woman and the unborn child in any way. Such a pregnancy can be left, the probability of fetal malformations in this case is the same as the average for the population.

6. Pregnancy with OCs
What to watch out for is more than 3 weeks of OCs during pregnancy. In the absence of another menstrual bleeding during the seven-day break in taking OK, you should not start the next pack until there is no certainty that there is no pregnancy. It is necessary to do a blood test for hCG or take a pregnancy test.

All about birth control pills for women

Oral contraceptives or birth control pills for women are medicines that prevent pregnancy and are taken orally, that is, by mouth. They are a modern means of planning childbearing and allow a woman to independently control the number of pregnancies and the duration of pauses between them.

A story that changed the world

Throughout history, mankind has tried to find substances that could effectively prevent pregnancy and control births. But only scientific studies of the relationship between hormones and ovulation at the beginning of the 20th century, obtaining a synthetic progestogen in the 1956 and the subsequent development of preparations based on it for the regulation of the female cycle are truly revolutionary. The invention of a simple, convenient and affordable method of contraception, which radically changed the lives of many generations of women, giving them freedom of choice, became a symbol of the sexual revolution and even entrenched in the language – in English, the word “pill” or “pill” (pill) means not a dosage form in general, namely oral contraceptives ^[1] .

How contraceptives work

Progesterone, a hormone produced in the ovaries, has a contraceptive effect. Its synthetic substitutes are called progestogens or progestins. They can be derivatives of both progesterone and testosterone. As part of oral contraceptives, testosterone derivatives are used – as a rule, these are norethindrone and levonorgestrel.

The contraceptive effect of progestogens depends on their dose. In microdoses, they slow down the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes, through which the egg enters the uterine cavity, increase the density of mucus in the cervical canal of the cervix, which mechanically prevents the penetration of the sperm into it, and also affect the endometrium of the uterus, preventing the fertilized egg from attaching. In high doses, progestogens suppress ovulation.

In order to reduce the effect on ovulation, some types of oral contraceptives contain small doses of synthetic estrogen, an analogue of the female sex hormone.

Types of oral contraceptives

If the contraceptive preparation contains only synthetic progestogen, it belongs to the type of progestogen contraceptives (so-called mini-pills). These products contain the minimum amount of progestogens – about 300-500 mcg. They are used to achieve a contraceptive effect in women who are contraindicated in taking estrogen for one reason or another, for example, if the woman is breastfeeding or has an estrogen-dependent disease.

Another type of hormonal contraceptive is based on the contraceptive action of progestin, the so-called “morning pills” or emergency contraceptives. They contain a higher progestogen, namely levonorgestrel, than mini-pills, so that the contraceptive effect is achieved quickly, provided that the pill is taken within 72 hours after an episode of unprotected intercourse.

The most commonly used combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have estrogen added to the progestogen. Depending on the quantitative content of estrogen, they are divided into micro-, mini-, medium- and high-dose.

In addition, mono-, two- and three-phase preparations are isolated. They differ in the concentration and combination of hormones in the tablets included in the monthly course. The ratio of estrogen and progestogen in monophasic contraceptives does not change throughout the entire intake. And in two-phase and three-phase preparations, it depends on the stage of the cycle. This is done in order to more accurately select the dose of a particular hormone, depending on the woman’s own hormonal background.

How to choose and how to take birth control pills

As a general rule, ^[2] , progestogen contraceptives are prescribed to prevent pregnancy during breastfeeding, in smokers over 35 years of age, and when estrogen is contraindicated. The peculiarity of these drugs is that they need to be taken at the same time, which requires a certain self-discipline. But the effect of taking progestin contraceptive pills reaches a maximum within 4 hours after taking.

Thanks to the widest range of types of combined oral contraceptives, it is possible to choose a drug depending on the woman’s age, the characteristics of her sexual life, the presence of children, her hormonal levels and concomitant disorders. Of course, the doctor can recommend the optimal choice of contraceptive, taking into account all factors.

Combination contraceptives should usually be started on the first day of menstruation. They are taken daily for 21 days. After a 7-day break, the next course begins. There are also special regimens in which the duration of the courses increases, and the number of menstrual cycles decreases.

Efficacy, safety and risks

WHO efficacy score for combined oral contraceptives and minipills is very high, over 99% when used correctly ^[3] .

Doctors have linked certain side effects to the combined birth control pill. First of all, it is the risk of developing blood clots ^[4] . An additional risk factor here may be smoking and being overweight.

^[1] Liao PV, Dollin J. Half a century of the oral contraceptive pill: Historical review and view to the future. Canadian Family Physician. 2012;58(12):e757-e760.

^[2] Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. WHO. 5th Edition 2015 http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/348116/MEC-merged.pdf?ua=1.

^[3] Family planning. WHO Bulletin. July 2017. Available online http://www.who.