HealthTree Blog

A woman who is seeking to prevent pregnancy might consider taking birth control pills.  This method of contraception causes the cervical mucus to become thick, making the advancement of sperm to the uterus more difficult.  The pill is taken daily and also contains artificial hormones that prevent ovulation.
Birth control pills have other uses besides contraception.  They can improve acne, help control PMS, and provide protection from certain types of cancers. A prescription from a health care professional is needed to obtain birth control pills and they are relatively inexpensive, costing in a range of $20 to $40 each month.
The pill is considered generally safe, but due to the fact that they release hormones into a woman’s body it is unwise for some women to use them. A woman who is over than 35 and is a smoker is at higher risks for health problems.  If there is a history of blood clots, heart disease or stroke a woman should not take birth control pills. Some birth control pills contain a combination of both estrogen and progestin hormones, while the “mini-pill” contains only progestin.  A higher chance of pregnancy may occur with the use of the “mini-pill”.
With an efficiency rate of 99 percent in preventing pregnancy, the pill is considered effective. However, some medication can interact with the pill.  Antibiotics are considered to be the most risky.  If a woman must take antibiotics, another form of birth control should be used. Barrier methods such as the male condom or a diaphragm are good choices for back-up birth control. Both barrier methods are effective when used properly. Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and a condom should be used along with the pill if there is any chance of acquiring a STD.