Millions of women around the use the contraceptive pill, quite probably because it is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy. Indeed, with a 99.9% effectiveness rate when taken correctly, pills can be classed as extremely reliable contraception. As with most medicines, however, some women do find that they have side-effects, or that there are drawbacks to taking the pill, so just what are the benefits and disadvantages of taking the pill?
In regards to the advantages, contraceptive pills, such as Gedarel are very reliable and will prevent unplanned pregnancies if taken as per the manufacturer’s directions. Pills are more convenient than many other forms of contraception, and they allow women to be in control of their fertility with no interference during sexual activity. Taking the pill can also help women who suffer from heavy bleeding during their period, as taking it usually makes periods shorter, lighter and more regular. Pills can also give women an element of control over their periods as it is possible to skip periods safely by continuing to take tablets during pill free weeks when taking the combined pill and often women taking the progesterone only pill don’t have periods at all.
Taking the pill can also help protect against certain types of cancer, such as ovarian or uterine cancer, although it is worth bearing in mind that sometimes pill usage is linked to an increased risk of other types of cancer. Acne sufferers can also often benefit from clearer skin through taking the pill, and users also report an easing of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, so it’s often goodbye to headaches, bloating and stomach cramps.
The pill is perfectly safe to take, but there are some side-effects associated with its usage. These symptoms can include mood swings, breast tenderness, migraines, nausea or even changes in body weight. Often, these symptoms ease over time as users become accustomed to taking the pill, but if not changing the brand of pill can eliminate side-effects.
Taking the pill does put women at a slightly higher risk of developing certain conditions. The oestrogen hormone contained within combined contraceptive pills, for instance, can increase the risk of thrombosis. It is often recommended, therefore, that women who are considered to be at high risk of stroke or thrombosis do not take the pill and that smokers over 35 or overweight women take the progesterone-only pill.
It is also worth remembering that, although the pill is extremely effective at preventing pregnancy, it can only work so long as the user remembers to take it every day. If you have a busy life and think there is the potential that you could struggle to remember to take a tablet every day it might not be the contraceptive for you. Forgetting to take just one pill could lead to the onset of ovulation which could result in an unplanned pregnancy following unprotected sex. There are reminder apps that can be used, or alarms can be set up on phones, but women need to consider if they will be able to think about taking a pill every day before they decide to rely solely on this method of contraception.