There are two types of pills, combination estrogen and progesterone, and progesterone only.

Both pills mimic the bodies hormonal reactions during menstruation and pregnancy.

The combination pills work by estrogen inhibiting Follicle Stimulation Hormone from stimulation the growth of an ovarian follicle. They also inhibit Lutenizing Hormone from stimulation ovulation.

The progesterone only pills work by creating mucas that is hostile to sperm, making it difficult for them to travel to the egg.
 
 

Marks, Lara. Sexual Chemistry. Yale University Press. New Haven, CT. 2001.

Shapiro, Howard. The Birth Control Book. St. Martin’s Press. New York, NY. 1977

http://www.kff.org/content/2002/3244/Contraception_Fact_Sheet_FINAL.pdf

Planned Parenthood. I received brochures, asked questions and was referred to the Kaiser foundation.

Oral contraceptives are pills containing estrogen and progesterone – like hormones that inhibit conception. The chemical name depends on the name of the estrogen/progesterone used.

Some History:

1950’s – Researchers understood by now the female menstrual cycle. They understood how estrogen and progesterone work in the cycle, and were looking for a way to mimic this in a pill.

They found Mexican Wild Yam to contain a sapogenin (plant steroid) called diosgenin, which resembled cholesteral and could be easily converted to progesterone.

1960 – Searle released the first birth control pill, called Envoid.

Today – 25% of women ages 15-44 use one of 30 + oral contraceptives on the market in the US.

Each pill pack consists of 28 pills – 21 active and 7 sugar pills. The seven sugar pills correspond to withdrawal bleeding, which feels like a normal period.

Take one pill each day, preferably at the same time of the day (upon waking or going to bed are good times).

If a pill is forgotten/missed, take it as soon as remembered. If two are missed, take them both and use another form of birth control for seven days. If three are missed, start a new pack immediately and use another form of birth control for seven days.

To get oral contraceptives, visit your physician. Most will require a pap year to continue the prescription.
 
 

Rates are based on typical and perfect use.

With typical use, combination pills are 97% effective, and progestin only are 93%.

With perfect use (taking one pill every day at the same time), both pills are 99% effective.

The Pill is taken for many reasons, birth control the main one. It is considered to be safe and effective when taken as recommended.

Oral contraceptives are also prescribed as hormone stabilizers, which can have effects such as: regulated menstrual cycles, reduced acne and less premenstrual issues.
 
 

There is a debate about the side effects of oral contraceptives. Some researchers are linking them to heightened risk of breast cancer, while others say that chances of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer are reduced.

Other side effects may include: blood clots, tubal pregnancy (with progesterone pills)

Do not take oral contraceptives if you are:

*pregnant

*smoking (15 + cigarettes a day)

*have high blood pressure

*have diabetes

Pills can be free, or can cost up to $35 a month.