If you’re sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant, birth control pills might be your best bet. While there are many contraceptive methods out there, birth control pills – also called “the pill” – are perhaps the most widely known type of contraception.
Before opting for birth control pills as your contraception method, it is a good idea to use your due diligence and consider whether these may be right for you. Let’s talk about how birth control pills work, and where you can go in Decatur, Stonecrest, and Stone Mountain for comprehensive OB-GYN care.
Birth Control Pills Alter Your Hormone Levels
You get pregnant when a sperm fertilizes your egg which was released from an ovary. The hormones in your body control the release of eggs from the ovaries, also called ovulation, and prepare your uterus to accept that fertilized egg.
Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones which are like estrogen and progestin. These synthetic hormones alter your hormone levels and thereby prevent pregnancy by doing one or more of the following:
- Stopping the release of eggs from your ovary
- Increasing the consistency of the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to swim and reach the egg
- Thin your uterine lining, making it unable to conceive a fertilized egg
The Pill Reduces Your Chances of Getting Pregnant by 99%
Birth control pills are effective at preventing pregnancy by at least 99% as long as you take them every day, and do not forget to take the pills. If you are likely to forget to do this consistently, talk to your OB-GYN about other contracteption methods.
Birth Control Pills Are Much More than Just Contraception
In addition to its use as a contraception method, the birth control pill can be used for several health benefits, including:
- Regulating the menstrual cycle, or reducing its length or amount
- Increasing iron in the body, and thereby helping to prevent anemia associated with heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Reducing the severity of menstrual cramps, or eliminating them altogether
- Improving acne
- Preventing ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer
- Reducing the risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases, including fibroadenoma (benign lump in the breast) and cystic changes
- Reducing the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Birth Control Pills Aren’t for Everyone
Hormonal contraceptives are not recommended to everyone. Refrain from contraceptive pills or talk to your OB-GYN before taking them if you have or have had any of the following:
- Classic migraines (also known as migraine with aura)
- Stroke
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Cardiac changes
- Blood-clotting disorder
- Breast cancer
- Obesity
- Smoking
The Pill Won’t Immediately Prevent Pregnancy
Your body will take some time to adjust to the new hormone levels driven by taking the birth control pill, so you are still likely to become pregnant if you have unprotected sex during the first week or more after beginning this regimen. Once you are taking them every day, then full contraceptive protection will soon be in place. Your OB-GYN can explain the details about the type of pill you choose to take.
Birth Control Pills in Decatur, Stonecrest, and Stone Mountain, GA
Whether you are looking for a steady and reliable form of contraception or you want to reap the other health benefits of the birth control pill, talk to our highly qualified and experienced OB-GYN doctors at Dekalb Women’s Specialists. Our medical team takes pride in providing women across Georgia with general gynecology services and healthcare support at every stage of life.
Our OB-GYNs include Dr. Scott, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Williams, Dr. Haynes, and Dr. Amua-Quarshie, and all of our physicians have years of successful experience in helping to keep women healthy. If you have any questions about contraception or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our world-class gynecologists, call us today at (404) 508-2000 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your partner in health and wellness!
