What is the birth control pill?
The birth control pill is a method of contraception to prevent pregnancy. It contains one or two types of hormones: progesterone and estrogen, the hormones responsible for female cycles. The anovulant prevents ovulation and makes the cervical mucus thicker, which makes it more difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterus and thus fertilize an egg.
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The birth control pill is one of the most popular and effective forms of contraception.
Types of birth control pills
There are two main families of pills:
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Combination" or estrogen-progestin pills: these contain estrogen and progesterone and are the most commonly used type. They have three mechanisms of action: blocking ovulation in the ovaries, modifying the endometrium to make it less welcoming and thickening the secretions to prevent sperm from passing through the cervix.
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Microprogestogen pills: contain only a progestin and must be taken continuously. They act on the thickness of the mucus, secretions that prevent or favor the passage of spermatozoa, at the level of the uterine cervix and, sometimes, block ovulation.
Benefits
In addition to the fact that oral contraceptives are 99.7% effective when used properly to prevent pregnancy, taking an anovulant can have several other benefits:
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Decreased menstrual cramping and bleeding, because there is less menstrual blood when taking the pill
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Regularization of the menstrual cycle and better predictability of menstrual weeks
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Reduces the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer
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May reduce acne in some cases
Symptoms
Symptoms related to the birth control pill usually disappear within the first three months. The main ones include:
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Irregular bleeding (between periods)
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Nausea
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Headaches
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Breast tenderness and swelling
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Mood changes
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Water retention
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Weight gain​
I want a prescription
Our affiliated pharmacists may be able to help. Register online, then request a prescription through the Medzy platform if you are interested in obtaining a birth control pill. One of our affiliate pharmacists will take the time to review your request in a consultation, answer your questions and agree on the best solution for you to ensure your safety and best outcomes.