Combined oral contraceptives: truth and fiction

Combined oral contraceptives today are the most reliable way to protect against unwanted pregnancy. Provided that you will use them in full compliance with the instruction, their reliability will be 100%. Despite the fact that such pills are prescribed by a gynecologist, many women persistently do not want to take them, preferring to use barrier contraception in an old fashion. Scary their terrible word "hormones". Some women argue that combined oral contraceptives lead to excess weight, accelerated hair growth throughout the body and the inability to conceive after their withdrawal. Of course, this is not so. This kind of "urban legends" are applicable mainly to drugs of the last century, in which the dose of hormones was really great.

Characteristic

Combined oral contraceptives, which can now be purchased at any pharmacy, contain female sex hormones that are as close to natural as possible. In addition, modern manufacturers use very low doses, so you can not be afraid of increased androgenic effects. Often, the instructions for the drug lists many side effects (increased blood coagulability, varicose veins, problems with blood vessels, allergic reactions, bleeding), but all this can be avoided. Just remember that the appointment should be your gynecologist. Do not buy them, relying on the advice of a friend or an amiable pharmacist at the pharmacy. Before taking it is necessary to pass a number of tests and make ultrasound. This is necessary in order to identify a possible predisposition to the conditions described above. If the doctor confirms that your health is in order, you can take combined oral contraceptives for as long as you like. Additional tests are not required. As for the subsequent difficulties with conception, this is nothing more than just another myth. The action of the COCs is stopped 36 hours after they are canceled. Thus, you can start planning pregnancy immediately after you stop taking pills.

Act

Almost all modern COCs (combined oral contraceptives) have an antiandrogenic effect. You get not only the opportunity to have uninterrupted sex with a regular partner, but also a few pleasant "bonuses": the fat content of the skin decreases, the hair becomes thicker, the small pimples disappear. Of course, you do not need to take such medications solely for the sake of cosmetic effects, since it largely depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. It is worth saying a few words about the extra weight. Contrary to the common misconception, it has nothing to do with hormones. The fact is that COCs cause changes in the metabolism. They create a "state of false pregnancy", so it is natural that your body can react to it with drowsiness, weight loss, mild nausea. All that is required of you is to monitor your diet, not to lean on dessert and regularly visit the gym.

Choice of preparation

Should I list all the existing combined oral contraceptives? The names will not tell you anything. In addition, as noted above, only a doctor can prescribe them. In general, all drugs are taken to differentiate according to the level of hormones. Relatively recently, three-phase medications were used. Each cycle day was matched by a certain tablet, each with a different dose of hormones. Monophasic low-dose drugs (for example, "Diane-35") are now underway. Begin the reception from the first day of the cycle. Drink tablets should be daily, and it is better to do it at the same time. The reception rules are described in detail in the instructions.