Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are medications used by women to prevent pregnancy. These pills contain synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones in the female body, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
In Singapore, there are various types of birth control pills available. There are combined pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone, as well as progestin-only pills. These pills are commonly prescribed by doctors and are widely available in pharmacies nationwide.
By preventing ovulation, birth control pills provide highly effective protection against unwanted pregnancies. This article discusses the basics of birth control pills and the types of pills available.
What are birth control pills?
Birth control pills are designed in such a way to be taken orally by women to control birth. Most consumed birth control pills are “combination pills” that combine two hormones. They are estrogen and progesterone. These help to prevent ovulation.
Ovulation is the process of the release of an egg during the monthly menstrual cycle in females. As no egg can be fertilized, it prevents pregnancy and helps in birth control.
History
Birth control pills were introduced in May 1950. It has let women gain incredible freedom and reproductive autonomy. It was first used in the United States of America in 1960. It does not affect weight, but often periods get lighter and become less painful for the person consuming it.
These pills are said to be most effective when taken consistently at the same time each day as prescribed by the doctor. It includes risks such as a small reversible increase in DVTs, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.
Issues faced
Several issues can be faced due to birth control pills including:
• Side effects
Birth control pills can cause various side effects, such as nausea, headaches, weight gain, mood changes, and irregular bleeding. These side effects can be mild or severe and vary from person to person.
• Health risks
There are some health risks associated with birth control pills, such as an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and breast cancer. However, the risk of these complications is generally low and varies based on a person’s medical history and lifestyle factors.
• Effectiveness
Birth control pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, but they are not 100% foolproof. Failure to take the pill correctly, such as missing a dose or taking it at the wrong time, can reduce its effectiveness.
• Cost
Birth control pills can be expensive, and not all insurance plans cover them. It can make it difficult for some people to afford or access the pill consistently.
• Accessibility
Birth control pills require a prescription from a healthcare provider, which can make them less accessible to some people, particularly those who live in rural areas or who don’t have access to affordable healthcare.
How it works?
During a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise and fall. It triggers the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. These hormones stimulate the growth of a follicle in the ovary, which eventually releases an egg during ovulation.
When a woman takes birth control pills, the synthetic hormones prevent the body from releasing LH and FSH. In turn, it prevents the growth and release of an egg. It is known as ovulation suppression.
Breast tenderness, extreme headaches, irregular menstrual bleeding, mood changes, blood clots, dizziness, nausea, bleeding while taking the active pills, etc., are some of the side effects of taking these pills continuously.
There are also some positive effects, like the fact that it reduces cramps, makes periods lighter, and improves acne. It protects against breast diseases, anemia, ovarian cysts, and ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Low-dose pills
The safest contraception pills are low-dose birth control pills. It is a combination of progestin-only mini-pill. Low-dose pills are typically recommended for women over the age of 35 or with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or a history of blood clots. However, the decision to use low-dose pills should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Many health and family planning clinics sell these pills for a lesser amount. Also, many health insurance plans cover birth control pills and doctor visits expenses, and some even come under the schemes of the government.
Compared to condoms, birth control pills are more effective in preventing pregnancy. Birth control pills are 91% effective, while male condoms are 87% effective. If consuming birth control pills makes a person feel sick or uncomfortable, then it is recommended to consult the doctor about the problem.
Birth control and infertility
There is a lot of confusion regarding birth control and infertility. Hormonal contraceptives don’t cause infertility. It temporarily delays fertility to prevent pregnancy.
There is a myth that birth control pills cause Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), but the reality is quite the opposite. Birth control pills don’t cause PCOS, but it helps to manage its symptoms. Many doctors recommend taking birth control pills at night before going to bed or before having dinner.
Types of birth control pills
• Combination pills
In the list of types of birth control pills available in Singapore, the first one is combination pills. It is also known as the combined oral contraceptive pill. Estrogen and progestin are two hormones that the combination pills are composed of.
Both hormones work to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and thinning the lining of the uterus. Some things needed to be taken care of while taking these pills, as one must simultaneously consume them every day.
• Extended cycle pills (ECPs)
Extended-cycle pills are a newer form of birth control pills that allow women to have fewer periods throughout the year. It contains the same hormone as other pills but in a lower dose. There is a lower chance of missing it. One more benefit we can see by taking these pills is that they reduce acne, heavy bleeding, and more.
• Mini-pills
Mini pills are also known as progestin-only pills. This pill also contains only one type of hormone, which is progestin. The difference between combination pills and mini-pills is that combination one contains two hormones, and mini pills contain only one.
These pills were prescribed to someone who could not take combination pills. It can be exacerbated by the estrogen that combination pills contain. Now, its benefit is that it does not increase the risk of blood clots in the body like combination pills.
• Yasmin pills
Yasmin birth control pills can be consumed by women looking to prevent pregnancy. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine if this contraceptive method is appropriate for your health needs and medical history.
It contains two hormones named estrogen and progestin hormone. It also helps reduce acne and the risk of certain ovarian and endometrial cancers.
• Diane-35 pills
Moving to the next one, Diane-35 is one of the most common birth control pills commonly prescribed in Singapore. These pills are usually prescribed to women suffering from severe acne and hirsutism, an excessive hair growth condition. It can also be used as a form of oral contraceptive.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine if Diane-35 is the right birth control pill for an individual’s needs and medical history. It helps regulate one menstrual cycle and make it more regular. Plus, it also helps reduce acne and unwanted hair growth. It also is useful for preventing cancer, such as ovarian and endometrial cancer.
• Microgynon pills
Microgynon Pills is the next pill on our list that can be easily found in Singapore. Ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel are the two hormones that can be found in this pill. Microgynon Pills make the mucus in the cervix thicker, making it much more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and fertilize the egg.
Now it’s time to see its benefits. One can see more regular periods and relief from the period pain, and yes, it also helps to reduce the risk of cancer. This pill has to be taken for 21 days to continue and then stopped for the next seven days and then started taking it.
Preference in Singapore
In Singapore, the preference for birth control pills may vary depending on a woman’s needs and preferences. Some women may prioritize a low-dose pill with fewer side effects. Others may need a pill to help regulate their menstrual cycle or treat other health conditions.
Ultimately, the choice of birth control pill should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the most appropriate option based on a woman’s medical history and lifestyle factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, birth control pills have become a popular method of contraception worldwide. It offers women the ability to control their reproductive health. Women have various options with the different types of pills available in Singapore. They can choose based on their individual needs and preferences.
A variety of birth control pills are available. The list includes combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, and emergency contraception pills. These pills provide women with safe and effective options for family planning and reproductive health.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.