Drink hormones. How to take hormonal birth control pills? How effective are COCs

Oral contraceptives solve several problems: they inhibit the development of eggs in the ovaries, make the mucus contained in the cervix more viscous, so that it becomes impassable for spermatozoa, and also prevent the preparation of the uterine mucosa for the attachment of the embryo. With such a set of functions, an offensive against the background of taking birth control pills becomes impossible.

In addition, hormonal drugs have a therapeutic effect, so they can be taken by those who do not have a regular sex life. With it, you can adjust the menstrual cycle, eliminate premenstrual syndrome, prevent ovarian cysts, uterus, endometriosis and mastopathy, reduce the risk of ovarian disease, the development of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis. In addition, taking hormones has a positive effect on the skin of the face in the presence of acne, increased greasiness of the glands and excessive hair growth.

The described effect on the female body is due to the fact that oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Their regular intake suppresses the production of their own hormones, forms an artificial menstrual cycle and normalizes the processes associated with it.

It used to be recommended after 2 years of taking the pills a break of 3-4 months, but this opinion is rather controversial, and many doctors now reject it. A break in taking pills creates hormonal stress for the body: synthetic hormones do not come in, and the work of their own system for their production after a long rest is not getting better immediately. Therefore, it is more useful to take pills continuously for several years.

When choosing oral contraceptives as a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, you should first discuss this with your doctor, who will help you choose the right drug. You should undergo a gynecological examination, do an ultrasound of the uterus, appendages and mammary glands, take tests for the content of hormones, glucose and cholesterol in the blood, measure blood pressure, and, if necessary, consult with a therapist and endocrinologist. 3 months after the start of taking hormonal drugs, you need to undergo a second examination.

In the absence of side effects and contraindications, oral contraceptives can be used for many years, not forgetting to see a gynecologist 2 times a year and a mammologist once a year. It is advisable to annually examine the biochemical composition and blood clotting, monitor blood pressure and do ultrasound of the pelvic organs. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe a more thorough examination and consultations with specialized specialists (endocrinologist, cardiologist, neurologist, etc.).

Related videos

Sources:

• How long can women take birth control pills?
• how much birth control pills can i take

More and more women are choosing birth control pills to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Some decide on their own, others take hormones prescribed by a doctor. When the need for contraception disappears, the pills must be stopped.

Instruction

But that's not all. Both the musculoskeletal and hematopoietic organs suffer, and may appear in the form of skin rashes, itching, and anaphylaxis. Metabolism is disturbed, which can provoke diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia, in some cases there was also a violation of sexual function, impotence, obesity, peripheral. And what is most unpleasant, these do not appear immediately, but after prolonged use, they are especially dangerous.

Fibric acid tablets

To lower cholesterol, you can take supplements and drugs containing omega-3 polyunsaturated acids, fish oil, pumpkin oil, or lipoic acid.

Tip 5: How to use non-hormonal birth control pills

Non-hormonal contraceptive pills are an effective alternative to hormonal contraceptives. They are safe as they have almost no side effects. Non-hormonal agents can be used in the presence of serious diseases, as well as when it is impossible to use an intrauterine device after childbirth, abortion, during breastfeeding.

How are non-hormonal contraceptives used?

The functioning of the liver is effectively restored by "Hepatamin", the remedy is recommended for chronic and acute liver damage, during therapy, under the influence of negative factors, as well as for the elderly.

Hepaprotectors must be taken in a course in the process of an unfavorable factor, as well as in case of malaise. The duration of treatment should be determined by the doctor.

Related videos

Contraceptive gel is a means of temporary non-hormonal contraception. A similar method of protection against unwanted pregnancy is based on the action of chemicals, it is used during intercourse or shortly before it. Such funds include gels "Benatex", "Patentex Oval".

The use of contraceptive gels

Unlike regularly taken oral contraceptives and barrier contraception, which can sometimes be impossible, contraceptive gel is used according to the situation. The reliability of this method will depend on the active substance and the correct use of the product. The active substance of the Benatex gel is benzalkonium chloride, the Patentex Oval gel is nonoxynol. These funds have a high degree of protection against unwanted. The big advantage of Benatex and Patentex Oval gels is their gentle effect on the body. The use of these funds does not disturb the hormonal balance, has a bactericidal, antifungal effect. Spermicidal and bactericidal action by destruction of cell membranes of spermatozoa, microorganisms.

Therefore, it is necessary to select drugs only empirically, by trial and error. In addition, from time to time it is required to make adjustments to the treatment regimens, because over the years the body gets used to the drugs, and they do not help.

All this can only be done by a professional physician. The patient, especially the elderly, is not able to understand the intricacies of classifying all these angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists and angiotensin receptors ...

Yes, this is not necessary. With hypertension, as with no other disease, it is necessary that the patient actively cooperate with the attending physician. How should this cooperation manifest itself? First, in the exact implementation of all medical prescriptions. Secondly, in regular self-monitoring of blood pressure. Every hypertensive patient should have a tonometer and be able to use it.

You should also know the general principles for selecting, taking and testing the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. Medications should always be started at lower dosages, even 1/2 the recommended dose, especially for the elderly. And gradually increase the dosage until the expected therapeutic effect occurs. It can be judged not a few days after the start of the reception, but after a week or two.

If moderate amounts of the drug do not work, do not increase the dose yourself, do not take it more often, but tell your doctor. He will replace this medicine or prescribe an additional drug with a different spectrum of action.

A severe lack of iodine in the body of a pregnant woman can lead to a mental retardation of the baby and psychomotor disorders, less often - to provoke short stature. If the amount of iodine in the body is above average, but still not enough, then such problems will remain, but will be less noticeable for the child. And, most importantly, violations that have arisen in the womb are difficult to correct during the life of the child.

As for the lactation period, then in this case you should not stop taking it, at least until the end of breastfeeding. Many doctors recommend that young mothers continue taking this drug for another six months after weaning the baby.

Sources:

• Iodomarin® for expectant mother
• Iodomarin during pregnancy

Hormonal preparations are medicines containing hormones or substances that have an effect similar to a hormonal one. Natural hormonal medicines are obtained from the glands, blood and urine of animals, as well as from the blood and urine of humans.

Synthetic hormones are produced in pharmacological shops and laboratories. They can either be structural analogues of true hormones, or differ from them in chemical structure, but exhibit a similar effect.

Almost the largest number of threatening myths have been created around hormonal pills for various purposes: patients are afraid of infertility, weight gain, excessive body hair growth, and loss of potency. The list of negatives is frightening and alarming.

How true are the myths, and what types of hormone therapy are there?

Hormonal preparations are classified depending on the origin (producing gland) and purpose. By origin, drugs are divided into:

• adrenal hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, glucocorticoids, androgens);
• pancreatic preparations (insulin,);
• pituitary hormones (TSH, human gonadotropins, oxytocin, vasopressin, etc.);
• thyroid and parathyroid hormones;
• sex hormones (estrogens, androgens, etc.).

Human hormones regulate the body's metabolism. However, if one of the organs of the endocrine system malfunctions, the perfectly adjusted mechanism of correction and interaction can fail, which will have to be eliminated by the introduction of synthetic analogs of hormones.

By appointment, hormonal drugs are divided into:

• synthetic substances for replacement therapy (levothyroxine sodium, insulin, estrogens);
• means for hormonal contraception (synthetic analogues of estrogen and progesterone);
• hormonal agents that inhibit the production of hormones (for example, therapy with pituitary hormone analogues for prostate cancer);
• symptomatic drugs (anti-inflammatory, antiallergic drugs).

Hormonal drugs often also include antidiabetic and other non-hormonal drugs.

What is treated with hormonal drugs?

Hormone-based drugs are used for both chronic and treatable conditions. Without the help of hormonal drugs can not do with:

• hypothyroidism;
• hyperthyroidism;
• diabetes mellitus of the 1st, sometimes of the 2nd types;
• hormone-dependent tumors of the reproductive system;
• prostate cancer;
• asthma and other diseases associated with an immune response to allergens (including allergic rhinitis);
• endometriosis;
• hormonal disruptions;
• menopause;
• sleep disorders;
• other diseases associated with hypofunction of the glands.

Inflammation and allergic manifestations are treated with glucocorticoids. Preparations based on them - Prednisolone, Metipred, Dexamethasone - reduce inflammation and suppress leukocyte function.

They can be used both inside (if necessary, systemic action) and externally (for hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, dermatological diseases, allergic rhinitis). When applied externally, they are practically not absorbed into the main bloodstream and do not have a negative effect on the body.

Even if the cause of the inflammation is unknown, adrenal hormones help relieve swelling, pain, and redness. Hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs are among the life-saving drugs.

Vasopressin and epinephrine may be administered along with anesthetics. Due to their ability to constrict blood vessels, these hormones are actively used in anesthesia (including local anesthesia).

Melatonin also belongs to hormonal drugs. This substance, produced in, has an anti-stress effect, regulates circadian rhythms, affects metabolism, slows down the aging process and weight gain, and also stimulates the production of antibodies to infectious agents and tumor cells.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

In chronic conditions associated with dysfunction of the glands or their partial removal, drugs with synthetic and natural hormones provide a high quality and longevity of the patient.

There are several types of hormone replacement therapy:

• treatment with synthetic thyroid hormones;
• insulin therapy;
• taking analogues of sex hormones.

Deficiency and excess of thyroxine and triiodothyronine are fraught with mood disorders, sleep, dry skin, problems with memory and performance, growth of gland tissues and other unpleasant symptoms.

Clinical hypothyroidism is most often associated with diseases and tumors of the thyroid gland, so replacement therapy with analogues of iodine-containing hormones is prescribed for life.

Substitution therapy uses drugs such as:

• "Eutiroks";
• "L-thyroxine" (one of the Russian or German brands).

The treatment of hyperthyroidism has a somewhat more complex scheme: thyreostatics are used to reduce the synthesis of own iodine-containing hormones, and in especially difficult cases, removal of a part of the gland or radioiodine therapy is justified. Then the normal level of triiodothyronine is restored with the help of their synthetic analogues.

Insulin is a pancreatic β-cell hormone, the main task of which is to lower blood glucose levels by regulating its entry into cells and stimulating the conversion of monosaccharide into glycogen.

Violation of the functionality of the cells that secrete this hormone is called type 1 diabetes mellitus. Patients with such a pathology must be prescribed replacement therapy with Humodar, Apidra, Novorapid, Actrapid, Humulin, Insulin Tape, etc.

In type 2 diabetes, which is associated with a violation of the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, the administration of hormones can also be prescribed.

Finally, female hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is a pharmacological replacement for the function of the sex glands (ovaries) lost during their removal or menopause. The most commonly used drugs are:

• "Climodien";
• "Divina";
• "Ovestin";
• "Trisequens";
• "Femoston";
• "Estrofem" and others.

During treatment, androgens, estrogens and gestagens can be used (mainly the last two subtypes of hormones are involved in the preparations).

oral contraception

Oral contraceptives are the most well-known hormonal pills for women. The action of OK is based on their ability to prevent ovulation (the maturation of the egg and its release from the follicle). Synthetic hormones thicken the mucus on the cervix, which complicates the movement of the sperm, and also thin the uterine lining (endometrium), which prevents the fertilized egg from firmly attaching.

The triple mechanism of action of hormones reliably protects the patient from unwanted pregnancy: the Pearl index for oral contraceptives (the percentage of pregnancies that occur while taking OK) does not exceed 1%.

When using oral contraceptives, menstrual bleeding does not stop, but it becomes more regular, less heavy and painful. A certain scheme of taking hormones allows, if necessary, to delay the onset of menstruation.

Modern contraceptives are classified into three categories:

• One-component preparations (Continuin, Micronor, Charozetta, Exluton).
• Combined oral contraceptives (COCs). COCs are the most reliable means. They include synthetic estrogen () and progestogen (levonorgestrel, desogestrel, norgestrel, etc.).
• Postcoital (emergency) hormonal pills (Postinor, Escapel). Emergency contraceptives contain an increased dose of hormones, but have a lower effectiveness.

The dosages of active hormones in modern contraceptives are much lower than in the drugs of the last century, so the side effects of taking estrogen do not appear or appear slightly.

Combined hormonal contraceptives

COCs are divided into mono-, two- and three-phase. Single-phase COC tablets contain a strictly defined amount of hormones that does not change during the cycle. Multi-phase agents are conceived as more physiological: the dosages of active ingredients in tablets for different days of the cycle are not the same.

Three-phase COCs (with three types of tablets changing per cycle) are often recommended by doctors, but two-phase drugs are practically not used.

Combined contraceptives:

A different dosage of the active substance (levonorgestrel) allows you to adjust to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and provide a high degree of protection against unplanned pregnancy at low concentrations.

Hormonal remedies for men

Male hormonal preparations are classified into means for gaining muscle mass, directly drugs for inhibiting the pathological process, and hormones for replacement therapy.

In practice, hormones of the adrenal glands (in particular, testosterone), the pancreas (insulin) and the anterior pituitary gland (somatropin or growth hormone) are actively used. They are used to form muscle relief, accelerate mass gain and burn fat. Taking hormonal drugs without a doctor's prescription has a number of negative consequences, including damage to the organs of the excretory system and possible gynecomastia (swelling of the mammary glands) due to the conversion of excess testosterone into the female hormone estrogen.

For medical purposes, hormonal agents are used for hormone-dependent tumors (for example, for prostate cancer). Injections with analogues of pituitary hormones dramatically reduce the production of testosterone, which accelerates the growth of a malignant neoplasm. This procedure is called "medical castration". The introduction of hormones allows you to slow down the development of the tumor and resort to more radical methods of treatment. Despite the menacing name, patients should not be afraid of the irreversibility of the procedure: some time after the end of treatment, erectile function and normal testosterone levels are restored.

Replacement therapy with male hormones can be used both with the complete removal of the gland producing them, and with a decrease in its functionality. After 40-45 years, the level of testosterone in the blood of a man begins to decline, which leads to problems in the genital area. To restore potency, the following drugs are used:

• "Undecanoate Testosterone" and "Andriol" (tablets with one active ingredient - testosterone undecanoate);
• "Sustanon" (injection solution with four active ingredients-esters - decanoate, isocaproate, phenylpropionate and);
• "Nebido" (injectable oil solution of testosterone undecanoate);
• "Androgel" (a product for external use, the active ingredient is testosterone).

After the complete removal of the testicles (due to a tumor of the prostate or gonad), replacement therapy is required.

The attitude towards hormonal drugs among people who are unfamiliar with medical reference books is predictably biased. Many drugs in this group have strong and a number of contraindications - for example, with prolonged use of Prednisolone, rapid weight gain occurs, the face of a patient receiving premedication with this drug swells.

However, this is not a reason to refuse any means containing hormones, including effective birth control pills. By following a few simple rules, the risk of complications from taking hormonal drugs is minimized.

Rules for taking hormonal drugs (GP):

• You can not take GP without the appointment of the attending physician (endocrinologist or gynecologist). Especially dangerous when self-administered are drugs that are classified as synthetic analogues of adrenal hormones.
• Before prescribing hormonal treatment to a patient or a patient, a specialist should carefully study the history, the results of blood tests for the concentration of sex hormones and biochemical parameters, the results of pelvic ultrasound, mammography, cytological smear. It is necessary to inform the doctor about existing chronic diseases: some of them are contraindications for taking COCs and other synthetic drugs.
• All changes in the state of health should be reported to the attending physician.
• Having missed the dose of the drug, it is strictly forbidden to “compensate” for negligence with a double dose of the drug in the next dose.
• It is necessary to take hormone pills strictly at the same time with minimal errors. Some drugs (for example, L-thyroxine) are drunk in the morning, on an empty stomach.
• The duration of the course and dosage (including its change during treatment) is determined by the attending physician.

The effectiveness and safety of hormonal treatment depends on the competence of the endocrinologist, the interaction of the doctor with the patient and strict adherence to the rules for taking drugs.

Most people, due to the lack of knowledge in the field of medicine, consider hormonal drugs to be something terrible, bringing a huge amount (from weight gain to significant hair growth). Such fears are unfounded. An example is hormonal pills for women. These drugs are widely available and effective in their application. What hormones are, why they are drunk, and which of them are the best, is discussed in the article.

The composition of hormonal preparations includes synthetic hormones or hormonoids (substances that have similar properties). Hormones are produced by the glands of the endocrine system. Entering the bloodstream, they are carried throughout the body and reach target cells, which have a direct effect. There are specific reactions that control the vital activity of the body.

All hormonal drugs can be divided into the following types:

• pituitary preparations - representatives are and, which is known to every woman;
• - are used in the treatment of insufficient or excessive synthesis of hormonally active substances;
• means of the pancreas (based on);
• preparations of the parathyroid glands;
• hormones of the adrenal cortex - glucocorticosteroids, which are used in most areas of medicine to relieve insufficiency, inflammatory and allergic processes;
• preparations of sex hormones (, progestins, androgens);
• anabolics.

What are hormones used for?

Hormonal drugs are used to treat and prevent a number of pathological conditions, namely:

• as a contraceptive;
• for replacement treatment during menopause and menopause, this also includes men with androgen deficiency;
• treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases;
• replacement therapy for deficiency of certain hormones;
• as a link in the complex treatment of tumor processes.

Female hormonal preparations are used for the following purposes:

• violation of the menstrual cycle;
• prevention and treatment of anemia;
• the period after an ectopic pregnancy;
• postpartum contraception (3 weeks after the end of lactation);
• therapy of gynecological pathologies;
• post-abortion condition.

Features of oral contraception

The history of contraception goes back to ancient times. What was not used until the structure of steroid hormonally active substances and the discovery of the overwhelming effect of high doses of sex hormones on ovulation was studied. It was interrupted sexual intercourse, various covers soaked in infusions and decoctions of herbs, fish bubbles, prolonged breastfeeding.

The use of hormones began in 1921, when the Austrian professor Haberlandt confirmed the possibility of inhibiting the process of ovulation by introducing an extract from the ovaries themselves. In 1942, it was synthesized for the first time in the USA, and used in 1954. The negative point was that the hormones in the tablets at that time contained a significant dose of the active substance (tens of times higher than what a woman is taking now), and therefore caused a mass side effects.

Modern drugs with good tolerance were synthesized in the 90s of the XX century. How effective the drug is, evaluates the Pearl index. This indicator clarifies the possibility of pregnancy within 12 months of regular use of the drug. The index of modern hormonal drugs is in the range from 0.3% to 3%.

Contraceptives based on hormones:

• combined;
• mini-pills (non-combined);
• preparations for urgent contraception.

Combined hormonal agents

COCs are a group of the most popular modern contraceptives. They include estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestogen (norgestrel, levonorgestrel, desogestrel) - hormones similar in their action to female sex hormones.

Depending on the dosage, as well as the ratio of gestagens and estrogens, there are several groups of hormonal tablets:

1. Monophasic - have the same dosage of active substances in each tablet of the package.
2. Biphasic - the amount of estrogen is constant, and the dose of progestogen varies depending on the phase of the cycle.
3. Three-phase - a variable content of hormones in the composition.

The last group is considered the most physiological. It contains three types of tablets. The amount of hormones in each type depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. The first 5 tablets correspond to the follicular phase, the next 6 pieces imitate the periovulatory, the remaining 10 - the luteal phase. The amount of estrogen in each of the tablets is maximum, and the level of progestogen increases systematically, reaching the highest levels by the third phase of the cycle.

Mechanism of action

All hormone-based contraceptives are aimed at preventing the production and release of active substances, the action of which is associated with ovulation and implantation of the ovum into the uterine cavity. The gonads decrease in size, as if "falling asleep".

The drugs have the ability to make the cervical mucus thicker, which prevents the penetration of a significant amount of sperm into the uterus. In addition, there is a change in the functional state of the endometrium, it becomes thinner, its ability to attach a fetal egg to itself decreases, if conception does occur.

Reviews of women who use the funds of this group confirm the effectiveness of the application at the age of up to 35 years. The package contains 21 tablets of the same color. There may be a strict usage pattern, but it is of little value since all tablets have the same composition. The following is a list of the most popular and effective remedies.

The drug contains 30 mcg and 2 mg of dienogest. Regular reception has the following features:

• the Pearl index does not exceed 1%;
• has androgenic activity - taken by women with elevated levels of male hormones;
• normalizes the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Good product made in Germany. The gestagen is represented by gestodene (75 μg). Produced in the form of a dragee. It is undesirable to use with other drugs, as the risk of uterine bleeding increases.

The tool is the most popular representative of the group. Drospirenone acts as a progestogen. Properties are similar to Jeanine. In addition to lowering cholesterol and anti-adrogenic effects, Yarina has a positive effect on skin condition. This explains why dermatologists prescribe pills in the treatment of acne and acne.

It is an analogue of Logest. Significant differences are the country of origin, the color of the shell of the tablets, and the content of estrogen in the composition is slightly higher.

The name of this representative is also constantly heard. The composition includes ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate. The remedy is the drug of choice for those women who have an increased level of hair growth, since the progestogen, which is part of the composition, has a powerful antiandrogenic effect.

One of the well-tolerated drugs, excluding the formation of edema, weight gain, increased appetite. Drospirenone, which is part, has the following features:

• softens the effect of estrogen;
• relieves manifestations of premenstrual syndrome;
• reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Monophasic drugs do not end there. There is also a significant number of representatives:

• minisiston;
• Mercilon;
• Silest;
• Regividon;
• Dimia;
• Midian.

Two-phase and three-phase means

Experts prefer monophasic drugs to representatives of these groups because of fewer side effects. Biphasic drugs are rarely used, which is why among them there are tablets whose names are not familiar even to pharmacists: Femoston, Anteovin, Binovum, Neo-Eunomine, Nuvelle.

Three-phase drugs, due to their physiological composition, are more popular, however, side effects and complications when taking them are no less pronounced. The representative of the group will be called as follows: the name begins with the prefix "three". For example, Tri-regol, Tri-merci, Trister, Triziston.

Tablets are colored in different colors depending on the phase of administration. Such drugs must be taken strictly according to the scheme that is attached to the package.

Advantages and disadvantages

Modern contraceptives have a lot of positive qualities, which makes them widely used:

• fast effect and high reliability;
• the ability of the woman herself to control the state of her fertility;
• knowledge of the means;
• low frequency of side effects;
• ease of use;
• lack of influence on the partner;
• reducing the possibility of developing an ectopic pregnancy;
• a positive effect in the presence of benign tumor processes of the mammary gland;
• prevention of tumor processes in the female reproductive system;
• relief of manifestations of dysmenorrhea;
• positive effect on the condition of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system.

The negative aspects of COCs are the need for regular use according to a certain scheme, as well as the possibility of delaying subsequent ovulation cycles after drug withdrawal.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications for the appointment of COCs are the presence of pregnancy, malignant tumors of the reproductive system and mammary glands, pathology of the liver, heart and blood vessels, acute thrombosis or thrombophlebitis, as well as uterine bleeding of unknown etiology.

Pathological conditions that create problems during the period of drug use include:

• arterial hypertension;
• epileptic state;
• migraine;
• depression, psychosis;
• diabetes mellitus of any type;
• pathology of the liver of a chronic nature;
• bronchial asthma;
• tuberculosis;
• porphyrin disease - a pathology of pigment metabolism, accompanied by a high level of porphyrins in the blood and their massive excretion with urine and feces;
• benign tumors of the uterus;
• upcoming immobilization or surgery.

There are a number of factors that reduce the effectiveness of the means used. These include dyspeptic manifestations in the form of vomiting and diarrhea, taking laxatives, antibiotics, anticonvulsant drugs. If vomiting and diarrhea occur within 3 hours of taking the last tablet, an additional tablet should be taken.

What are progestogen oral contraceptives?

These are alternative drugs (mini-pills) that contain only gestagens. Hormones from this group are needed in the following cases:

• older women;
• during lactation;
• those who smoke;
• those for whom COCs are contraindicated;
• patients with hypertension.

Progestin contraceptives have a higher Pearl index. It can reach 4%, which is a negative point for the contraceptive process. Representatives - Levonorgestrel, Charozetta, Ovret, Micronor.

Reception scheme

Tablets must be taken once a day at the same time. If a woman missed a dose, then you need to drink hormones as soon as you remember, even if you have to take two tablets at the same time.

If a woman remembers the pill no later than 12 hours after the need to take it, the contraceptive effect is preserved, after 12 hours, additional methods of protection should be used.

Urgent funds

Emergency contraception is represented by drugs used in moments of unforeseen cases. These drugs contain significant doses of hormones that prevent the process of ovulation or change the functional state of the endometrium of the uterus. The most famous are Postinor, Escapel, Ginepriston. Cases when it becomes necessary to take such drugs should be as rare as possible, since they cause a huge hormonal surge in the body.

How to choose an oral contraceptive

The specialist evaluates the hormonal balance of the patient's body and determines what is the minimum dose of the drug that will be able to show the desired effect. The dose of estrogen should not exceed 35 mg, and gestagen (in terms of levonorgestrel) - 150 mcg. The doctor also pays attention to the constitutional type of a woman. There are three main types:

• with a predominance of estrogens;
• balance;
• with a predominance of gestagens.

Representatives of the first type are suitable for those drugs that have an increased dose of gestagens, the third - with an increased level of the estrogen component. If a woman has signs of an increased amount of male sex hormones, the ideal option would be to use drugs with an enhanced antiandrogenic effect.

The gynecologist also evaluates the condition of the patient's reproductive organs. Menstruation is profuse, having a long period, an increased size of the uterus - factors in an increased level of estrogen in the body. Menstruation of a meager nature in combination with uterine hypoplasia indicates high levels of progestogen.

Currently, combined mono- and three-phase oral contraceptives are considered the most used, having a low dose of hormonally active substances that make up the composition. These funds have the same effectiveness and safety, if you follow the rules for their use. The choice between specific representatives is made on the basis of each individual clinical case. Confirmation that the contraceptive is chosen correctly is the absence of uterine bleeding or bleeding between menstruation.

Bibliography

1. Obstetrics: a course of lectures. UMO certification for medical education. Strizhakov A.N., Davydov A.I., Budanov P.V., Baev O.R. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.
2. Obstetrics. National leadership. UMO certification for medical education. Ailamazyan E.K., Radzinsky V.E., Kulakov V.I., Savelyeva G.M. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.
3. Gestosis: theory and practice. Ailamazyan E.K., Mozgovaya E.V. 2008 Publisher: MEDpress-inform.
4. Intrauterine infection: Management of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. UMO certification for medical education. Sidorova I.S., Makarov I.O., Matvienko N.A. 2008 Publisher: MEDpress.
5. Clinical guidelines. Obstetrics and gynecology. Savelyeva G.M., Serov V.N., Sukhikh G.T. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.

What to do if you forget to take a pill on time?

If this happens, follow the instructions:

Didn't take a pill yesterday
Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. Then take today's tablet at your usual time.

Missed 2 pills in a row
For the next 2 days, take 2 tablets, then continue as usual. Use additional methods of contraception until the end of this cycle

Missed more than 2 pills
The reliability of contraception in this cycle is not guaranteed! Take the last of the forgotten tablets, leave the previous ones in the package, then continue taking the tablets at the usual time. Use additional methods of contraception until the end of this cycle

When can birth control pills not be enough?

In life, there are situations when, simultaneously with a birth control pill, it is necessary to use additional methods of contraception, for example, barrier ones.

If you miss taking a contraceptive pill for more than 36 hours.
With vomiting and diarrhea, when the absorption of the drug is impaired and the contraceptive effect may not be complete.
With casual sexual contact to protect against genital infections.
If necessary, the simultaneous use of drugs that can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Can birth control pills be taken at the same time as other medications?

The doctor prescribing pharmacological treatment for you should know that you are taking hormonal contraceptives. Many medications interfere with liver or intestinal function, making it difficult for OCs to be absorbed. These drugs include antipsychotics, psychotropic, anticonvulsant, anti-tuberculosis drugs, certain antibiotics, painkillers, and some others. Large doses of paracetamol and vitamin C can increase the amount of hormones circulating in the blood and cause chest pain, nausea, and vomiting.

If there is a temporary need to take medications that can lower the level of hormones in the blood, then it is recommended to use additional contraceptives for this period.
If you need to constantly take such drugs, you should choose other pills with the help of a doctor or switch to another method of contraception.

Can I drink alcohol while taking birth control pills?

Alcohol does not reduce the effectiveness of OK. However, there is evidence that blood alcohol in women taking OCs lasts longer than in women who do not use hormonal contraception. Thus, hormonal contraceptives prolong the effect of alcohol intoxication.

Should You Take Birth Control Pills During Vomiting or Diarrhea?

Vomiting and diarrhea are considered tantamount to skipping the pill, as the drug is not absorbed by the body. Nausea and vomiting sometimes occur during the initial period of taking OK, as well as in the first days of taking the tablets from each subsequent package.
If vomiting began 3 hours after taking the pill, then you should not worry about the contraceptive effect - the drug has already been absorbed.

If vomiting occurs before the expiration of 3 hours from the moment of taking OK, then you need to take the same pill from the reserve package. The tablet should correspond to the day of the cycle.

Is it true that if you take birth control pills, you can get fat?

Reception of pure gestagenic preparations may be accompanied by weight gain. When taking COCs, only two out of a hundred people may experience a slight weight gain of 1-3 kg. Modern low-dose COCs, as a rule, do not affect body weight. A drug such as Yarina, according to manufacturers, on the contrary, helps to reduce body weight.

Is it true that birth control pills affect excessive hair growth?

Some young women worry about the growth of hair on their thighs, chest, face. This is due to the increased content of male sex hormones in their body. In solving this problem, contraceptive pills with an antiandrogenic effect, primarily Diane-35, can really help. But remember that excess hair growth on a woman's body is not just a cosmetic problem, but a disease that needs treatment.

Why did a doctor prescribe Mercilon contraceptive pills for acne to a 16-year-old girl who is not yet sexually active?

Among 16-year-olds, about 95% of boys and 83% of girls suffer from acne due to increased greasiness of the skin. The cause of acne, as well as seborrhea, furunculosis, excessive hair growth and baldness in girls, is the increased production of male sex hormones in the body during puberty (see above). Such modern COCs as Tri-merci, Jeanine, Marvelon, Mercilon, Regulon, Novinet, Yarina are considered the best treatment for acne and seborrhea in young women. So the doctor was not mistaken in prescribing COCs to the girl.

When to start taking birth control pills after childbirth, and can I take COCs while breastfeeding?

It is not recommended to take COCs during breastfeeding due to estrogens, which affect the quantity and quality of mother's milk. But during this period, you can use the injectable Depo-Provera or OK, which do not include estrogens (Charosetta, mini-pill tablets).

If a woman is not breastfeeding, then her first ovulation may occur approximately 4-6 weeks after birth. You can start taking OK from the 6th week after childbirth, without waiting for menstruation. Until that time, doctors recommend refraining from intimate relationships.

What to do if the tablet fell out of the package and was lost?

It is advisable to always have a backup package of OK in the first-aid kit, from which, if necessary, you can take a tablet similar to the lost one.

What to do if a child accidentally swallows a contraceptive pill?

It is necessary to do a gastric lavage as soon as possible. The child may have nausea and vomiting. In a girl, hormonal pills can cause uterine bleeding. Do not forget that any medicines must be kept out of the reach of small children!

With violations of the regimen of taking pills, the likelihood of pregnancy increases. If you have not had a period for 2 months in a row, do not start a new pack until your doctor has ruled out pregnancy. Studies have shown that taking contraceptive pills in early pregnancy is not dangerous for the fetus, an increase in the frequency of intrauterine fetal malformations has not been identified.

Hormonal contraception helps to prevent not only abortions, but also the complications that follow them. Given the high risk of post-abortion complications in women, it is necessary to start taking monophasic COCs (Regulon, Microgynon, Marvelon) for rehabilitation on the first or second day after an abortion and continue treatment 2 -3 months. According to academician V.N. Serov, the use of COCs immediately after an abortion reduces the number of inflammatory complications, reduces spotting, and contributes to the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Is it possible to switch to taking COCs with a different content of hormones?
If you switch to a COC with a similar or higher content of hormones, then after finishing the packaging of the old drug, after a 7-day break, you should simply start packaging the new drug.
If you switch to COCs with a lower content of hormones, then the contraceptive effect will temporarily decrease. When you have finished taking the tablets with a higher dose of hormones, start taking the tablets with a lower dose of hormones without a 7-day break. After taking 21 tablets, take a 7-day break, then proceed to the next pack in the usual way.

Is it possible to use oral contraceptives for deep vein thrombosis?
With deep vein thrombosis, OK is absolutely contraindicated. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the veins of the lower extremities and, with the help of a gynecologist, choose another method of contraception.

When should you stop taking birth control pills?

It is necessary to stop taking hormonal pills if, in spite of everything, pregnancy occurs, if a surgical operation is planned, or if a noticeable deterioration in health occurs while taking hormonal drugs.

Indications for the abolition of hormonal contraception:

Pregnancy.
Severe migraine.
Sudden acute visual disturbances.
Acute thromboembolic complications.
Jaundice, acute diseases of the liver and biliary tract.
An increase in blood pressure above 160/100 mm Hg. Art.
Prolonged bed rest after surgery, trauma, etc.
Planned major surgery.
Marked weight gain.
Changing the timbre of the voice.
growth of uterine fibroids.

Do I need to stop taking birth control pills while my husband is on a business trip?

If the husband left for a whole year or more, and you know that during this time you will not have intimate relationships, then you can stop taking OK until he returns.

If the separation is planned for 2-3 months, then it is not recommended to interrupt the intake of OK - you should not force your body to rebuild for such a short period.

When is the best time to stop taking birth control pills to get pregnant?

After giving up hormonal contraception, the ability to conceive is restored on average after 1-3 months. Despite the fact that science has proven the safety of OCs for the fetus, it is still recommended to wait from one to three monthly cycles with pregnancy after stopping OCs to fully restore fertility. During this period, protect yourself with condoms or a biological method.

What to do if the pills run out, but there are no such pills in the pharmacy?

If you show the packaging of your pills at the pharmacy, the pharmacist will select a contraceptive drug that is similar in hormonal composition. For example, instead of Microgynon, you may be offered Rigevidon. Do not take contraceptive pills of unknown composition and action, even if your girlfriend is taking them.

How long can I use hormonal contraception?

As long as there is a need for contraception. The current opinion among the population about the dangers of long-term use of hormonal contraceptives is considered unfounded today. According to scientific studies, hormonal contraceptives have a beneficial effect on the female body, which increases as the duration of their use increases. The frequency of subsequent infertility in women who used hormonal contraceptives was hundreds of times less than in their peers who had abortions and did not use contraceptives. At the same time, experts know that during a two-three-month break in taking pills, an unwanted pregnancy occurs in every fourth woman, which makes all previous contraceptive efforts meaningless. However, experts advise women to alternate between different methods of contraception throughout their lives.

Birth control pills are the best protection for young girls and women from pregnancy.

Many women prefer this method of contraception. If you take the pills according to the instructions, they provide 100% protection. But how do you take them?

How to take birth control pills: how they work

Contraceptive pills contain synthetic hormones, they are a kind of analogue of female hormones, which, as we know, are always produced by a woman's body throughout her life. It is under the influence of estrogen and progesterone that the production of other hormones is blocked, which means that stimulation of follicle maturation will no longer occur. Thus, by introducing small amounts of progesterone and estrogen into the body, ovulation can be suppressed. It is on this principle that the work of contraceptive pills is built.

Immediately after the woman stops taking the pills, the reproductive function will be restored, for about a few months, which means that the desired pregnancy can occur.

Under the influence of birth control pills, you can 100% prevent unwanted pregnancy, but only if they are taken correctly. In addition to the main function, contraceptives relieve pain during menstruation, and also minimize bleeding.

How to take birth control pills: side effects

The main disadvantage of tablets is that they have certain side effects, which, one way or another, affect the body:

1. Immediately after a woman starts taking the pills, she may have a red discharge. But as soon as the body gets used to the drug, everything will pass.

2. The hormones that make up the drugs can cause swelling in the limbs, bloating in the abdomen, headaches, and even increased pressure.

3. Progestins - against their background, a woman becomes irritable, it is possible to gain excess weight, the appearance of acne.

4. When taking contraceptives, appetite increases sharply, so weight gain is quite understandable. In exceptional cases, weight is gained because fluid is retained in the body.

5. Many girls have small dark spots on their face, outwardly they resemble age spots that occur during pregnancy. If suddenly they began to appear, it is recommended to switch to other pills.

6. Some drugs can cause such a serious disease as thrombosis. In this case, it all depends on what dose of hormones is included in the preparations.

7. Do not combine smoking and certain contraceptives.

8. Side effects may occur when certain medications and contraceptives are combined.

If a woman is afraid of gaining excess weight, then she needs to take contraceptives, which include small doses of hormonal components.

In the event that the drug is chosen incorrectly, weight gain is unlikely to be avoided. Today, the effect of tablets on fat metabolism has been well studied, which means that for every woman you can choose the right remedy.

How to take birth control pills: rules for taking

In order for the drugs to begin to act instantly, you need to start drinking them on the first day after your period has come. Those women whose periods are irregular can take pills from the first day of the cycle, but you need to be sure that pregnancy has not occurred.

Immediately after childbirth, if the woman in labor has not started breastfeeding, the pills should be started 21 days after the day of birth. If breastfeeding, give up oral contraceptives for at least six months.

After an abortion, you need to take the pills on the day when it was done.

Standard reception rules

It is recommended to drink contraceptive pills daily for 21 days, after which a break is taken for exactly 7 days, and then a new package is opened and they start drinking again. Your period comes on the days you are off your pills.

Special regimen for taking pills

Jess tablets are taken a little differently, there are exactly 28 tablets in the package, of which 24 are active and 4 are inactive, so they are taken without interruption.

Extended mode

This regimen consists in taking exclusively active tablets. Doctors recommend using a three-cycle regimen, that is, they drink medicines for 63 days in a row, and then take a break of 7 days. Thus, it is possible to reduce menstrual bleeding up to 4 times a year.

What to do if the pill is not drunk? Many women sometimes forget and one day they just don’t take a pill, but what to do in this case:

1. Immediately after you remember, be sure to take the missed pill.

2. Take the rest of the tablets as usual.

If you forgot to take a pill or two at once, then the likelihood of pregnancy is high, you must use additional contraceptives.

How to take birth control pills correctly: rules for taking depending on age

Choosing contraceptives is not an easy task that can only be solved with your gynecologist. Their main goal is to protect a woman from pregnancy. The choice of the drug should be approached quite carefully, since many factors must be taken into account, for example, the age of the woman.

At what age is it allowed to take pills

The life of every woman is conditionally divided into several periods, for example, from 10 to 18 years old - this is adolescence.

Doctors recommend starting to drink birth control pills from about 20 years old, but of course if the girl is sexually active and there is a need for this. In recent years, the likelihood of getting pregnant will decrease due to physiological parameters, and at a young age, the frequency of abortions increases.

What contraceptives to use at a young age

Under the age of 35, there are no restrictions on taking drugs, you can drink anything. It should be noted that oral contraceptives are considered the most reliable.

But in addition to such methods of contraception, others are used in our country - spirals, condoms, injection methods.

Experts were able to scientifically prove the fact that contraceptives protect not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also from getting rid of certain diseases. The only drawback is that pills, unfortunately, cannot protect the body from infections.

How to take birth control pills: the effect of pills

How do pills affect pregnancy

Even when taking birth control pills, pregnancy can occur if a woman takes them incorrectly. If you suspect that pregnancy has really occurred, you need to stop drinking pills as soon as possible.

In the first three weeks after the onset of pregnancy, the tablets do not affect the development of the fetus and are considered not dangerous.

Overall for the body

Hormonal contraceptives affect a woman's body in different ways. In order to prevent the occurrence of side effects, it is necessary to visit your gynecologist several times a year and undergo a complete examination. It is believed that contraceptives adversely affect the microflora of the vagina. Some women may develop thrush. In this case, it is necessary to cancel the drugs, wait until the symptoms of the disease disappear, and resume taking the drugs again.

The development of mastopathy

Most women are very worried about the question of whether pills can affect the development of a disease such as mastopathy.

Experts insist that if the pills were chosen correctly and the attending physician did this, then the development of mastopathy can be avoided. But the situation is a little different, if a woman has hormonal failures, she has a diseased liver or kidneys, all this can lead to mastopathy.

Only a doctor can select contraceptives, taking into account the characteristics of the woman's body, her age, phenotype, habitual lifestyle, and much more.

You can drink hormonal drugs after an examination by a gynecologist, in which case you will be able to avoid side effects.

Birth control pills are a good remedy that has been used for many years. Approach the choice of tablets most responsibly and then they will become a reliable protection for you.