As you know, there are 2 main types of birth control pills, which also differ in the beginning of their action.
- Most often, women use combined oral contraceptives (COCs) , which are a combination of the hormone progestin and estrogen. This is a very reliable method of contraception when used correctly. The effectiveness rate is 92% of pregnancies per year with typical use (with regular use more than 99%).
- Less commonly, they prefer progestin-only oral contraceptives (POCs) to pills, also called mini-pills, containing only one hormone – progestin. They have fewer contraindications and serious side effects, but are also less effective - 87-92% of pregnancies per year with typical use.
The popularity of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) can be explained not only by their contraceptive properties, but also by other benefits of use, even those not related to preventing pregnancy. Acne, irregular menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhea are just some of the problems that birth control pills can help combat. These disorders are mainly associated with hormones, which are contained in oral contraceptives. Artificial estrogen and progestin work primarily by suppressing the effects of these hormones in our body.
But if there are contraindications to COCs, preference may be given to tablets with only one hormone in the composition, instead of their combination. These drugs are also called mini-pills and they contain only progestin without estrogen. At the same time, they have significantly fewer side effects, but also do not have the additional benefits that estrogen provides.
Having knowledge about the best time in your cycle to start taking birth control pills and when they start working will help you be more protected and confident.
When do birth control pills start working?
Combined oral contraceptives
When taken correctly, COCs will begin to protect you from pregnancy after 7 days . So the sooner you start, the sooner these birth control pills will work. It is necessary that the action is already guaranteed before the next ovulation occurs, so the choice of the day to start taking it plays a role.
Among the three schemes for starting to take COCs, the method of taking it on the first day of menstruation is the simplest: the moment you start taking the first pill is the first day of the menstrual cycle. In this case, an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, is not required for insurance, unlike other schemes. From the first day of the menstrual cycle, the level of protection increases, since the hormonal effect begins at the very beginning. And after a week, the contraceptives will begin to work, so by the time of ovulation you will be completely protected. Although it is also permissible to start in any of the first 5 days of the cycle, which will also have time to give the maximum effect.4
Mini-pill
These tablets begin to act 2 days after you start taking them. Until then, alternative methods of contraception should be used. But it is still believed that, for greater reliability, it is better to start taking the course in the first 5 days after the start of the menstrual cycle (after the start of menstruation) and continue taking it regularly, i.e. After finishing the packaging, start the next one.
These two days for alternative contraception can be avoided if you switch to the minipill immediately the next day after taking other hormonal contraceptives.
Who is suitable for birth control pills?
As with most oral medications, contraceptives require precautions before and even after taking them. To begin with, women over 35 and smokers are advised not to take them. This age and lifestyle further increase the risk of side effects if there are any contraindications for taking hormonal contraceptives, especially combined ones. Women with a medical history that includes serious heart or liver disease, breast or uterine cancer, diabetes, or blood clots in the arms, legs, or lungs are not recommended to take hormonal pills. It is worth undergoing examinations to exclude these risk factors before starting treatment. Women who suspect they have these health problems should first consult with their doctor before using these medications. Therefore, not everyone can take COCs.
Mini-pills have fewer contraindications and serious side effects due to the absence of estrogen. Therefore, they may be a good choice for some women, including those over 35 and even those who are breastfeeding. Although, on the other hand, they do not have additional beneficial properties that COCs can provide, including reducing acne, menstrual irregularities, etc.
Pharmacology
Dimia is, first of all, an effective contraceptive. It can be prescribed by a doctor to both nulliparous and artificially terminated pregnancies in the first and second trimesters. It is also recommended for women who have given birth and are not breastfeeding.
In addition to its direct purpose (protection against unwanted pregnancy), the medicine can be prescribed to girls of reproductive age for the treatment of acne, seborrhea, and severe dysmenorrhea. In addition, taking COCs reduces the likelihood of developing:
- Genital cancer.
- Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.
- Osteoporosis.
The tablets are prescribed to women who have had or are predisposed to an ectopic pregnancy. Also suffering from infertility (increase the likelihood of fertilization after stopping the use of COCs).
It should be borne in mind that every woman’s body has its own characteristics. Therefore, before using a contraceptive, you should strictly undergo all the necessary tests to determine the tolerability of the components of the medication. It would be a good idea to collect a complete medical history and consult with your treating gynecologist.
How to start taking them?
Regimen for taking combined oral contraceptives
There are three schemes for using this type of contraception under the guidance of a doctor.
The first method is the easiest because you start taking them on the first day of your period. Thus, protection against pregnancy begins immediately (i.e., before the first ovulation).
The second method involves starting treatment at any time during the first 7 days after the start of the menstrual cycle. This regimen is best combined with a back-up method of contraception, such as condoms and spermicides, for the first week.
And the third method involves starting to take the pill at any period of the cycle, if you are sure that conception has not occurred earlier. Protection begins after 7 days if taken correctly and continuously.
Mini-pill regimen
Choose a convenient time of day to take your first progestin-only oral contraceptive pill. Continue to take one tablet daily with a delay of no more than 3 or 12 hours (depending on the type of progestin in the composition) without breaks.
Treatment of gynecological diseases
It should be noted that the drug “Dimia” is also used to treat some diseases. Reviews from gynecologists indicate its positive effect in the treatment of such diseases: endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, iron deficiency anemia in reproductive age, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual dysfunction.
Dimia tablets are also used to prevent endometrial hyperplastic processes. Reviews from doctors who prefer this particular drug are positive. After examining patients while taking the drug, they note that in women the thickness of the endometrium is significantly reduced, which reduces the risk of developing cancer of the uterus and mammary glands.
One cannot help but mention the positive effect of Dimia tablets on the reproductive function. Reviews from both doctors and patients indicate that after using this drug for three to four months (after stopping use), withdrawal syndrome occurs and pregnancy occurs.
What if you missed a pill?
Combined oral contraceptives
If you forget to take your COC tablet, there is no need to panic, just take it as soon as you remember. If one day has already passed, you can take two tablets at once or during that day with a gap. If two days in a row are missed, take two tablets on the same day and two the next day. If you have missed more than two days, it is better to consult your doctor first. You will most likely need to start a new pack of contraceptives to restart your cycle.
The moment you forget to take the drug, it is better to use an alternative method of contraception, such as a condom, as additional protection. If you forgot to take one of the last 7 tablets, it is not so critical, as they are just a placebo.
Mini-pill
With mini-pills the situation is more complicated, since it is important to take them at the same time every day, and the effect disappears faster. If you miss a dose by no more than 3 or 12 hours (depending on the drug), then take the pill as soon as you remember. Take the next one at the same time that was initially allotted for taking it, even if you end up taking 2 tablets in one day. In such a situation, when you have not exceeded the permissible time, no additional measures need to be taken. But if more than 3 or 12 hours have passed, then it should be taken into account that now you will need to use an additional contraceptive for at least two days until the effect of the drug is restored after resuming use.2
Before continuing to take contraceptives after skipping, it is recommended to make sure that conception has not occurred using a home pregnancy test. Additionally, if you haven't missed any pills but are missing your period, it's also worth taking a test. Protection against conception can be as important as protection against sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, the use of a condom may be necessary in some cases.
Recommendations for women using Dimia
There are a number of recommendations for patients who take Dimia birth control pills. Reviews indicate that if you follow these tips, the negative effect of the drug on the body will decrease. Doctors advise:
- stop smoking;
- do not skip taking pills;
- take the pills at the same time, preferably before bedtime;
- have the “Rules of Forgotten Pills” on hand;
- if intermenstrual bleeding occurs during the first three months of use, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause;
- in case of amenorrhea, pregnancy must be excluded;
- if the drug is stopped, pregnancy may occur in the first month;
- simultaneous use of Dimia and antibiotics or anticonvulsants reduces the contraceptive effect;
- if vomiting or diarrhea occurs, it is necessary to supplement the intake with another tablet;
- the appearance of severe headache, heart pain, acute visual impairment, shortness of breath, jaundice, increased blood pressure above normal levels indicates that it is urgent to stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
Are there any side effects?
The consequences of taking combined contraceptives can be divided into two groups: serious and non-serious side effects. The former differ from the latter in that they may even require emergency medical care.
Common side effects of COCs include spotting between periods, nausea, weight gain, breast pain or swelling, and mood swings. Signs that medical attention may be needed include abdominal pain, chest pain, headaches (severe), eye problems (blurred vision), and swelling or pain in the legs or hips. These symptoms may indicate blood clots or high blood pressure. However, it can also be a sign of a more serious disorder, such as heart, liver, and gallbladder disease. Therefore, you should always monitor for these signs when taking oral contraceptives.
Mini-pills are usually better tolerated and side effects are less common. These include acne, breast tenderness and swelling, increased or decreased libido, mood swings, headaches and migraines, nausea or vomiting, and cysts on your ovaries, which are usually harmless and go away without treatment. Most often, such effects are observed in the first months of use and gradually disappear in the future. 2
Features and benefits of COC
- diabetes;
- various heart diseases;
- severe headaches;
- high probability of blood clots;
- liver diseases.
In addition, such drugs are prohibited from being used by women over 35 years of age who also smoke. The fact is that the use of COCs and cigarettes can lead to a dangerous disease called thrombosis.
- cope well with their main function - preventing pregnancy;
- help eliminate acne;
- significant reduction in the amount of hair on the body and face;
- reduction of pain during menstruation;
- align the cycle;
- are an excellent means of preventing cancer of the uterus and ovaries.
Additional Tips
It is in a woman's best interest to follow the instructions in the instructions. To increase your contraceptive protection, always take your pill at the same time every day. If you are a very active person and constantly go to different places, then it is better to always carry them with you. Use another form of contraception, such as a condom or spermicidal foam, if you forget to take your birth control pills. Another tip: make sure you get a new pack before the previous one runs out. Finally, always tell your doctor that you are taking oral contraceptives.
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What to do in case of unwanted fertilization
Everyone knows what toxicosis is and how hard it is for most women. Many people are afraid that poor health can affect their professional activities and disrupt all their plans.
What to do if pregnancy occurs under such circumstances, and even while taking birth control pills.
The very fact of using OCs should not determine whether to keep the child or have an abortion. Any gynecologist will confirm that contraceptives are not an obstacle or contraindication for pregnancy.
It is better to decide whether to keep the child or not in the first weeks of pregnancy.
