What Are Daily Oral Contraceptive Pills? Uses, Dosage & How They Work

There are various birth control or contraception options available in the form of pills, patches, barriers (like condoms), and so on. One such popular option is the 'Daily Oral Contraceptive Pill', called such since a woman has to take this pill every day, orally (by mouth) to prevent pregnancy. These pills contain small amounts of hormones that help you from being pregnant. 

Types of oral contraceptive pills

There are two types of oral contraceptive pills - the progestin-only pill (or mini pill), which contains the synthetic version of progesterone, and the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), which contains both estrogen and progesterone. There are various synthetic variants of estrogen and progesterone which in addition to birth control, also provide relief from issues like acne, hair fall, overly painful and heavy periods, and so on. The COCP is the most commonly used form of birth control pill even among the COCP and Mini Pill. However, in some circumstances including if you are in the first six weeks of breastfeeding, you are a smoker, have a history of clotting and heart diseases and so on, the estrogen in the COCP may not be recommended for you. In that case, your doctor will prescribe a mini-pill.

How does the birth control pill work?

The birth control pill releases hormones, as we read above. These hormones stop the release of an egg from the ovary (also known as ovulation). If there is no ovulation, fertilization (sperm merging with an egg) will also not happen, and hence no chance of you being pregnant. The hormones of the pill also thicken the mucus on the cervix and act as a guard, preventing the sperm from swimming to the egg.

How effective is the birth control pill?

The birth control pill is 99% effective, provided that you take it every day at the same time consistently. You are required to take the pill at the same time every day to keep your body from ovulating. Following this will reduce the chances of your pregnancy to a great extent.  

Am I protected against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI/STDs)?

Remember that the pills only protect against pregnancy and not STIs. If you want yourself and your partner to be safe from STIs, it is best to use condoms! Condoms along with the pill will help you to protect against both - STIs and pregnancy! ^1 2

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References

1 - Birth Control: The Pill; From Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/3977-birth-control-the-pill). Retrieved on 21/04/2022

2 - Your Guide to Birth Control Pills: Types, Effectiveness, and Safety; From Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-pills). Retrieved on 21/04/2022