Birth control pills are used by women to prevent pregnancy, and, when taken correctly, they are known to avert pregnancy by up to 99.9%. Also known as oral contraceptive pills, these are small tablets that you swallow each day. Most of these pills contain two specific types of synthetic female hormones: progestin and estrogen. These hormones are similar to the progesterone and estrogen hormones naturally produced by the ovaries. These pills are also known as combined oral contraceptives.

How birth control pills work
The hormones in the birth control pills avert pregnancy by suppressing the activities of the pituitary gland, which hampers the release and consequent development of the egg in the ovary. The progestin, on the other hand, keeps the sperm from reaching the egg and prevents changes in the uterus lining.
There is another type of pill that contains only one hormone, that is, progestin. This progestin-only pill stops pregnancy by impeding the process of ovulation and preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.

Choosing the right type of birth control pill
One needs to talk to their doctor about which pill they should take and the dosage that is suitable for them.
Although the combination pill that contains both hormones is more effective, some women cannot take estrogen orally. In such a case, the progestin-only pill is recommended.

Where to get birth control pills
Birth control pills can be bought from any medical store with a doctor’s prescription.

Side effects of birth control pills
Most birth control pills cause a lot of side effects in women that are not very serious and go away within a couple of days:

• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Swollen breasts
• Small amounts of blood or spotting in between the menstruation cycle
• Irregular or lighter periods
• Mood changes
• Headache

Apart from these, there are few other side effects that are less common but more serious. In case one experiences any of these, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor for these symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Excessive headache
• Eye problems
• Chest pain
• Swelling or aching in the thighs and legs
• There are some birth control pills that contain drospirenone. One should try to avoid these pills as they increase the risk of blood clots.

When to avoid birth control pills
Generally, most teens and young women can opt for this method of preventing pregnancy. There are only a few reasons because of which a doctor might ask a woman to choose other methods of birth control:

• If a woman suffers from a genetic condition that surges their risk of blood clots
• If they suffer from neurological symptoms like numbness and loss of speech or have migraine headaches
• If they have high blood pressure, for which they take regular medications
• If they suffer from certain kind of heart diseases
• If they suffer from immobility due to surgery or any other health disorder

So, it is ideal for one to consult a gynecologist before taking any type of birth control pill.