| name: | Birth Control Pills |
| also known as: | BCP; The Pill; Birth Control Pill; Oral Contraceptives; OC; Oral Contraceptive Pill; OCP; Norplant |
| also see: | Birth Control; Puberty; Estrogens; Progestins; Morning After Pill; Abortion Pill; Morning After Pill; Menstrual Cycle |
| description: | Birth control pills work to override the natural sequence that would occur during the menstrual period leading up to ovulation, or release of an egg. Additionally, the Pill makes the uterine lining incompatible for a fertilized egg to implant, even if there was a fertilized egg. There are three main types of birth control pills: 1. estrogen-progestin in a steady combination 2. estrogen-progestin with a steady increase in progestin designed to mimic the natural cycle 3. progestin only Those birth control pills taken orally are usually a combination of estrogen and progestin. Those birth control medications that are given as a shot or an implant - norgestrel (Norplant) or Progestasert are progestin only preparations. Progestin only BCP have a problem with break through bleeding. As mentioned above, birth control pills prevent ovulation, and they cause a change in the uterine lining which would impair implantation of a fertilized egg in the event that ovulation does occur and the egg does get fertilized. Norplant which contains levonorgestrel, are 6 tiny little plastic tubes containing the progeterone substance that is placed by a doctor and lasts up to 5 years. Also see abortion pill and the morning after pill. |
| signs & symptoms: | Side effects of BCP include breast tenderness, headache, gallstones, acne, water weight and weight gain. More serious risks include formation of blood clots, risk of DVT, and possibly an increased risk of breast cancer, although a decreased risk of ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. |
| treatment: | Usually given orally. Daily: Also see Rx ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel Also see Rx ethinyl estradiol/ethynodiol Also see Rx ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone Also see Rx desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol Also see Rx mestranol/norethindrone Also see Rx ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel Also see Rx ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate Also see Rx norgestrel Also see Rx norethindrone/mestranol (necon) Once per Month: Also see Rx estradiol cypionate/medroxyprogesterone (Lunelle) Every 3 Months: Also see Rx medroxyprogesterone acetate (depo-provera) Also see Rx Morning After Pill |
| prevention: | Contraindications for BCP include pregnancy, DVT, breast cancer, uterine cancer, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, heart attack. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If you have questions, problems, or concerns regarding any medication |
| go to: | Go to the phone and ask your pharmacist or your doctor, or go to the doctor. |
Last updated 4/17/2009