Using Hormonal Contraceptive Medication

Oral contraceptives are the most conveniently available form of birth control. These are also the easiest options when it comes to usage. With the passage of time, it is now possible to buy oral contraceptives online, thereby increasing their ease of use.

Hormonal contraception, popularly known as ‘the pill’ has been around for quite some time now. It is the best way to prevent unplanned pregnancies. These are taken by the female partner orally and if these are taken correctly, there is a 99% chance of preventing a pregnancy. The basic components of this pill are the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

How do hormonal contraceptives work?

Pregnancy occurs when an egg is released from either of a woman’s ovaries and is fertilized by the male sperm. This process is known as fertilization. What hormonal contraceptives do is stop the production of the female egg. This is done with the help of the man made estrogen and progesterone. These hormones alter the body’s natural hormonal cycle, thereby preventing the process of ovulation.

These hormones also affect the cervical lining of the female reproductive tract, making it unwelcoming for any sperm it may encounter. The lining of the uterus (womb) is also altered by these hormones in case fertilization does occur. This makes it impossible for the egg to be implanted and give way to a pregnancy.

You can find out more about how oral contraceptives work at How Stuff Works.

What is the presentation of the birth control pills?

Birth control pills come in a thin case. These are either 21 or 28 in number and have to be taken in a specific sequence. The first 21 pills are the active pills and contain hormones that alter the female menstrual cycle. The remaining seven pills are placebos, which help the person remember the date from which to start the next set of pills. The pills are marked with the names of the days of the week.

Generally, it is advised that the pills be started on the fifth day of the last menstrual period. But your doctor may make some changes to the routine if necessary.

In case you forget to take your pill one day, you may take the pill as soon as you remember it. You can also take two pills in a day if you have forgotten to take your pill the previous day. The efficiency of the pill does not reduce if you miss one pill and take it the very next day. However, to be sure that you do not become pregnant, you should make it a point not to miss your pill.

As with all other drugs, there are certain side effects of these hormonal pills. These include mood changes, lighter periods, changes in appetite, weight gain and swollen breasts. However, these symptoms subside as soon as the hormonal levels go down and the body comes close to menstruation.

Why buy oral contraceptives online?

Given the time constraints of everyday life, heading out to the doctors or family planning clinic every now and then is not possible. This is why buying oral contraceptives online is the easiest way to make sure you have some preventive tools handy in times of need. Not only does it save you valuable time, it also helps you save up on transportation costs.

The pill is available online in the UK from reputable companies such as The Online Clinic.