TAKE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL (OCP) ONCE A DAY
The OCP is a tablet you take once a day - there are a few different types of Oral Contraceptive Pill. The combined pill contains estrogen and progestin, which stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps the sperm from getting to the egg. The so-called mini pill contains only one hormone, a progestin, which offers an alternative to those affected by the hormone estrogen.
You should swallow the pill at the same time every day, whether or not you have sex. Ask your healthcare provider whether the combined pill is a suitable method of contraception for you based on your medical history and, if yes, which is the best type for you.
Why Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill is a Better Option in Malaysia?
It is commonly known that OCP Pill is taken to prevent pregnancy. While many other contraceptive methods are available in Malaysia, some people still prefer to take Oral Contraceptive Pills as prevention. This is because this option is easier to get and convenient to take.
The Benefits of Oral Contraceptive Pill (a.k.a. Birth Control Pill)
Did you know that other than preventing pregnancy, the contraceptive pill has other benefits too? The benefits of oral contraceptive pills are further discussed below:
OCP Pills Helps to Adjust Menstrual Cycle
After taking birth control OCP, some women experience a better menstrual cycle with regular period timing that is easier to predict. Other than that, the hormones in the OCP pills can help in reducing other menstrual issues, such as heavy bleeding.
Oral Contraceptive Pills Can Reduce Menstrual Cramp
By taking the contraceptive pill, you are preventing your body from ovulating. Because there is no ovulation, your uterus will not have to feel the painful contractions caused by it. Hence, you don’t have to experience any painful menstrual cramps.
The Oral Contraceptive Pill Can Treat Hormonal Acne
Acne often happens because of hormonal fluctuations. This is the reason why acne worsens during adolescence. By taking the oral contraceptive pill, you can minimize these fluctuations and, at the same time, help to reduce hormonal acne.
HOW TO TAKE THE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL
Taking the Oral Contraceptive pill is the same as taking other tablets, you put one in your mouth and swallow it. You should swallow the pill at the same time every day, whether you have sex or not. Forgetting to take your pill means it won’t be as effective as it can be and you could find yourself getting pregnant. If you miss 1 or more pills, or start a pill pack too late, have a look into the Patient Information Booklet provided to you with the pill pack. In case of doubt, or if you experience any side effects, please talk to your healthcare provider.
Different pills have different cycles, with some pill types you have to take hormone-free pills during the breaks to maintain continuous intake. Check if our pill reminder is available in your country so you can stay on top of your routine and stay protected.
PROS & CONS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL
- Highly effective when used as directed
- Easy to use
- Allows sexual spontaneity and does not interrupt sex
- May reduce heavy and painful periods
- May have a positive effect on acne
- Can be taken over a long period of time
- Requires keeping track of the numbers of days taken
- May cause some women (less than 10%) to experience headache, nausea, breast tenderness and weight gain.
- It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks and strokes
- Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
FAQS ABOUT OCP FOR BIRTH CONTROL
No, there are many different types of contraceptive pills available, and each of them is slightly different. The important thing is to follow the instructions that come with your pill package exactly. It’s important to take the pills as directed because missing pills or taking them not on time make them less effective. If you have any questions about how to take the pill, ask your healthcare provider for further advice.
Hormones used in the pill are mostly a synthetic form of the natural hormones progestin and estrogen. Some contain only a progestin, e.g. progestin-only pill, others a combination of progestin and estrogen, e.g. the so-called combined pill.
The combined pill mimics a pregnancy to your body, although you are not pregnant, what prevents you from ovulation. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to get through.
The progestin only pill works by thickening the mucus at the entrance to the womb. In some women it may also prevent ovulation.
Some contraceptive pills can improve the condition of your skin and hair; others help with symptoms such as acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular menstrual bleeding.
The pill is one of the most reliable forms of contraception, giving a very high degree of protection against pregnancy when taken as directed.
No it is not necessary to take a 'pill break' unless you want to get pregnant. There is no effect on long-term fertility even if you take hormonal contraceptives for years.
If you are regularly taking the pills, you are very unlikely to be pregnant. The pill is highly effective. If your period does not come, it does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant as long as you did take it as directed. It could be that the lining of your womb has not built up very much and is therefore not being expelled. If menstruation does not come for more than two months in a row talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before you start taking the new strip.
The pill is one of the most reliable forms of contraception, giving a very high degree of protection against pregnancy when taken as directed.
Hormonal contraception does not cause infertility. It may take a bit of time for your body to return to a state where you can become pregnant again but this is only temporary. Fertility returns to its previous level no matter how long you have taken a hormonal contraceptive method for. In a big surveillance study, about 20% of women who stopped taking the combined pill for getting pregnant, already got pregnant within four weeks after they stopped pill intake. More than 40% got pregnant within the first three months after stopping the pill.
There are many different kinds of contraceptive pills available, which can be divided into two main groups:
The combined pill releases the hormones estrogen and progestin. This combination prevents pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens your cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching an egg. You should take the pill at the same time each day, whether or not you have sex.
The progestin only pill (POP), also known as the mini pill, only releases the hormone progestin and might be an option for those who are sensitive to estrogen. It prevents pregnancy mostly by thickening your cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining.
The mini-pill is even more time-sensitive than the combined pill, and it is therefore essential to take it at the exact same time each day.
