Hormonal Contraceptives: Analyzing Effectiveness and Side Effects
Hormonal contraceptives, or birth control options, are effective methods to prevent pregnancy worldwide.
According to the United Nations 2019 report, around 966 million people use some method of contraceptive, and approximately 151 million rely on birth control pills.
However, when searching for a convenient and reliable contraceptive method from various options- you may want to know which one is better.
This comprehensive article will elaborate on the different hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy.
How do hormonal contraceptives work
Hormone contraceptives contain two hormones Estrogen and Progestin.
These two hormones are synthesized in the laboratory and work similarly to natural hormones produced in the body.
The hormones work in the following ways to prevent pregnancy:
- Estrogen in contraceptives prevents ovaries from releasing an egg
- Progestin thickens the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg
- Progestin also results in the thinning of the uterine lining (endometrium) to prevent implantation (attachment of fertilized egg to the uterus)
Hormonal birth controls are only effective if they are used correctly.
As an example, if a woman forgets to take the birth control pill, her ovaries may release an egg, and she may get pregnant.
Types of hormonal contraceptives
The various hormonal contraception include the following birth control options:
Combination pill
Most birth control pills contain Estrogen and Progestin, thus called combined or combination pills.
The combination pills are available in different forms, such as one-phase, two-phase, and three-phase.
Each pill contains the same hormone level in the same proportions in one-phase pills.
However, in two and three-phase pills, the pills have different proportions of hormones based on the phase of the cycle.
There are also different packs of birth control pills explained in the following ways:
- 21 days pack: This pack of birth control pills contains 21 tiny tablets that you take daily and then avoid any tablet for the fourth week
- 28 days pack: This birth control pill’s pack has 28 pills, where 21 contain hormones, and the last 7 are placebo pills without hormones
- 91 days pack: The 91-day pack is pills for three months, followed by one week of placebo pills
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YasminFemilonMini pills
The other form of contraceptive pill, i.e., minipill, contains Progestin-only.
Thus, it is a reliable hormonal birth control pill for women who cannot tolerate combined pills.
Mini pills are a good alternative for women who breastfeed or are susceptible to Estrogen-containing hormonal pills.
Further, mini pills are also safe for people with risks of venous blood clotting.
However, it should be taken with more discipline than counterpart combined pills.
It should be taken at the same time daily.
If a woman forgets to take the pill, she must take it within three hours.
Further, as it should be taken daily without breaks, many women may stop getting their periods.
Vaginal rings
Vaginal rings are small and flexible rings worn inside the female vagina.
The rings release Estrogen and Progestin through the vaginal lining and are absorbed into the bloodstream.
It is worn for up to three weeks and is removed in the fourth week for bleeding to occur.
To effectively prevent chances of pregnancy, the rings must be inserted and removed at the same time of the week.
The contraceptive patch
The contraceptive patch is a very thin patch applied on the lower back, abdomen, upper arms, and buttocks of womenâs bodies.
These patches are directly applied to the skin and steadily release hormones into the skin and enter the bloodstream.
A birth control patch is applied for three weeks (changed once a week), and then no patch is applied on the fourth week for a woman to get her periods.
Further, daily activities like showering, swimming, and bath do not make patches come off.
However, if it does, reapply or change it with a new patch.
As more hormone (Estrogen) enters the body through patches, it has more side effects compared to birth control pills and rings.
Implants
A birth control implant is a rod-shaped device inserted inside the skin of the upper and inner arm by a doctor.
The implant is about 1.6 inches or 4 cm long and flexible.
It releases Progestin into the bloodstream for up to three years and prevents pregnancy.
Birth control shots
Birth control shot is an injectible birth control method for women. The shot is given every twelve weeks or three months.
It has an effectiveness of 99% if used correctly.
Shot is injected into the arms or buttocks and contains hormones.
Though it is a reliable contraceptive method, it is often less tolerated due to the excessive hormonal dosage used.
Birth control implants and shots are usually recommended to women who cannot take other contraceptives or use them regularly.
Advantages of hormonal contraceptives
The advantages of hormonal birth control are as follows:
- Contraceptives do not interrupt sexual intercourse
- Reduce cramps during periods and help in lighter periods
- Reduce the risks of Ectopic pregnancy
- Less Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS)
- The pills can reduce acne
- Reduces the risks of Uterine, Ovarian, and Colon Cancer
Disadvantages of hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal birth control may also have some disadvantages, such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
Who should avoid hormonal contraceptives
The following people must tell their medical history before opting for any hormonal birth control methods:
- Older than 35 and smoke
- Overweight
- Suffer from migraines
- History of blood clotting diseases
- Current or history of heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Susceptible to or a history of Breast Cancer
Conclusion
Hormonal contraceptives can effectively prevent pregnancy if they are used correctly.
These hormonal birth controls contain Estrogen and Progestin, which can prevent ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus, and prevent implantation.
There are many types of hormonal birth control, such as combination pills, mini pills, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, implants, and birth control shots.
These hormonal birth controls have many advantages, such as reducing PMS, cramps, menstrual bleeding and pain, and the risks of Uterus Cancer.
However, they can also elevate the risks of heart problems, blood clotting diseases, and some common side effects like nausea, headache, and fatigue.
Therefore, people who have a history of these conditions should consult a healthcare practitioner before opting for contraceptives to prevent severe complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hormonal birth control?
There are many advantages of hormonal birth control, such as making periods lighter and less painful. It can also reduce the risk of Uterus, Colon, and Ovarian Cancers. However, it has many disadvantages, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and increased risks of heart problems and blood clotting diseases.
What are the five examples of hormonal contraceptives?
The five examples of hormonal birth control include combined pills, mini pills, vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, implants, and shots. These hormonal birth control contain Estrogen and Progestin. They can prevent ovulation, make cervical mucus thick, and prevent implantation.
Which hormone acts as a contraceptive?
Hormones Estrogen and Progestin act as a contraceptive. These hormones are prepared in laboratories but can work similarly to natural hormones produced in the body. In contraceptives, Estrogen prevents ovaries from releasing an egg. Further, Progestin makes cervical mucus thick and prevents implantation.
How do you use hormonal contraceptives?
Different hormonal birth control are used differently. Combined pills and mini pills are taken orally at the same time daily, whereas a contraceptive patch is applied and left for a week. The vaginal rings are inserted and removed, and a healthcare practitioner gives implants and shots.
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