Oral Contraceptives: Birth Control

Oral contraceptives are pills containing combinations of synthetic female hormones forms of estrogen and progestogen that help prevent pregnancy and are taken following a prescribed monthly schedule. Oral contraceptives work by suppressing a woman's secretion of certain hormones connected with the onset of ovulation (egg release) and menstruation. This "fools" the body into thinking the woman is pregnant and essentially blocks further ovulation and menstruation cycles. With those cycles blocked, the woman is far less likely to become pregnant.

Like other oral contraceptives, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, is highly effective when taken correctly. It contains a combination of hormones - estrogen and the progestin norgestimate. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo was developed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Certain herbs and medicines, including the antibiotic rifampin and certain drugs used to control seizures, may make the Pill less effective. Vomiting and diarrhea may also keep the Pill from working. Ask your clinician for advice.

It is very important to remember that the Pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex condom along with the Pill for protection against infection.

The Pill does not interfere with having sex. Many women say the Pill has improved their sex lives. They say they are free to be more spontaneous and do not have to worry about becoming pregnant.

infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease), which often leads to infertility
ectopic pregnancy
noncancerous breast growths
ovarian cysts
cancer of the ovaries
cancer of the lining of the uterus
troublesome menstrual cramps
iron deficiency anemia that results from heavy menses
acne
premenstrual symptoms, as well as related headaches and depression
excess body hair

In fact, protection against developing cancer of the ovary or the lining of the uterus (endometrium) can last up to 15 years after stopping the Pill. Protection against endometrial cancer increases with each year of use� women who use the Pill for eight years reduce their risk of getting endometrial cancer by up to 80 percent.

The Pill may offer some protection against osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

As with all drugs, there may be some undesirable side effects for some women taking the Pill. However, the Pill is much safer than pregnancy and childbirth for healthy women– except among smokers age 35 and older.

Some side effects that usually clear up after two or three months of use include

bleeding between periods
weight gain or loss
breast tenderness
nausea — rarely, vomiting
changes in mood

Nausea and vomiting often can be reduced or eliminated by taking the Pill with the evening meal or at bedtime. (Do not stop taking the Pill if you feel sick to your stomach.) Irregular spotting and bleeding happen more frequently with progestin-only pills than with combination pills.

headache
change in sexual desire
depression

Serious problems do not occur very often. Pill users have a slightly greater chance of certain major disorders than nonusers. The most serious is the possibility of blood clots in the legs, lungs, heart, or brain. Women on the Pill who undergo major surgery seem to have a greater chance of having blood clots. Blood clots in the legs occur with increased frequency for women and men who

have one or both legs immobilized
are confined to their beds

It is important to stop taking the Pill about four weeks before a scheduled major operation. Do not start again while recuperating or while a leg or arm is in a cast.

Rarely, women who take the Pill develop high blood pressure. Very rarely,liver tumors, gallstones, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) occur in women who take the Pill. More detailed information about the use and risks of the Pill is provided in an insert included with each pill pack.

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