When it comes to family planning, one of the first things that comes to mind is the oral contraceptive pill, also known as the pill. However, you may be unsure about the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill and may not understand how it works. Let us talk about what the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCs) is and the myths about COCs that could ruin your life. 

What is Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCs)? 

Combination Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCs), also known as the pill, are estrogen and progestin-containing oral contraceptives. It is a combination of birth control pills that prevent your ovaries from producing an egg. It also causes changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, preventing sperm from joining the egg. There are several types of combination birth control pills that contain varying amounts of estrogen and progestin. COCs are a reliable method of birth control and family planning. If you want to use combination birth control pills, your health care provider or BIG Pharmacy can provide the professional advice on this. 

Myth 1: COCs can caused weight changes 

Weight fluctuates naturally as people age and their circumstances change. Weight changes caused by contraceptive pills are usually temporary and disappear within 2-3 months. Due to water retention, some women may experience minor weight fluctuations after beginning COCs. Suggest combining COC with a progestin that can help with fluid retention, such as Drospirenone or Gestodene. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help to minimize weight gain caused by increased appetite. 

Myth 2: Missed one pill will affect the effectiveness of COC 

In fact, the effectiveness of COC for contraceptive purposes can reach 91% in conditions where the pills are taken as directed. If one pill is missed in less than 48 hours, it should be remembered and taken as soon as possible, and the remaining pills should be taken as usual. If it is after 48 hours, the instructions remain the same, but condoms should be used, or sex avoided until 7 consecutive pills have been taken. Few tips to avoid missing pills:  

• Set alarm reminder on phone 
• Use daily activities as reminder 
• Keep the pills at visible place. 

Myth 3: COCs may increase risk of infertility or delayed return to fertility 

Among contraceptive methods, only male and female sterilizations are regarded as permanent. No other methods result in permanent infertility. Fertility will return within one month of discontinuing the COC. COCs' effects on a woman's ability to conceive are completely reversible, which means that stopping them will not affect her chances of becoming pregnant. COC can preserve fertility by preventing unintended pregnancies, miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancies. Approximately 80% of women become pregnant within a year of discontinuing COCs. 

Myth 4: The pill has immediate effective once I took it 

The effectiveness of taking COCs is dependent on when you take them. You will be protected from pregnancy immediately if you begin taking the oral contraceptive pills within 5 days of your period. Otherwise, you must take the pill for 7 days before being protected from pregnancy. You will need to use another method of birth control or refrain from having sex during this time (the 7 days). 

Myth 5: COCs may cause acne or worsen the condition 

Conclusion 

In short, good family planning is essential for every individual and family. Meanwhile, more research and professional advice are required before beginning any contraceptive method. Please seek professional advice on family planning and contraception from your health care provider or BIG Pharmacy.