What are the benefits of the pill?
I’m 19 years old and considering starting the Pill. I am aware of the various side effects, but will it mess up my menstrual cycle? My periods come around the same time every month and last for three days. Will the pill extend these days and will it make my periods come when they’re not supposed to? Can I start taking it at any time during the month?
The combined oral contraceptive pills is an effective means of preventing pregnancy, and it has a lot of other benefits too. It controls your menstrual cycle so it is regular.
If your periods are usually regular, they will continue to be so.
In patients who have irregular periods, the Pill regularises them, and they are usually of a shorter duration and much lighter. This means fewer sanitary pads or tampons, and eventual reduction in the incidence of anaemia
(low blood count).
There are different types of oral contraceptive pills which contain varying doses of oestrogen and progesterone. The newer types, such as Mirelle, have half the dose of the usual low-dose pills, so side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness and bloating, are reduced.
The lower dose of oestrogen is however effective in terms of its contraceptive benefits. Sometimes there may be a mild break through bleeding on the lower dose preparations and you may need to change to a slightly higher dose.
The birth control pills also reduce the incidence of dysmenorrhoea (painful periods). They can be started anytime from the first to the fifth day of the menses. You need to read the packet insert since the time to start will vary based on the preparation.
Birth control pills do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV. You should use a barrier method of contraception such as the male or female condom in addition to the Pill. It is best that you insist that your partner get himself tested for the HIV virus before you commence sexual activity and maintain the use of the condom throughout.
Sexual activity at an early age puts you at risk for exposure to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and eventually cervical cancer. It is important for you to get an annual check-up and cervical (pap) smear once you are sexually active.
Consult your gynaecologist who will advise you further.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions and comments to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com or fax to 968-2025. We regret that we cannot supply personal answers.
