Best Contraceptive Pills In South Africa

What is Contraceptive Pills?

The combined oral contraceptive pill, often referred to as the birth control pill or colloquially as “the pill”, is a type of birth control that is designed to be taken orally by women. The pill contains two important hormones: progestin and estrogen.

Best Contraceptive Pills In South Africa

There are two kinds of birth control pills:

  • Combination pills (aka combined oral contraceptives, or COCs)
    • Combination pills have both estrogen and progestin
    • These are the most common type of birth control pill 
  • Progestin-only pills (aka POPs or mini-pills)
    • Progestin-only pills only have progestin

What does the contraceptive pill do?

The pill prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It also: thickens the mucus in the neck of the womb, so it is harder for sperm to penetrate the womb and reach an egg. thins the lining of the womb, so there is less chance of a fertilized egg implanting into the womb and being able to grow.

When Should contraceptive pills be taken?

The first dose must be taken within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex (it could be five days according to your doctor’s prescription). The sooner you take the ECP, the better it will work. If you throw up within 1 hour of taking the pills, you need to take another dose.

What are the side effects of the contraceptive pill?

The sections below will look at some common side effects of oral contraceptives.

  • Spotting between periods. Breakthrough bleeding, or spotting, refers to when vaginal bleeding occurs between menstrual cycles.
  • Nausea.
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headaches and migraine.
  • Weight gain.
  • Mood changes.
  • Missed periods.
  • Decreased libido.

Is contraceptive pill safe?

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Birth control pills are safe for most women. The pill has been available for 60 years, so there is a lot of comfort and experience with its use. A small percentage of women who take the combination (estrogen-containing) birth control pill have an increased risk for developing these rare complications: Blood clots.

Can you get pregnant when on the pill?

Fewer than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant in a year when using the combined pill correctly. Typical use: around 91% effective. Around 9 in 100 women using the combined pill will get pregnant in a year.

Does the pill stop your period?

The pill prevents your body from making hormones involved in ovulation and menstruation. When you stop taking the pill, it can take some time for your body to start producing these hormones again. Menstrual periods typically resume within three months after you stop taking the pill.