Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 44 No. 5. March 30 1981
Student health
Student health
The Pill
Women who use the pill or are contemplating its use, should be well informed regarding the risks and benefits, advantages and disadvantages involved. Some users, through experience, may be aware of some of these already.
1. How Does The Pill Work?
Firstly and most importantly it prevents ovulation (production of the female egg). Secondly by thickening the normal mucus secretion of the womb (uterus) it prevents the passage of male sperm into the womb where it may be fertilised. Finally the pill alters the lining of the womb making it hostile ground, inadequate for the growth of a fertilized egg should the first two barriers be eluded.
2. How Effective Is The Pill?
The theoretical effectiveness of oral contraceptives is about 99.9% i.e. 1 pregnancy per 1000 women per year of regular use. Lower dosage pills may be slightly less effective. Effectiveness, however, is dependent primarily on whether the pills are taken correctly. The absorption of all the ingredients of the pill, by the gut can be affected by the healthiness of the gut lining. If there is infection there (gastroenteritis) and the patient is vomiting or has diarrhoea this absorption can be reduced. This is especially important when low dosage pills are being taken. Other medications in the gut at the same time can reduce absorption.
3. Advantages
If taken according to instructions it is very reliable and simple to take. Heavy, painful menstrual' periods, premenstrual problems and acne are often improved. The incidence of some abnormalities of the breasts, uterus and ovaries appear to be lowered by the pill.
4. Deciding Which Pill
As one particular hormone in the pill appears to cause most of the side effects the woman is usually prescribed the pill low in this. If side effects develop or persist after three months this should be changed according to the particular problem.
5. Mini Pill
As the name suggests, it contains exceedingly low amounts of the hormones. Ovulation is affected less than half of the time and so the pregnancy rate is increased, as the pill's effectiveness is dependent only on its other actions previously mentioned. The taking of the mini pill is more difficult in that timing is very important. It must be taken at the same time daily, begining on the first day of menstruation and continued without interruption. If a pill is missed or it is taken more than three hours later than usual, protection is reduced and other non-hormonal forms of contraception should be used. While certain women find this pill useful, cycles are difficult to control. This means also that menstrual periods may be irregular.
6. How Soon Will The Regular Pill Become Effective?
If doctors recommend commencing the pill on the fifth day of menstruation, as is often the case, although not always, its effects cannot be guaranteed for the first cycle. Other methods of contraception should be used at this time.
7. The Missed Pill
As soon as a user realises she has missed a pill, it should be taken, even if it means taking two in one day. If two consecutive days are missed, protection for that cycle cannot be depended on. The remaining pills should be taken, but once again other contraception should be used. A missed or late pill may lead to breakthrough bleeding.
Golden Rule
Take the pill for three weeks regularly no matter what! If you commence bleeding a bit during the month, forget it. When you start a packet you should commit yourself to taking all pills regularly each night until the pack is emptied.
There is still more to discuss on this subject and we will continue next week.