VERY INTERESTING: THE PILL

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about 

THE PILL

Oral contraceptives (the pill) are hormonally active pills which are usually taken by women on a daily basis. They contain either two hormones combined (progestogen and estrogen) or a single hormone (progestogen).

Combined oral contraceptives suppress ovulation. Progestogen-only contraceptives also suppress ovulation in about half of women (they are slightly less effective). Both types cause a thickening of the cervical mucus, blocking sperm penetration.

Oral contraceptives are 92 - 99% effective. A woman can decide to start taking the pill if she is sexually active or planning to become sexually active and is certain she is not pregnant. Some pills are taken daily for 21 days and stopped for 7 days before starting a new package.

Other kinds are taken continuously for 28-day cycles. Oral contraceptives should be taken in order, at a convenient and consistent time each day. They are appropriate for women who are willing to use a method that requires action daily and who will be able to obtain supplies on a continuous basis.

The pill offers continuous protection against pregnancy, it produces regular and shorter periods (and frequently a decrease in menstrual cramps), and it protects against ovarian and endometrial cancer, ectopic pregnancies and infections of the fallopian tubes.

Possible side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, mild headaches, weight gain or loss. Very rarely, it can lead to serious health risks (e.g. blood clots, heart attack, and stroke). Risks are higher for women over 35 years who smoke.

The pill does NOT protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs, including HIV). To protect against STIs, a male or female condom must be used and as always have a chilled day from the Viking