Birth Control Pills: Contraindications, Properties, Benefit And Myths

Contraceptive pills have represented such a significant and important scientific advance for conception, which generated great controversy not only at the scientific and pharmaceutical level; but also in the natalist policies of the Franco dictatorship and the opposition of the church to their use.

It is believed that it was already in research in the 1950s, so in 1951 the scientist Carl Djerassi in his research presented a derivative of the female corpus luteum hormone, to be used as a method of contraception.

Progesterone was known for its contraceptive effect , but it was not known how to obtain an effect from the same oral route, since it disintegrated easily. That is why Djerassi studied the way for the pill to maintain its effectiveness once ingested orally, which is why he was considered one of the fathers of the contraception pill.

Therefore, contraceptive pills or contraceptive pills are considered as a hormonal preparation for the prevention of pregnancy, warning of female ovulation and, therefore, conception.

In the beginning, these hormonal preparations had a high amount of progesterone as the main hormone, together with estrogens or other derivatives or the like that enhance their effect and efficacy.

Likewise, marked collateral or adverse effects also developed; From there the initiative arose, which led to new research, improving the presentations and reducing the amount of hormones to the minimum required to have an effect.

All these advances led to consider it as a method of contraception in the United States, in 1960, in Spain in 1964. During that same year, the pill had already been distributed worldwide with astonishing acceptance.

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Index

The Contraceptive Pill

Contraceptive pills, also called ” the pill “, are drugs of daily consumption with hormones that alter the normal functioning of the female reproductive system, in order to avoid the conception of pregnancy.

There are hormones that are responsible for the normal functioning of the female reproductive system, favoring the evolutionary cycle of life, among which is fertility or pregnancy.

In this process, a hormone produced at the brain level acts, such as chorionic gonadotropin, which stimulates ovulation; which is the fertile stage of women, generating the exact moment and propitious for conception.

The hormones that intervene in this process as contraceptives act by preventing the gonadotropin from being generated, so there is no possibility of fertilization of an egg, so a pregnancy would not occur.

Estrogens act as contraceptives because they prevent the maturation of the ovum, so there is no room for ovulation, that is why it exerts its effect at the ovarian level which, in combination with gestagens and its effect on the central nervous system, is the perfect combination to avoid conception.

In other words, it can be summarized that hormones are chemical substances that are responsible for regulating the proper functioning of the body, in this case the hormones contained in birth control pills act directly on the uterus, ovaries and the Central Nervous System, respectively.

Today these pills have been improved through the combination of various hormones , currently receiving the name of combined contraceptives, last generation or “ generation B contraceptives ”.

How Do Birth Control Pills Work?

As already mentioned, birth control pills or pills today are a combination of several hormones which can be classified as next-generation contraceptives or generation “B” contraceptives.

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This contraception power is given by the way in which they act in the body , which in combined form a greater effect and, therefore, a contraception of up to 99% effectiveness.

The effectiveness of these hormonal combinations is offered by acting directly on the ovaries, preventing the maturation of the ovum in the fallopian tubes, paralyzing the transport of the ovum over the Central Nervous System, preventing the release of gonadotropin, which is essential for fertilization.

In short, we can say that most of the pills produced today are combined , that is, their active compound is made up of the union of two hormones as they are; the estrogen and progesterone , thus preventing release of the egg during the menstrual cycle.

Therefore, if you cannot ovulate, you cannot remain pregnant since there is no ovum that the sperm can fertilize. Another effect that these drugs produce is the widening of the mucosa produced in the cervix, which means that the sperm cannot enter the uterus and neither can it reach any released egg.

What are the types of birth control pills?

In general, these pills come in a presentation of a box with the necessary amount for a complete cycle , however the form of the compound can vary finding different types of these, such as:

Monophasic contraceptives

It is composed of a fixed amount of hormones such as estrogens and progestin; which remains constant for about 21 to 24 consecutive days, thus avoiding the natural hormonal changes of the female cycle.

Efficacy is high, measured with the Pearl Index (PI), which provides the number of unintended pregnancies per 100 women per year, using some contraceptive method. In the case of the monophasic pill, the effectiveness as a preventive method of pregnancy is 0.2 and 0.5. Therefore, it is a safe and effective method.

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Biphasic contraceptives

The biphasic pill is also called a “sequential preparation” as it can vary with each menstrual cycle. It is not a constant dose as in the case of monophasic pills.

The biphasic pills in the first weeks only contain estrogens, the following weeks estrogen is combined with gestagens, which generates a cycle similar to the natural female cycle.

It is a contraceptive method that is situated on the PI scale between 0.2 and 0.7; for this reason, it is reliable and effective.

Triphasic contraceptives

The changes in the triphasic contraceptive pill are more followed than the biphasic pill , so the first 6 days will be based on estrogens and gestagens, this period is called the first phase.

In the second phase of oral administration of the triphasic pill are estrogens and gestagens in higher doses than the previous ones.

In the third phase of administration of the triphasic pill, the estrogens return to their reduced phase, whereas the gestagens are increased

According to the scale or PI, the triphasic pill is between 0.2 to 0.5; For this reason, we can affirm that it is reliable and effective as a contraceptive method.

Quadriphasic contraceptives

Its amounts of hormones contained are more constant than in previous contraceptives, managing to change the levels of estrogens and progestin once every 4 cycles.

Continuous cycle contraceptives

Due to the high levels of hormones they have, their amounts are not changing . With this type of contraceptive you can experience a lack of menstrual cycles.

Most common brands of birth control pills

In the pharmaceutical market there are many brands of contraceptive drugs, however, there are some that stand out more than others thanks to the confidence and security they possess, in addition to not leaving such notorious side effects in the body. Among these brands we can find.

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Belara

Its active principle is composed of 2 milligrams of Clomardinone Acetate and 0.03 milligrams of Ethinylestradiol. The first compound of the formula has a beneficial effect to control acne and the production of sebum on the skin .

Cerazerette

It belongs to the group of contraceptives that are not combined, it is ideal for patients who suffer from high venous risk or have hereditary factors in their family related to venous thrombosis or venous insufficiency problems.

Because it is a very mild pill, it has been classified as; “ The lactation pill ”, this was determined by studies carried out by specialists in gynecology and obstetrics; however, this contraceptive can cause small ” leaks ” or spotting in the middle of the period of use of the drug.

Diane-35

It is a combination pill prescribed to treat hormonal problems directly related to a high production of male hormones in the female body, in addition, it is used to treat acne problems and excess body hair, as well as the symptoms of polycystic ovaries.

This pill was prohibited for contraceptive use due to all the high risks it brings to the cardiovascular system, whether it is used temporarily or regularly. You can develop thromboembolism or blood clots in the veins.

mercilon

It is a low-dose contraceptive or ” mini-pill “, since its hormonal amounts are so low, that is why it is ideal for treating skin problems and to maintain its healthy state. On the other hand, it is also used to control or completely eliminate menstruation through its use.

Microvlar

Its active compound has 0.15 milligrams of levonorgestrel, which makes it medicable for the control of heavy flow in menstruation and also to prevent unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.

Selene

They are recommended to treat problems related to chronic acne, specifically if it is caused by major hormonal disorders. For its prescription, a series of tests must be previously performed to determine a disorder in the production of hormones.

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Myths and truths of the contraceptive pill

Throughout history, various opinions have been generated regarding what contraceptive pills offer or are believed to cause in the body, specifically in the female reproductive system.

Most of these erroneous information, which have been called myths in the use of this contraception method, have been generated due to a lack of veracity in the information , perhaps due to poor orientation or religious beliefs.

Whatever the myths, they are a deviation from the truth or veracity of what the pills were designed for, misrepresenting the information to promote the harms and not the benefits of a planned family life.

In addition to the benefits offered by contraceptives, the pills are also used for endocrine treatments and to improve menstrual cycles and the effects of hormones in the body.

Therefore, it should be foreseen that the use of these pills is strictly monitored by a health professional, for example: gynecologists and midwives who can assertively guide on the uses and benefits of contraceptive pills, depending on the case for which are indicated.

Only in this way will it be avoided to continue resulting in circulating erroneous ideas due to the lack of information or ignorance of the actual use of the contraceptive pill, among which are:

Birth control pills are 100% safe!

It is totally false, there is 1% of women of reproductive age that with oral consumption of contraceptives can get pregnant, so not all cases are the same. Also, not all organisms receive the pill in the same way.

I must rest after long periods of taking the contraceptive pill!

Another myth indicates that between prolonged periods of use of the contraceptive pill you have to rest to detoxify the body, which is totally false, it is not necessary to stop the pills if you are not thinking about pregnancy.

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Contraceptive pills can be used for long periods, without causing damage to our body or permanent hormonal changes, so its use is safe.

If I take birth control pills, I will gain weight, grow hairs, and break out!

It is totally false , if you maintain a balanced consumption of food and do some physical activity regularly, contraceptive pills do not have to vary the weight of the person. Likewise, it does not interfere with the increase in facial or body hair, on the contrary, it has beneficial effects on the skin such as hair loss and acne.

If I stop taking the contraceptive pill, its effect lasts in the body!

In this case it will depend on the woman’s body, since there are cases that only when you stop taking the pills do you get pregnant and other cases that take two or three and up to 5 months to get pregnant.

What is clear is that the length of use of them has nothing to do with the time it takes to become pregnant after suspension.

Birth control pills or pills are all the same!

It is a totally false statement , remember that contraceptive pills can be monophasic which have the same hormonal content in all biphasic, triphasic and quadriphasic pills or pills.

The difference between each of them is in their hormonal content , which varies in days or weeks, that is, the combination of hormones is modified during the month to be able to have a similarity with the natural reproductive cycle of women, avoiding the ovulation or preventing the implantation of the ovum.

Birth control pills can be taken by any woman of childbearing age!

False , it is for this reason that to start taking this type of pills a thorough medical evaluation and evaluation is necessary; to determine what type of pills is suitable for each individual case.

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The indiscriminate use of products of this type without proper medical evaluation is the cause of infinite health problems and worsening of already established conditions, such as: venous thrombosis, migraines, cardiovascular problems, among other health problems, which without proper monitoring may have a fatal outcome.

If I forget or stop taking the contraceptive pill for a few days, I’m still protected!

False, if you miss a dose of the contraceptive pill, its effectiveness is totally lost , so it is advisable to take it immediately, remember it; even if it means taking two doses together, and after that, using barrier methods for contraception for at least seven consecutive days.

Only in this way is protection guaranteed and certifies that in those seven days taking the pill regularly, the dose in blood is the optimum required to be able to act effectively in the body and exert its contraceptive effect again.

Therefore, forgetfulness can be the determining factor for the contraceptive to lose its effectiveness and cause a pregnancy.

I can take any medication and that does not interfere with birth control pills!

False, contraceptive pills can be affected with some medications, losing effectiveness as a contraceptive method and in other cases; interfering with the drug to produce marked adverse effects that can be life-threatening.

People who are using antibiotics should use barrier methods as prevention, since it reduces the effect of oral contraceptives. There are also drug interactions such as Warfarin, because the use in conjunction with oral contraceptives produces a decrease in NRI.

The decrease in NRI increases the glucuron-conjugation of Warfarin and its elimination, so it is advisable to adjust the NRI to a therapeutic range and use barrier methods during treatment.

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If I take the contraceptive pill I will get acne!

False , if you already have an acne problem, it is necessary to take oral contraceptives or not, go to the dermatologist to find alternatives and improve the condition.

It has been scientifically proven in studies that contraceptive pills give the skin great benefits , among which are the prevention and improvement of acne, so the statement is totally false, that is, it will not cause damage to the skin but improvements in the same.

My mood changes with the use of oral contraceptives!

It is true, the use of hormones can interfere with mood , because they are hormonal loads that are being ingested on a daily basis.

Oral contraceptives today generally have very little hormonal load and are very safe to use; so it is difficult to see cases like this (but if there is a possibility of happening), all organisms are not the same and have different ways of hormonal response, so this statement is true.

People over 35 should not take oral contraceptives!

It is true , and it refers to the fact that it is the age at which circulatory problems, coagulation problems, arterial hypertension, thrombophlebitis, breast cancer can begin to occur, so a very rigorous evaluation should be carried out in cases of ingesting contraceptive pills at this age.

However, it should be noted that a good evaluation and medical follow-up can use the contraceptive pill, but only if the treating doctor or midwife recommends it according to the results of studies that determine that the person is in good health.

I can change pill brands whenever I want!

It is true, you can change brands of birth control pills as long as you finish a complete cycle using the usual brand, after the break you start (as was done regularly) the other brand of birth control pills without problems.

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This change if done well, that is, as explained above, it should not be necessary to use additional barriers for protection, because from the first pill it will exert its contraceptive effect.

I can take my birth control pill anytime!

False, contraceptive pills must be taken at the same time every day, on that will depend the effectiveness of it. Therefore, forgetfulness can lead to loss of protection and pregnancy.

Side effects of birth control pills

The side effects of prolonged use of the contraceptive pill are determined by the previous study and pertinent medical evaluation before and during the use of the same.

It is for this reason that a certain brand of contraceptives should not be ingested solely by recommendation or popularity.

The hormonal values ​​must be determined individually, studies of already established pathologies or possible hereditary diseases that could appear over time, hormonal changes with age, as well as the intake of medications with which the pill can interact.

These are just some of the factors that should be taken into account when taking oral contraceptives, and they should only be determined correctly by a health specialist. Hence the importance of good guidance and clarifying any doubts that may arise before starting its use.

In general, the short-term side effects usually last a period of three months , if after this time the symptoms persist, you will have to see your doctor to discuss your situation or clinical condition; Likewise, he will be able to decide whether to suspend or change the pill, through a hormonal test.

Among the problems that can occur with the use of oral contraceptives, the following can be mentioned:

Headache

If you are a person who does not continuously suffer from headaches and is in good health, you can determine if it was as a result of the consumption of the pill that this problem appeared.

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It is a rare symptom, but it can be caused by some birth control pills, so it is recommended to see a doctor immediately .

In general, it is a pathology that occurs shortly after starting to consume the contraceptive, especially a few minutes after ingesting the pill.

The doctor will determine the actions to follow with respect to this case, although the most obvious is that it is required to suspend the temporary or permanent use of that brand of pills , hormonal blood studies should be carried out to determine which contraceptive is adjusted to your body and prevent headache recurrence.

Natural medicine can be used to reverse the effects caused by contraceptives, such as the intake of tea made from medicinal plants that serve as a relaxant, such as lavender.

You can also place warm water compresses around the neck during a headache or if you prefer cold water or ice cubes, on the forehead or in the area where the pain radiates.

You should rest and consume natural fruit juices that promote diuresis, you can consume watermelon to increase diuresis. All of this must be done with the approval of the GP or midwife, as we primarily seek to improve the condition, not complicate it.

So anything that can be done naturally to improve quickly is good, provided it is supervised by a professional.

Blood clots

Blood clots occur as a result of an already implanted pathology to which due care was not given, so a person who suffers from problems in the coagulation cascade should not consume oral contraceptives.

Likewise, the use of birth control pills can lead to an increased risk of blood clots in people with a family inheritance of clotting problems or thromboembolism.

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If there is a risk of suffering from this disease, the specialist should be consulted in advance , to determine the steps to follow and the pertinent studies to be carried out, to determine exactly the type of adequate contraceptive method according to the results obtained.

It is advisable to promote in this and in all cases an adequate and balanced intake of food that allows adequate nutrition. Likewise, avoid wearing tight clothing to prevent circulatory problems.

Weight gain

Weight gain can be an established recurring health problem that has nothing to do with contraceptive pills, it usually occurs due to poor eating habits or metabolic problems.

For this reason, it is important to individualize the intake of oral contraceptives , since, if the person has a problem of obesity or family inheritance of the same, deficit in metabolic or hormonal functioning, an adequate diagnosis, timely treatment and adequate follow-up are essential. Check your progress before determining which oral contraceptive to use.

In contraceptive pills one of the components found are the enteric, the effect of this hormone against fat cells is to increase their size and produce an acceleration in their production in the body.

It is an effect that does not occur in everyone, all organisms do not respond in the same way to this hormone, although by nature this function occurs with the ingestion of it.

It is believed that it is due to the minimum amount of it that current oral contraceptives possess or due to an individualized response of the body to this type of hormone action.

In addition, oral contraceptives tend to cause fluid retention in the body , which is usually combated by activating the renal system by increasing water consumption, which will lead to an increase in diuresis and the elimination of toxins and wastes that can be harmful.

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It is advisable to carry out some activity or physical exercise daily, it is a way to maintain optimal health and maintain the ideal weight along with a balanced diet low in fat.

Sickness

Nausea is characteristic after starting the use of the contraceptive pill, so it is not a concern, it usually occurs when it is the first time you take oral contraceptives or when you have spent some time without taking them and you decide to use them again.

Usually occurs the first three months after taking the pill , it is advisable not to fast to take the pill, keep the stomach full when ingesting the pill to avoid this type of effects, while the body adapts hormonally.

In case of being very annoying, it is advisable before using any medication to consult a doctor or midwife, they are the people who can best guide you on the correct way to act before any discomfort caused by oral contraceptives.

Irregular period

The contraceptive pill not only limits its use to prevent conception, but is also used regularly as a first option in cases of irregular periods of the menstrual cycle, providing instant results.

It is for this reason that they are also used as a treatment with the same guidelines and manner of use for the prevention of pregnancy. That is, with a continuous intake and without failing at the corresponding time and day, since it could generate lack of control of the menstrual cycle.

Combined Oral Contraceptives and Thromboembolism

As already mentioned, oral contraceptives are a great alternative for preventing pregnancy and treating conditions that can lead to a lack of control of the female menstrual cycle.

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Therefore, its effectiveness has led it to be the most used contraceptive method by millions of women around the world.

It has multiple benefits that range from the effects on the skin, such as the reduction of body hair and frequent problems such as acne, as well as the regulation of the menstrual cycle, reduction of colic or menstrual discomfort and regulation of heavy periods.

However, as they are about hormones, we can also find many temporary adverse effects, which can be reversed easily and quickly just by leaving or changing the brand of contraceptive pills; but it must be with the proper guidance and medical assessment to do it the right way.

When there are more marked or serious effects is where it plays a fundamental role to go immediately to the specialist doctor.

In general, the pertinent studies should be carried out before the consumption of the contraceptive pill in search of diseases that can generate clots or to evaluate in itself, any hereditary traits.

Thromboembolism is a silent disease that can affect the health of the person very aggressively, so any indication that may lead to a good assessment and correct action in such a situation should not be ignored in a medical interview.

Due to this situation, a lot of concern has arisen for health personnel, and this is where the “World Health Organization” (WHO) proposes a series of medical criteria for an adequate indication of contraceptive pills and promotion of the proper use of the same .

It is important to note that a pathology like this can affect anyone and at different ages, so early detection can lead to reversing its effects. If a clot is small with good treatment, it can improve and reduce to the point of disappearing, but in the case of a larger clot, the only solution, if the patient’s condition allows it, is surgery.

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Thanks to the new technologies that have been developed in this area, it was recently determined that the use of these pills was no longer a high risk factor for thromboembolism , unless the person already has the condition or has a family inheritance of it.

The only contraindication that existed was the medication of the pills containing ” Drospirenone “, since this active compound carries a greater risk of developing the disease even in clinically healthy people.

The day after pill

It is a contraceptive pill, called emergency contraception . It should not be administered routinely , but when other methods completely fail. Its action inhibits ovulation, which prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg.

When is it indicated to be used?

This pill is indicated to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or failure of the method used.

How does the emergency pill prevent pregnancy?

The pill works by delaying and preventing ovulation, which prevents fertilization from taking place, studies have determined that it affects the movement of sperm inside the female reproductive system, making nesting difficult, respectively.

Is the emergency pill abortive?

Although this pill is considered abortifacient, it is not , since its mechanism of action is totally different, since its effect is exerted before the implantation has taken place; that is, once implantation occurs, fertilization and conception of pregnancy is totally unavoidable.

When should it be used?

This contraceptive pill should be used immediately after sexual intercourse, to ensure its effectiveness. The ideal is to take it during the first 24 hours after intercourse . Although its effect can prevail after 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse, its effectiveness decreases as time passes.

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Just taking one dose is enough, in case the drug includes two tablets, both will be taken at the same time . This pill should not be used as a regular contraceptive method, since it can cause infertility with very frequent use.

What is the 5 day after pill?

As this pill is something new on the market, there is not much information about it. It should be noted that it is a pill for eventual use, after unprotected intercourse or when the barrier method of contraception or any other type fails.

Its function is exerted by delaying ovulation in the same way as the morning-after or emergency pill, resulting in changes in the mucus of the cervix that prevents the passage of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall.

It has a 100% effective range if ingested before or within 72 hours after intercourse, with an effectiveness that can extend up to 120 hours after intercourse.

How to improve the side effects of birth control pills?

As we have said before, birth control pills have evolved throughout this time to avoid annoying side effects.

To help the body reverse the effects produced by oral contraceptives, you can consume some vitamin groups such as complex “B”, Zinc, vitamin “C” and vitamin “E”, as they help to raise the levels and fill the deficiencies of these in the body, as well as increase appetite disorders that may develop.

In terms of diet, you can consume avocado, oranges and many fruits that have a tropical origin or that contain large amounts of vitamins, to promote a speedy recovery of an optimal state of health.

Correct way to take the contraceptive pill

The contraceptive pill has the advantage that it can be started any day of the month , it is a process that must be accompanied by the use of a barrier contraceptive method during the first seven days after the first taking of the pill, to guarantee good protection . .

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After this time has passed without forgetting the corresponding doses and neither the time of ingestion of the same, you can be completely sure that it will fulfill its contraceptive effect.

Another way to take the pill and the most successful because it is the correct method, is to take the first pill on the first day of the arrival of menstruation , which will guarantee its effectiveness from the first moment without the need for additional protection methods.

The effectiveness of the contraceptive pill will be affected by different factors, among which the most important is the discontinuity in its intake.

There are certain medications that reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill, so you should see a doctor for any problem or pathology that occurs during the use of this type of contraceptive; to avoid losing its effect or receiving the pertinent guidance on the correct way to act in each case.

Interactions of the contraceptive pill with other drugs

The contraceptive pill can be affected in its effectiveness when combined with certain drugs, increasing the chance of getting pregnant.

Contraceptive and Antibacterial Pills

Some drugs that commonly affect the action of birth control pills are antibacterials such as amoxicillin, oral anticoagulants, etc.

AMOXICILLIN

The combined use of the contraceptive pill and antibiotics such as amoxicillin, reduce the effectiveness of the pill.

It is believed to be a controversial effect, since studies have indicated that the same percentage of pregnancies occurred in patients who used amoxicillin and patients who did not use it.

It is for this reason that it cannot be determined exactly that amoxicillin is the cause of said failure in the protection of the oral contraceptive.

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Regarding other antibiotics, it was determined that rifampicin can cause a reduction in estrogen levels by inducing its metabolism, thus making the contraceptive pill less effective.

Ampicillin, metronidazole, and tetracyclines are the cause of the most failures in the contraceptive effect, although as already mentioned it is somewhat controversial.

Regarding cephalosporins, clindamycin, erythromycin, isoniazid and trimethoprim, only one case of failures in the contraceptive efficacy of the pill has been reported together with these groups of antibiotics.

It is believed that the failures in the contraception of oral contraceptives used in conjunction with antibiotics is due to the adverse effects that antibiotics produce in the body such as diarrhea, which prevents the correct absorption of the contraceptive reducing the recycling of enterohepatic estrogen metabolites.

This process decreases the estrogen in the body and causes a failure of the contraception of the pill. Progesterone-only contraceptives should not fail in the presence of antibiotics, so the reason why these types of pills fail in the presence of them is unknown.

Oral anticoagulants

We mentioned earlier that Warfarin lowers the INR percentage of oral contraceptives, thus reducing their effectiveness. This is done through an increase in the glucuronide conjugation of the anticoagulant and, therefore, an increase in elimination. That is why the use of a barrier method is recommended during treatment.

Anticonvulsants

The joint use of contraceptive and anticonvulsant pills is risky, since the wide range of anticonvulsants that exist induce an increase in the metabolism of the contraceptive, which reduces its effectiveness and reduces its protection considerably.

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Cyclosporine

The use of contraceptives containing estrogens should not be used in conjunction with cyclosporine as it increases plasma levels of the same and induces liver and kidney toxicity.

In cases where the doctor indicates to continue with the contraceptive method, it is necessary to have a strict monitoring of the levels of cyclosporine in the blood and to foresee the adequate functioning of the liver and kidneys during the treatment.

Corticosteroids and corticotropin

The use of contraceptives in conjunction with drugs such as prednisone, prednisolone, and budesonide, leads to an increase in the plasma concentration of the corticosteroid , but despite this increase, it does not cause important or serious effects.

In this case, it is enough to just adjust the doses of the corticosteroid and continue with the habitual use of the oral contraceptive of preference or of habitual use without any problem.

Antifungals

The joint use of the antifungal with the oral contraceptive or pill tends to decrease its effectiveness, it is believed that it may be due to an enzyme induction that leads to the decrease in serum levels of the contraceptive.

Benzodiazepines

The oral contraceptive produces greater sensitization in the body to benzodiazepines, that is, there is an increase in diazepam concentrations. Regarding the effectiveness of the contraceptive, no cases have been reported indicating failures in it.

Antihypertensive

The use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of suffering arterial hypertension , an effect produced by the estrogens in the contraceptive.

However, they do not interfere with the contraceptive or antihypertensive effect, they can be taken together without any inconvenience.

Oral antidiabetics

Regarding the joint use of contraceptives containing gestagens, it can be said that it decreases the effect of oral antidiabetics and the effect of insulin, which is why a good endocrine evaluation is necessary before the use of oral contraceptives to adjust the doses. thereof.

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These are only some of the drugs of the great family that exists today that interact with contraceptives; Likewise, it is the case of antidepressants in which the contraceptive pill increases their levels by a very high percentage, so the dose adjustment should be foreseen.

Also in the case of St. John’s wort, which reduces the effects of oral contraceptives , so barrier methods should be used during treatment.

Regarding the consumption of alcohol together with oral contraceptives, it should be noted that ethyl alcohol is eliminated more slowly from the body, so it is essential to inform patients and that family planning or treatment with contraceptive pills for this effect is indicated.

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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