Читать реферат по английскому: "Birth Control Essay Research Paper Methods of" Страница 1

(Назад) (Cкачать работу)

Birth Control Essay, Research Paper

Methods of Birth Control

Birth control pills are an oral contraceptive for women. They are monophasic, biphasic, or triphasic. Each type contains estrogen and progestin in differing amounts. Monophasic birth

control pills maintain the same levels of estrogen and progestin throughout the course, while biphasic pills keep the estrogen level the same while increasing the progestin levels for the last

11 days of the pack, and triphasic pills are designed to mimic the natural menstrual cycle by varying both hormones throughout the pack. Basically the progesterone in birth control pills has

an antifertility effect, and also suppresses ovulation at higher levels.

Birth control pills first appeared in the 1950s after it was discovered that progesterone blocked ovulation. The first birth control pills contained more than 20% more estrogen and more

than 10% more progesterone than pills today. This significant reduction has decreased the adverse side effects of the drugs greatly.

Currently the birth control pill has the highest efficacy rate, with a 99.9% effectiveness rate for combination regimens and a 99.5% effectiveness rate for progestin only regimens in clinical

trials. It is extremely important to take the pills on a regular basis and at a regular time of day (say after dinner or with breakfast every day) as effectiveness drops with improper usage.

The birth control pill cannot be used as a “morning after pill” without the advice and monitoring of a physician.

Common side effects of birth control pills are nausea; vomiting; cramps; bloating; breakthrough bleeding (light bleeding at the start of the regimen); spotting (light bleeding at times);

change in menstrual flow (most commonly lighter flow than one is used to); breast changes such as increased tenderness, enlargement, secretion; change in weight, depression, intolerance

to contact lenses. Women who suffer from migraine headaches may experience an increase in migraine occurance.

It is important to always, always mention to any doctor you are visiting the type of birth control pills you are on, since they do interact badly with certain other drugs. Antibiotics may reduce

the effectiveness of birth control pills, as can drugs such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin. Birth control pills can also increase the risk of toxicity of drugs such as BZDs, beta

blockers, caffeine, some steroids, and tricyclic antidepressants. Just because your birth control pills may be designed to mimic your natural menstrual cycle doesn’t mean they are a totally

natural solution that won’t effect any other medications you are taking.

There are many different formulations of birth control pills, and different forms of progesterone and estrogen with different effects. If you are experiencing unpleasant side effects, such as

fatigue, headaches, or mood swings, you may want to consult your doctor and try a different type of pill. Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to help you determine whether your

symptoms are related to progesterone or estrogen. This is important, because while for most people estrogen related side effects, such as nausea, will usually diminish or stop within a few

months, progesterone related side effects such as depression and diminished sex drive tend to only get worse over time. These side effects can usually be remedied by simply changin formulas, though. No serious side effects of overdosage have been so far reported. Most likely an overdose of birth control pills will result in nausea and vomiting, and possibly withdrawal bleeding. It is not recommended that women who smoke take birth control pills, as the combination can increase their risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is putting a spotlight on emergency birth control. Many women have never been told that standard birth control pills are effective in preventing pregnancy when high doses are taken within 72 hours after intercourse. Instructions for emergency doses are widely disseminated in several European countries, where the practice is common. But oral contraceptive manufacturers have not included such information on the labels of their products in the United States.

Use of so-called “morning-after pills” in the United States has been more confined to rape crisis centers gynecologists recommend emergency birth control when condoms break or when other birth control methods are interrupted, but many physicians are unfamiliar with effective doses of birth control pills for use in preventing conception.

The FDA recently sparked broader discussion of the topic when the agency’s Reproductive Health Drugs Advisory committee concluded unanimously on June 28, 1996, that emergency dose regimens are 75 percent effective, with little health risk. The committee studied six products containing both estrogen and progestin: Ovral, Lo/Orval, Nordette, Triphasil, Levlen and Tri-Levlen. Although not considereda final approval, the action raised awareness of the regimen.

The strong dose of hormones used in emergency birth control can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The mechanism is not completely known. The number of pills taken varies according to the strength of the pills. In general, it consists of two doses:

The first dose–taken within 72 hours after intercourse–is normally two to four pills. The second dose is normally the same as the first, taken 12 hours after the first dose. Women who are considering the use of birth control pills in excess of the prescribed dose should call their gynecologist. A follow-up visit in three weeks should be scheduled for a confirmatory pregnancy test and information on contraception.

Похожие работы