Pros & Cons of the Oral Family Planning Methods

Introduction

Oral family planning methods (OCPs) have been a game-changing family planning method for countless women over the decades. However, it may be challenging to decide whether OCPs are the right contraceptive method for you, especially with so many others available today.

That’s why understanding more about the advantages and disadvantages of OCPs may help you make a more informed decision! Let’s get started!

What are oral family planning methods?

So, diving straight in, what are oral family planning methods? In a nutshell, they're our trusty sidekicks in birth control. These pills adjust our hormones to keep the egg from being released from the ovary during ovulation. No egg means no fertilisation and, therefore, no pregnancy! Plus, they increase the thickness of the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to swim up the vagina and meet the egg.

Now, if you're scratching your head thinking about when to take oral family planning methods, here's the scoop: timing is everything. For the best shot at keeping unintended pregnancies at bay, pop that pill at the same time every day.

Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate oral family planning method based on your health and family planning wishes. Despite their high efficacy, oral family planning methods have disadvantages as well. Let's learn more about the benefits and side effects of OCPs on the menstrual cycle and overall health.

Advantages of the oral family planning method

If you are considering using the oral family planning method to prevent pregnancy, here are some advantages of using them:

1. Highly effective
   

   How to use oral family planning methods? You should take a oral family planning method daily, starting on the first day of your period and continuing for 21 days (in a 21-day pack). It's essential to take them at the same time each day for the best results. When taken correctly, it's a reliable birth control method (91% effective). Progestin-only pills (mini-pills) are even more effective (99%) when taken as your doctor directs.

2. Convenient
   

   Unlike a few methods of contraception, oral family planning methods are convenient and can be taken discretely.

3. Immediately reversible
   

   Stopping the oral oral family planning method under your doctor's guidance can almost immediately reverse your fertility, unlike LARCs and surgical methods.

4. Regulates menstruation
   

   Since combined oral oral family planning methods contain oestrogen and progesterone, they can help regulate periods and reduce menstrual pain.

5. Non-Invasive
   

   Compared to LARCs and injectables, oral family planning methods are non-invasive and do not need surgeries or insertion procedures.

Other advantages of the oral family planning method are:

• It is safe for most women.
• It may decrease the risk of ovarian, uterine and colon cancers.
  
  

Disadvantages of the oral family planning method

Though widely preferred, there are a few disadvantages of the oral family planning method, such as:

• Difficult to remember taking the pill: You must take it every day, at the same time, for it to be effective. However, it is common for women to forget to take the pill during a hectic or stressful day.
• Side effects: One of the most significant drawbacks of oral family planning methods is their side effects. Common side effects of these pills include:
  • Breast soreness or tenderness
  • Nausea and bloating
  • Headaches
  • Weight gain
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Mood changes
  • Brown patches on the face

You may also experience side effects of oral family planning methods on your menstrual cycle.

Depending on the method of birth control used, periods can be longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter. Most hormonal birth control methods cause spotting and irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months of use.

• Do not protect against STIs: Another drawback of the oral family planning method is that it doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, if you are using the pill, you must still wear a condom while having sex to protect from STIs like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc.
  
  

Conclusion

To Wrap it Up, the oral family planning method, with its many benefits and a few downsides, stands out as a versatile choice. But remember, you're unique, and so are your health needs. Always chat with a healthcare pro to figure out what ticks all your boxes in the contraception department.