The combined pill is the most commonly prescribed oral contraceptive. Most combined oral contraceptive pills come in 21-pill and 28-pill packages. The 28-pill pack usually contains 21 tablets that contain hormones and 7 tablets, which may contain no hormones called placebos. These pills serve as a reminder to take your pill everyday. Nowadays, OCs with different pill-taking regimens are available as well. These 28-day packs contain less placebo pills which might offer a benefit to you. OCs contain two hormones estrogen and progestin, which have a similar effect to the hormones found in your own body. Taken daily, these hormones in the pill prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). Pregnancy will be prevented since there are no eggs to fertilize. The pill also causes changes in the lining of the uterus and the mucus of the cervix which further discourages pregnancy. Since each woman reacts differently to hormones, it may take some time to find the pill that is right for you.

Side effects: Side effects from combined OCs are usually due to the amount of estrogen that the pill contains. Today's low-estrogen oral contraceptives are designed to lessen side effects associated with higher-estrogen formulas. When side effects do occur, they usually disappear after the first 1-3 cycles of pill use. Possible side effects include: breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, changes in weight.

But there are also benefits such as more regular periods, less bleeding and pain, positive effects on the skin (acne).

 

The vaginal ring is one of the newest contraceptive methods on the market. It is a flexible plastic ring about 2 inches (5.4 cm) in diameter and about 1/8" thick (4 mm). You can easily insert the ring into the vagina where it stays for 3 weeks. During this period it releases a very low dose of hormones. These hormones are similar to the ones used in oral contraceptive pills. The ring is available by prescription only from your doctor. Once you fill your prescription, you can easily insert the ring yourself. The contraceptive ring is designed to protect against pregnancy for four weeks. The ring remains in the vagina for three weeks and is then removed for one week to make way for a menstrual period. A new ring must be inserted every month.

Effectiveness: The ring releases the same hormones (estrogen and progestin) that are found in many oral contraceptives. It is highly effective (98-99%) when used as directed.

Side effects: Occasionally, during use of the ring side effects may occur that are also seen during use of the pill. Like oral contraceptives, the hormones contained in the ring may also increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke, especially in those who smoke.

 

Other recommended websites:
www.tanzania.eu – a guide to by travelers for travelers
www.diving.eu – discover underwater world
www.relax.pl – database of all kinds of objects, from agrotourism to hotels and inns in Poland