Brief Answer:
Do not worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
I am glad I was able to help.
I do understand your situation very well. I am happy that you were able to make a decision.
Regarding the pills. They can be used safely till 42-49 days within the last menstrual period. That is about 6-7 weeks [ the earlier the better]. They must be used under medical supervision. They produce a heavy period and there may be some cramping with clots. Very rarely they may cause an
incomplete abortion, that may need a surgical evacuation, especially is they are taken later than the prescribed date. This is the reason it is advised to use them after discussing with your doctor and facilities for a surgical procedure if needed [rare if used properly]. So do not worry but have someone with you who may be able to help you if at all the need arises.
A safe abortion under medical supervision does not affect fertility.
Regarding birth controls. There are many method available now.
The pills contain female hormones and act by replacing the normal menstrual cycle by an artificial cycle caused by pills so that ovum does not form and pregnancy does not occur. Pills need to be taken every day preferably at the same time, so that is an issue as repeatedly missing pills means no
contraceptive benefit.
Another method is using injections that are given every two or three months. They are very effective but cause irregular bleeding and spotting. similar problem is there with hormone containing implants that are inserted just beneath the skin. They release hormones slowly and prevent pregnancy but again they cause irregular bleeding in some and complete absence of periods in some.
Condoms are good if used regularly before every act and also protect against STD's. I would not suggest an IUD for women that have not had at least one baby as it does carry a small risk of infection.
I suggest that you discuss this with your partner as well as health care provider as every method has its pros and cons. Also while choosing pills, those that contain estrogen regulate the cycle better and cause predictable menstrual bleeding but are associated with more side effects as estrogen is the one that is the one causing all the complications. If you decide to use combined pills, try ultra low dose ones to avoid side effects.
Pills increase the risk of
breast cancer and blood clots. They must be avoided in women with diabetes, liver disease,
high blood pressure, history of stroke. This usually occurs in older women. They also protect from
ovarian cancer. It is generally advised that women with positive family history of breast cancer must avoid hormonal contraceptives. Regarding the brands, it is by trial and error . I have suggested the names of few that are commonly used and are low dose at the end of my answer.
I hope that this was able to help you. Wishing you the best of health.
I am always here to help you whenever you need me. Take care.
Dr Madhuri Bagde
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Names of pills brands.
Progesterone only pills or XXXXXXX pills : Microlut 28, Microval 28, Locilan 28 and Noriday.
LoOvral contains 0.03 mg
ethinyl estradiol and and 0.3 mg norgestrel
Nordette contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levognorgestrel
Ortho-Cept (Reclipsen, Solia) contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
Desogen contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
Levlen21 contains 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel
Seasonale/Seasonique contain 0.03mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel XXXXXXX