Birth control pills prevent ovulation in women and thicken the cervical mucous making it difficult for the sperm to meet the egg for fertilization. These pills reduce the uterine lining or endometrium creating difficulties for implantation.
Pregnancy is greatly regulated by the sex hormones, and these birth control pills or oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones like estrogen and progesterone that diminish the favorable factors leading to pregnancy. A birth control pill starts working within a week of intake, but it is always recommended to use condoms, foams and other contraception methods for a month after initiating the intake of pills.
These pills are often prescribed to treat polycystic ovary symptoms, endometriosis, amenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding and acne. While taking birth control pills, you can watch out for the signs to know whether the pill is working or not.
Signs To Watch Out If A Birth Control Pill Is Working
1. Lighter Menstrual Flow
If you experience lighter menstrual periods, then you can be rest assured that your birth control pill is working. This is one of the obvious results of taking birth control pills. Women experiencing heavy periods are often prescribed birth control pills, to reduce menstrual bleeding. Some pills result in three menstrual periods a year, and if you miss a period then it is a sure indication of the effectuality of the birth control pill. A missed period may not indicate pregnancy when you are on birth control pills.
2. No Pregnancy
Absence of the symptoms of pregnancy after taking birth control pills for a considerable period indicates that the pill is working well. Birth control pills have a high success rate of about 95% provided they are taken regularly. Missing a single dose can raise the chances of pregnancy significantly. If you suspect pregnancy, get yourself checked by the doctor.
3. Reduced Symptoms Of Other Ailments
Normally, women are relieved from menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome and heavy periods after taking birth control pills. These signs are enough indications that the birth control pill is working fine. If you take these pills other than the purpose of contraception, you should watch out for a reduction in the symptoms of the concerned ailments. If the symptoms remain the same as before, then you can conclude that the pill is not effective enough. Otherwise, a reduction in the symptoms of ailments can assure you about the functioning of the birth control pill.
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4. Women May Gain Weight After Taking Birth Control Pills
This may be a bad news for overweight women, but a good news for the underweight. A general improvement in the overall health of women after taking birth control pills proves the effectiveness of the pill. Birth control pills definitely should not be considered as a weight gain tool, but significant weight gain is observed in most women who are on these pills.
You should follow the directions of taking birth control pills strictly. One should keep in mind that any disruption in taking these pills or a missed dosage can highly increase the chances of pregnancy. In case you have doubts regarding the functioning of the birth control pills, you can adopt other back up contraception methods through the use of condoms and spermicidal jellies.
