Informative Essay: The Birth Control Pill

Sometimes it is hard for people to know which form of birth control is best. There are so many choices that are available. One popular form is the birth control pill which has been around for over 50 years. The pill is a hormonal contraceptive that must be taken every day which many women use to prevent pregnancy. The birth control pill is the most common used form of birth control (Smith). The hormones in the pill prevents the release of an egg from a woman’s ovaries (Holland). The birth control pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In addition, the pill can reduce heavy periods, improve acne, and ease symptoms of certain reproductive system problems (Holland). There are also disadvantages. Some of these are commonly known side effects which are nausea, vomiting, spotting or bleeding, and headaches. Including these side effects, the pill shouldn’t be taken if a woman has inherited blood clotting or has a history of blood clotting, has a history of a heart attack or has heart problems, has lupus (where the immune system attacks its own tissue), or if a woman has diabetes.

It is a plastic flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina which releases hormones. It is left insides the vagina for three weeks out of a four-week menstrual cycle and releases estrogen and progestin in the body (Smith source 3). When the ring is used properly, less than one percent of women experience an unintended pregnancy (Smith). Advantages of the patch reduces bone thinning and protects a woman from Pelvic inflammatory disease and an ectopic pregnancy (Smith). The patch also makes periods lighter and more regular, decreases cramps and acne, and ovarian and uterine cancer are less likely to occur but also makes a woman more vulnerable to get blood clots (Source 6). Side effects for being on the ring is nausea, headaches and an increased appetite. Infection and irritation is likely to occur with the vaginal ring