Introduction

Oral contraceptive pills, commonly called birth control pills, are pharmaceutical medications taken orally to prevent pregnancy by women. They contain synthetic hormones that regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. These hormones are the same as those produced by our bodies and cause changes in the cervical mucus, making it thicker and less favourable for sperm to reach the egg and altering the lining of the uterus, reducing the chances of implantation of a fertilized egg.

Types of oral contraceptive pills

The two main types of oral contraceptive pills are; 

Combination pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones

Progestin-only pills contain only progestin and do not contain estrogen. Progestin-only pills are recommended for women who cannot/ should not take estrogen due to certain health conditions, such as those with a history/ family history of blood clots, stroke, hypertension and breastfeeding mothers.

Oral contraceptive pills have both positive and positive effects.

Oral contraceptive pills have both positive and negative effects, and specific effects can vary depending on the individual and the type of oral contraceptive used and these effects include;

Positive Effects:

• Highly Effective at Preventing Pregnancy if taken correctly, with 99% effectiveness with a failure rate of less than 1% in perfect use.

• Oral contraceptive pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle, making periods more predictable and reducing menstrual cramps and pain.
• Reduces the Risk of Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer when used for a long time.
• Reduces the Risk of developing Ovarian Cysts, fluid-filled sacs in or on the ovaries in women of reproductive ages.

Negative Effects:

 Oral contraceptive pills have a low risk of causing certain serious cardiovascular events and these events are primarily associated with the estrogen component of combination oral contraceptive pills, although the progestin component may also play a role. Here’s an explanation of how these events can occur:

• Blood Clots (Thrombosis): Estrogen in combination pills can increase the production of clotting factors and decrease the production of natural anticoagulants in the body, increasing the risk of blood clot formation. A blood clot (thrombus) can form in the legs’ deep veins, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other parts of the body. If a clot breaks free and travels through the bloodstream, it can cause blockage in a blood vessel (thromboembolism).

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT); DVT is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. oral contraceptive pills, particularly those with higher doses of estrogen, can increase the risk of developing DVT.
• Heart Attack: Estrogen in oral contraceptives can adversely affect the cardiovascular system, including increasing the risk of blood clots, promoting vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), and affecting lipid levels. These factors can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) and increase the risk of heart attack, especially in women with preexisting cardiovascular risk factors.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen can cause a slight increase in blood pressure in some women. Women with preexisting hypertension or those who are at a higher risk of developing hypertension should be cautious when considering oral contraceptive pills use.
• Stroke: Estrogen-containing oral contraceptive pills can increase the risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when there is a blockage or reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks one of the pulmonary arteries.

Other effects include;

• Although not common, weight gain is also one of the side effects of oral contraceptive pills. Some women may experience slight changes in weight or fluid retention.

• Interactions with Other Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and antiretroviral, may interact with oral contraceptives and reduce their effectiveness, so it is advisable and important to discuss potential interactions with a healthcare professional.
• Oral contraceptive pills can also affect breast milk, i.e.  The quality and quantity of milk production, so it is important to discuss the potential effects with a qualified healthcare professional.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that the overall risk of these cardiovascular events associated with oral contraceptive pill use varies depending on individual factors such as age, smoking status, family history, and the presence of other medical conditions, and women may experience side effects when taking OCPs, including nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and changes in libido. These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time.