QuestionI'm 20, no children, the 15th of June. I was hoping you could tell me more in detail the side effects of the Pill. I am currently on Lessina and have experienced weight gain and a decrease in my drive. Are these usual side effects, if so, what are some others?
Also, what is the most commonly used method of birth control today?
AnswerThe best (and most commonly used) method of birth control is the estrogen/progesterone birth control pill. (Including the patch). The pill is 99.9% effective for preventing pregnancy, and also prevents iron deficiency anemia, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, cancer of the uterus, cancer of the ovaries, benign cystic breast disease, acne, and dysmenorrhea (pain with periods). The pill must be taken every day. (The patch can be taken once a week). The pill and the patch work by preventing ovulation. The initial side effects of the pill are nausea, headache, and breakthrough bleeding for the first three months of use. Then the symptoms stop. Some women have a propensity to gain weight while on the pill, but studies have not shown a statistical higher weight gain with pill use. The pill can cause an emotional "rollercoaster" effect, but this varies with individual and different preparations. The next best method of birth control is the diaphram. It is 97% effective and must be used each and every time you have sex. The IUD is another method, which is also 99% effective, and must be inserted by your doctor and can stay in the uterus for many years. It has a risk of pelvic infection and can cause heavier bleeding during your period. The condom is only 85% effective but when used with foam (which is 90% effective) the efficacy rises to 97%.
