The Contraceptive Pills are taken only by women and have no effect whatsoever on male reproductive systems.
Although available in different brand names, pills contain female hormones oestrogen and progesterone in different proportions & combinations.
Pills work by making the body think that pregnancy exists and stop ovulation.
This false state of pregnancy may lead to symptoms of early pregnancy like nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, fatigue, moodiness.
They have to be taken daily at a fixed time preferably at night, without missing any days to avoid failures. Pills should be taken only under medical supervision. And, general health check up by your doctor is recommended before its prescription, followed by every 6 monthly checkups even if there are no side effects.
Sometimes the hormones given through the pills are not absorbed properly in the body especially with vomiting or diarrhoea, in such cases there is a risk of pregnancy. Certain medicines (antibiotics) also interfere with the effective maintenance of hormone level in the blood, nullifying the effect of the Pill.
Pills are not recommended for women having high Blood Pressure, those who are overweight, or those over 35 years of age for the risk of cardiac problems.
Contraceptive pills do not interfere or affect sexual performance or cause any addiction.
Contraceptives are also available in the form of hormone injections and implants but are less commonly used.
The Mini Pill is an oral contraceptive that contains only one hormone i.e. progesterone. It works by producing a thick mucus plug in the cervix, so that sperms cannot get into the cervix and are prevented from entering into the uterus.
Pills do not protect from Sexually Transmitted Diseases or Infections.