Deciding whether to use emergency contraceptive pills or birth control pills can be one of the most daunting tasks, especially if you lack knowledge on the effectiveness of each of them. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor before you make your final decision.
The doctor will take you through the pros and cons of each of the pills, and advise you based on your specific needs. If the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, then you should avoid the pill in question. Here is an overview of both methods.
Birth control pills
Birth control pills are among the most common ways of preventing pregnancy. However, women are advised to consider the effectiveness and safety of the pills before they begin using them.
Pros
1. An effective way of preventing pregnancy
Birth control pills have proven to be one of the most effective ways women can avoid getting pregnant. However, users are advised to follow the instructions to the letter if they want to prevent unwanted pregnancy in the long run. It is recommended to take just a pill daily and begin the new packs in good time to avoid pregnancy.
Women who miss or forget to take the pills because of one reason or another will not realize the benefits of this birth control method. If you are not sure of whether you will forget to use the pills, it is recommended to use a birth control reminder app so that you do not find yourself regretting it. Women can also use condoms in addition to the pills for extra protection.
2. Reduce menstrual cramps
They can also reduce menstrual cramps. A combination of progestin-only pills will make a woman’s cramps less painful. Most women prefer using pills because they make periods regular, but they can also be used to skip periods altogether. Research has also shown that the medicines lower the chances of a woman ending up with an ectopic pregnancy.
3. It is possible to get pregnant as soon as you stop using birth control pills
Birth control pills are not permanent. Women can get pregnant right away after they stop using the treatment, so you don’t need to worry about your potential to give birth once you start using the pills. It is also worth noting that periods can become irregular after you stop taking the pills.
4. Convenience
One of the reasons why these pills are popular is the convenience. Taking them is a breeze. However, remembering to do so daily can be tricky. The small size of the packs makes it easy to carry them whenever you go. The birth control app can also assist you in monitoring how to use them correctly.
5. Safe method of birth control
Unlike other methods that come with significant risks, these pills are almost 100% safe. However, it is advisable to avoid lower quality products on the market because they can come with more harm than good.
Cons of birth control pills
The pills may come with mild side effects on your body – some of the side effects include bleeding between periods, nausea, headaches, and breast tenderness.
It’s also important to note that birth control pills do not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Emergency contraceptive pills
Emergency contraceptive pills are commonly used if a condom breaks during sex or an individual engages in unprotected sex without intending to. The pills can prevent pregnancy up to 3-5 days after they have been used. It is, however, advisable to take them immediately.
Pros
- Effective: Emergency contraception is also effective when taken correctly at preventing pregnancies. However, an estimated 3% of women who use these pills get pregnant.
- Opportunity to start family planning: The use of these pills offers women a chance to start family planning. Most women find reasons to plan for their families once they find themselves in such situations.
- Relatively safe: The emergency contraceptives are safe. Women should, however, compare the brands and avoid low-quality medications on the market.
Cons
- The pills do not work for women who are already pregnant
- The pills only work when used within 3-5 days after unprotected sex.
- The method does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Women can still get pregnant after using the pills.
- The pills have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and stomach pain.
Final words
In conclusion, birth control pills tend to be a better method of long-term birth control than emergency pills. The emergency pills never work when a woman is already pregnant, but the birth control pills leave no room for a woman to get pregnant in the first place.
Besides, a woman can enjoy sex without worries if she uses birth control pills, but emergency pills are only used when things go wrong. In addition, both options allow a woman to get pregnant after she stops using them. Nevertheless, you should consult a doctor before you choose between these two birth control methods.