Contents
- Hormonal contraception, doctors’ reviews
- Myth 1: Hormonal contraceptives make you fat
- Myth 2: Hormone pills are an unreliable method of protection against pregnancy.
- Myth 3: Hormone pills deteriorate the skin, fall out hair on the head and appear on the body
- Myth 4: COCs negatively affect the possibility of getting pregnant in the future.
- Myth 5: Lactation and hormonal contraception are incompatible phenomena.
- Myth 6: hormones reduce libido
Hormonal contraception, doctors’ reviews
Due to the large amount of unsystematic and unverified information on the Internet, hormonal contraceptives are still overshadowed by prejudices half a century ago. The situation is aggravated by the fact that women prefer to consult with mothers, girlfriends and even “experts” on Internet forums, but not with specialists. Woman’s Day asked doctors what myths about hormonal contraception still live in the minds of modern women and why they should not be believed.
Myth 1: Hormonal contraceptives make you fat
Svetlana Bergal, a gynecologist-endocrinologist, commented: “This myth is connected with the fact that several decades ago a fairly large amount of estrogen was included in combined oral contraceptives – about 50 mcg. A dose like this, among other side effects, could actually cause weight gain. Modern drugs contain almost half the amount of estrogen: about 30 mcg, and low-dose only 15-20 mcg. This dosage does not affect weight fluctuations, so now COCs can be used without fear of losing the slimness of the figure.
Myth 2: Hormone pills are an unreliable method of protection against pregnancy.
Marina Khamoshina, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with a course of perinatology at the Medical Institute of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), comments: “There is an objective criterion for the effectiveness of contraceptive methods – the Pearl index (or failure index).
It shows the number of unplanned conceptions in one year in 100 women who were protected in the same way. For example, the index of failure in people who practice interrupted intercourse reaches 29, when using a condom, the Pearl index is 2. But with the correct use of combined oral contraceptives, the risk is only 0,3 pregnancies per 100 women. This is one of the best indicators. “
Myth 3: Hormone pills deteriorate the skin, fall out hair on the head and appear on the body
Golubkova Olga Vyacheslavovna, Ph.D., obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, doctor of the highest category, comments: “On the contrary, problems with appearance are very often caused by hormonal imbalance.
Modern oral contraceptives with antiandrogenic properties reduce the amount of male sex hormones, which are one of the causes of hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands, acne and male-pattern hair. And the presence of estrogen in the composition prevents the premature appearance of signs of aging.
Myth 4: COCs negatively affect the possibility of getting pregnant in the future.
Elena Gavrilova, Ph.D., obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, specialist in cervical pathology, ultrasound diagnostics doctor, comments: “This is a myth. Quite often, combined oral contraceptives are used in preparation for pregnancy, as they normalize hormonal levels and allow you to correct some gynecological problems.
Moreover, contraceptives containing folates (metapholine or the active form of folic acid) saturate the woman’s body with useful vitamins and prevent the risk of a number of congenital malformations in children, especially those as severe as malformations of the nervous system.
Myth 5: Lactation and hormonal contraception are incompatible phenomena.
Svetlana Bergal, a gynecologist-endocrinologist, comments: “Indeed, you cannot take standard COCs while breastfeeding. We recommend using barrier methods of contraception or an intrauterine device for nursing mothers.
The hormonal intrauterine device is an effective method of postpartum contraception. The hormone is released directly into the uterine cavity and does not affect the quantity and quality of breast milk. Also, this method of contraception is actively used in the treatment of heavy menstruation (or menorrhagia).
Myth 6: hormones reduce libido
Olga Vyacheslavovna Golubkova, Ph.D., obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, doctor of the highest category, comments: “A woman’s sexuality depends on many factors, including social (attachment to a partner), psychological (fear of unwanted pregnancy) and physical.
With a low level of estradiol, libido decreases, vaginal dryness appears and its wall becomes thinner. Special COCs with estrogen identical to natural, ensure the functioning of the vaginal epithelium, maintain normal microflora and the pH of the vaginal environment.
This, like the attractiveness of a partner and confidence in the safety of sex, affects libido in a positive way. “
However, experts warn that only a qualified doctor can prescribe a method of contraception, who will take into account all contraindications and individual characteristics. You should not choose a method of contraception without talking to your doctor.