Combined oral contraceptives, developed in the early 1960s, are hormone-containing oral contraceptives used for birth control, combining estrogen and progestin.
Oral contraceptives are mainly used to control fertility, reducing the chances of unintended pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies, induced abortions, pregnancy-related deaths, and providing many other benefits. Including: oral contraceptives not only treat various gynecological diseases but also play an important role in adjusting women’s menstrual cycles, treating endometrial lesions, reducing tumor occurrence, preventing osteoporosis, treating acne, and effectively managing primary dysmenorrhea.
It can be said that oral contraceptives, similar to antibiotics and vaccines, have made significant contributions to humanity.
Common dosing regimens
Most COCs are taken starting from the 1st to the 5th day of menstruation, one tablet per day for a total of 21 days, followed by a 4-7 day break during which there may be slight vaginal bleeding known as “withdrawal bleeding.”
Oral contraceptives can alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms
Dysmenorrhea is characterized by spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation, often accompanied by general discomfort. Research has found that in individuals with dysmenorrhea starting from puberty, after taking COCs, 50% can experience complete relief, while 40% see a noticeable reduction in symptoms. This may be because COCs can effectively reduce menstrual flow, inhibit ovulation, and consequently reduce the production of uterine prostaglandins, a cell factor associated with pain.
Oral contraceptives can alleviate functional uterine bleeding and regulate menstrual cycles
AUB-O refers to irregular uterine bleeding caused by anovulation or infrequent ovulation, excluding systemic and organic gynecological pathologies, also known as menstrual disorders. COCs, as effective hemostatic and cyclically inducing drugs, have been included in clinical guidelines for functional uterine bleeding. Oral contraceptives can effectively control cycles, promote endometrial atrophy, reduce menstrual flow, and are widely used in gynecological endocrine therapies. However, they generally only control the current month’s menstrual cycle and may not permanently “fix” menstrual disturbances.
Oral contraceptives can improve polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS patients often exhibit anovulation or infrequent ovulation, hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, obesity, among other symptoms. COCs can induce menstruation through cyclic controls. Additionally, some COCs have anti-androgenic effects that can improve acne symptoms in PCOS. For individuals with evident acne, a 3-month course of contraceptives can significantly improve skin condition. The medication can be stopped, and upon acne recurrence, another 3-month course can be initiated.
Oral contraceptives can improve endometriosis and adenomyosis
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, while when the tissue invades the uterine muscle, it is termed adenomyosis. It mainly presents with dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual flow, infertility, etc. For women not planning immediate pregnancies, COCs can be used to suppress ovulation to reduce estrogen levels, shrink the lesions, and alleviate dysmenorrhea.
Assistance in treating other conditions
Furthermore, studies have shown that COCs can be used to treat benign breast conditions, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and lower the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.
Key point: The role of oral contraceptives in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles
Firstly, taking oral contraceptives in advance can help regulate the next menstrual cycle, aiding IVF specialists in planning stimulation protocols, coordinating patient schedules, and reducing the likelihood of follicular cysts during GnRH-a cycles.
Secondly, for patients with polycystic ovaries, oral contraceptives regulate ovarian function, reducing the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Finally, by exerting negative feedback on the central nervous system, contraceptives can suppress FSH levels, increase the sensitivity to ovulation induction medications, and improve the number of mature eggs.
Don’t you agree that oral contraceptives are quite remarkable? If you’re considering their use, consult a professional in reproductive health or obstetrics and gynecology. Do not self-administer medications to avoid irregular vaginal bleeding and unnecessary complications that may arise from improper use.
