Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES (presentation)
Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs), also known as contraceptive pills or birth control
pills or oral contraceptives, contain two synthetic hormones similar to the female sexual
hormones: estrogen and progesterone.
Presentation forms
COCs come in packets of:
• 21 pills, all of which contain hormones (active pills)
• 28 pills, out of which the first 21 contain hormones (active pills) and the
remaining 7 pills do not contain hormones (inactive pills, continuity pills); these
usually have another color or another size than the active pills, in order to be
easily recognizable.
How they work
COCs work by preventing the release of the egg from the ovary (block ovulation).
Without an egg to be fertilized, a woman cannot become pregnant.
Effectiveness
If they are used correctly and continuously, COCs are very effective: only 1 pregnancy in
100 women within the first year of usage. As they are commonly used, however, 6-8
women out of 100 women using COCs will get pregnant within the first year of using this
method.
Advantages
• Are safe, effective, and easy to use
• Can be used by women of all ages, from puberty to menopause
• Do not interfere with sex
• Women can become pregnant rapidly after stopping the pill (method is immediately
reversible)
• May be beneficial for the woman’s health:
o Lead to lighter, regular periods with less cramping
o Reduce acne
o Decrease the risk of cancer of the female reproductive organs, and other genital
problems (pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy).
Disadvantages
• Have some side effects
• Must be taken every day
• Do not protect against STIs/HIV
• Cannot be used by certain categories of women or in some specific situations
(breastfeeding, chronic illnesses, smokers over 35 years)
Possible Side Effects
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 4: FP Methods