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The active ingredients in the Ovral contraceptive pill are ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel. These synthetic female hormones are combined in Ovral for the specific purpose of preventing preganancy by stopping ovulation within a woman's body. Ovral also prevents a woman getting pregnant by altering the state of the lining of the womb (uterus) and changing the consistency of the mucous in the cervix or neck of the womb. You need to be aware of what is happening within your body when you take anything orally to manage your birth control since this helps in understanding and dealing with any potential side effects. Heed The Dose - The exact amount of Ovral your body needs, in milligrams, will be determined by your doctor. Always stick to this dosage unless subsequently advised otherwise. Do not take it upon yourself to take larger doses ' just to be sure' or to continue taking this oral contraceptive for years and years without regular checks. Packet instructions are clear and usually advise you to take pill no. 1 on the first day of your period. Your first pill can also be taken on the first Sunday after the start of your first menstrual period but if you are unsure, ask your doctor to confirm when you should start a new course. Other medications may interfere with the effectiveness of Ovral so don't keep quiet about what else you are taking- and risk getting pregnant- check out the 'cocktail' and make sure the mix is OK. Remember to take the 'reminder pills' - Ovral includes 28 pills in each month's course but only 21 are 'active' ones that contain ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel. The other 7 are 'reminder pills' which do not contain any drugs but are taken to keep up the daily pill swallowing routine and to allow your period to occur as normal during the time you are taking them. As with several brands of oral contraceptive pill, some slight bleeding may occur when you start on Ovral initially but this should soon resolve itself- if it doesn't or if it gets heavier, see your doctor and don't put up with it. Get that next script filled BEFORE you run out! Ovral is taken once a day but you will increase your risk of becoming pregnant if you allow more than 24 hours to go by without taking the next pill. It is dangerous, not to mention stressful, if you allow your stock of Ovral to run out. Make sure you have the prescription for next month's course of pills filled out before you complete this month's course. Act quickly and sensibly if you miss a dose- At some stage in their cycle, almost half of all women who take an oral contraceptive forget to take at least one pill. If the pill they forget is a dummy one or a 'reminder' pill, there is nothing to worry about, just throw that particular pill away ( to keep the order correct) and continue as usual, taking one pill per day for the rest of that pack. BUT if it is an active pill that you have missed then take 2 pills when you realise what's happened. Should you miss taking two active pills in a row, then take 2 pills each day for two days in a row. Meet with your doctor on a regular basis while taking OVRAL and...if you have medical tests due or you're booked in for an operation of any kind, it may be necessary for you to stop taking Ovral both prior to and after the procedure for a while. Doctors are not mind readers - TELL them, even at the risk of appearing foolish, the names of all medications you are taking including the oral contraceptive OVRAL and be responsible for your own welfare. And last but not least - You DO know NOT to take oral contraceptives, such as Ovral, if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be? Don't take Ovral if you are breastfeeding either, as it passes through your milk and may affect the baby. As the Irish say, "To be sure, to be sure," it's a good idea to use a condom or a spermicide (or both) when you FIRST start using Ovral, just until your body adjusts and responds to the active ingredients. Hopefully you will find Ovral suits your body and you and your partner can continue with worry free family planning or just having a good time! I know you know this but just to ease my conscience, a final parting shot- NO oral contraceptive will protect you from catching an STI.
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About the Article Author
Carole Pemberton is committed to researching the latest information on contraceptives, including Ovral to empower all women to enjoy their sexuality and knowledgeably manage their birth control. For free tips, lighthearted yet informative videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit: www.contraceptivereviewer.com
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