Combined contraceptive (COC)

Combined contraceptive (COC)
COC, also called birth control pills or birth control pills or oral contraceptives contain two hormones similar to female sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Hormones in the pills are chemically synthesized.
Doses of hormone preparations currently in use are very low, so pills are called microdoses. Many of the conditions that limit the use of COCs are not applicable COCs are used today. in the 60-70, early hormonal contraception, daily doses were much higher (each pill contains estrogen dose equivalent to that contained in 7 modern pills and progestogen dose equivalent to a films 21 pills and pill called macrodozate). The 80s were using so-called pill normodozate with similar content during early pregnancy (first trimester). While the trend manufacturers such preparations was to reduce the doses of hormones to the extent that the side effects are canceled without but also reduce benefits.

Presentations

COC films may have:
- 21 pills that contain hormones (active pills);
- 28 pills, of which the first 21 contain hormones (active pills) and the remaining 7 pills that do not contain hormones (inactive pill or "habit" to continue, "ED = every day), they usually have a different color or different dimension than active pills, to be distinguished easily.

Doses of hormones may be constant or may vary throughout the administration.
Thus, there are:
- Mono-phasic pills, which contain equal amounts of hormones in all 21 active pills;
- Multi-phasic pill (currently only use the three-phase), the dose of estrogen and progestin varies over the 21 pills.
Combined contraceptive (COC)
Mechanism of action
- COC prevents ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries);
- Determine thickening cervical mucus, preventing sperm passage;
- Reduce tubal motility.
Combined contraceptive (COC)
Efficiency
If used correctly and continuously, COCs are very effective: 0, 1 pregnancy per 100 women in first year of use. Studies show that regular use, efficiency is lower, 6-8 pregnancies per 100 women in first year of use, it is obvious that the efficiency depends directly on a woman's proper use and compliance.

Reversibility
The method is readily reversible, practical woman can get pregnant immediately after quitting method (or even when taking unfair, which is a definite proof of reversibility close!)