Alesse - Combined Oral Contraceptive

According to M. Sara Rosenthal, Ph.D. WebMD Medical Reference from "The Gynecological Sourcebook": One in eight girls aged fifteen to nineteen gets pregnant each year - 78 percent of these pregnancies are unintended. Abstinence from having sex, certainly the first option against getting pregnant, however in most cases, this option is often not ascertained for one or more reasons. Dating back to 1500 B.C., first prescription contraceptive tampon product is mentioned in Ebers Papryus, a compendium of medical practices. Today's modern science and medicine provides women with wide variety of contraceptive options, preventing pregnancies. Also, besides preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing the risk of illness or death from sexually transmitted diseases (STD's), including AIDS. Choosing the most effective contraceptive method or birth control method depends on several factors: Overall health, frequency of sexual intercourse, number of partners, and desire to become pregnant in the future or have children. Dennis Barbour, former president of the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals said: "but a method that is very good for one woman may be lousy for another." One of the most reliable, effective and common contraceptive method is the pill. The pill is considered safe for most women, however for women that smoke or have certain medical conditions, should not use this oral contraceptive.

In March 1997, the Food and Drug Administration approved Alesse (Also known as the pill) manufactured by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories (A division of American Home Products Corporation), combination of two synthetic forms of hormones (produced naturally in the body) estrogen (20 mcg of Ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (100 mcg of the progestin levonorgestrel), an oral contraceptive preventing a pregnancy (97 -99%). More than fourty percent of oral contraceptive prescriptions worldwide contain levonorgestrel and ethinl estradiol. The highest chance the pill may not be effective or prevent a woman from becoming pregnant, during the first month, and followed by the first year. Alesse birth control pills works by preventing the process of ovulation (Release of a mature egg (occasionally more then one) from the female ovary on the fourteenth or sixteen day of the approximate twenty-eight day menstrual cycle. Elevated estrogen levels stop egg developing, message from the thyroid gland. Otherwise, egg travels into the fallopian tube toward the uterus (Only time when an egg can become fertilized in the uterus). If no conception occurs, the uterine linning as well as blood, will be shed (time of menstruation)), and progestin thickens the cervical mucus to keep the sperm away from joining the egg in the uterus (The fertilized egg would not be able to implant into the lining of the uterus). David Archer, M.D., Jones Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School said: "The Pill is the most popular reversible contraceptive choice. Today, women are starting to take the Pill a younger age and staying on it longer."

Recommend taking Alesse daily, and no more than twenty-four hours apart, for the duration of the prescribed cycle 21 to 28 day regimens. Twenty-eight day birth control pack contains seven "reminder" pills to maintain a regular cycle. The risk of pregnancy is small if missing only one combination pill per cycle. Certain brands of birth control pills, the amount of estrogen and progestin in each tablet will vary at different times in the cycle. Missing two consecutive periods not taking the pill, pregnancy may have occurred, would be advisable to consult a physician immediately, and discontinue taking Allese until confirmation of no pregnancy. Further information is available in the product's patient information instructions.

Common side effects may include: Loss of menstrual periods, bleeding between menstrual periods (spotting), migraine, nausea, vomiting, water retention, weight gain, and yeast infection or dandidiasis (Irritation in the vagina). Taking the medication after a meal or bedtime may help reduce or eliminate upset stomach or nausea.

Alesse (any other contraceptive) should not be taken or avoided under any of the following conditions or circumstances: If you are pregnant (Medication may cause birth defects) or recently had a baby, hormone related problems, history of stroke or blood clot, uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or a history of jaundice. If you are a smoker or more than thirty-five years old: Pill increases chance developing blood clots, stroke or heart attack. Taking vitamins, mineral and herbal products or any other medication (including any over the counter medications such as Motrin or Aleve) such as antibiotics, and HIV medicines may reduce the potency or effectiveness of Alesse, which could result in an unwanted pregnancy. The medication may speed up development of gallbladder disease include symptoms, such as sharp stomach pain, fever or nausea and vomiting. Alesse has been linked with an increase in risk of breast cancer, especially for women that have a family history of breast cancer. Never take birth control pills when breast feeding a baby, because the hormones can pass into the breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Alese should be discontinued prior to undergoing any surgery, thus preventing, blood clotting ability. Consider back-up birth control methods such as condom or spermicide, besides preventing any sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting and vaginal bleeding. Recommended to seek immediate emergency medical attention.

According to a Food and Drug Administration consumer report, combined oral contraceptive (Alesse) protects against pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding structures or a woman's reproductive organs.) and ovarian (organs in the female reproductive system) and enometrial cancers (Uterin cancer -- the linning of the uterus -- fourth most common cancer found in women).