Term index

This index contains definitions of medical terms around the pill.


Progestogen

The body's female sex hormone progestogen that is also called corpus luteum or pregnancy hormone. It is, among other things, responsible for the preservation of the built up uterine mucous membrane after ovulation.

Estrogen

The body's female sex hormone estrogen, also known as estradiol, supports the maturation of the fertilized ovum (egg cell) as well as the blood circulation of the uterus and causes the mucus on the cervix to become permeable to sperm.

Generations of the pill

On the website of the German health insurance “technicians health insurance” (TK), which refers to the Pill Report 2015, you can find out to which generation your contraception pill belongs.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine mucous membrane grows outside the uterus which can cause heavy (menstrual)pain.

Thrombosis

A thrombosis is a blood clot (or blood lump/thrombus) that blocks the blood flow in a blood vessel.

Your doctor can give you further information about thrombosis and explain how to recognize a thrombosis.

The “Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices” (BfArM) informs about the risk of thrombosis in connection with the birth control pill and related issues and is responsible for the patient card with information on thrombosis and combination pills.

Types of pills

There are over 50 different pills on the German market. Birth control pills are mainly subdivided in two groups. Group 1: Combination pills - containing synthetic estrogen and progestogen that are subdivided into single phase or multiphase pills (also referred to as 1-3 step supplements). Group 2: Progestogen pills which, as the name implies, contain only progestogen/progestin and are therefore also known as estrogen-free pills or as mono preparations.

Your doctor has to decide which pill is suitable for you individually.

Micro pill

The micro pill is a combination pill (see „Types of pills“, Group 1) containing very low-dose synthetic estrogen, 20 to 35 micrograms. Almost all today's combination pills have this dose of estrogen content, so the term micro pill has become almost superfluous.

Your doctor has to decide which pill is suitable for you individually.

Mini pill

The mini pill is another name for an estrogen-free pill (see „Types of pills“, Group 2). These pills are available with the synthetic progestogen levonorgestrel or desogestrel. The difference between the mini pill compared to a combination pill is the type of ingestion. In addition, the mini pill affects the body differently and has other side effects than a combination pill.

Your doctor has to decide which pill is suitable for you individually.

Side effects

The main effect of the pill is contraception or treatment of diseases such as acne. The synthetic hormones in the pill, in addition to their main effect, can cause various side effects with different levels of risk.

Most side effects occur mostly at the beginning of the intake and at every new start or change of the preparation. Give your body about three months to get used to the birth control pill, unless there are signs of serious side effects during this time. The positive side effects of the pill include a high sense of security, weaker and less painful menstrual bleeding and positive skin changes. Examples of negative side effects include breast tenderness, visual defects, mood swings, depression, less desire for sex or, in rare cases, thrombosis or stroke.

The possible side effects of your birth control pill can be found in the patient information leaflet or ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

The birth control pill, like other drugs in combination with other medicines or foods, can lead to unwanted side effects. If you are taking a drug for a long time, tell your doctor.

The contraceptive effect of the birth control pill is reduced, for example, by the taking of St. John's wort, sedatives, anti-inflammatory and seizure products, as well as high alcohol consumption, diarrhea and vomiting. Smoking increases the risk of thrombosis.

Anamnesis

The questioning by the doctor about your own and family situation in relation to diseases is called anamnesis. It precedes the prescription of the birth control pill. The doctor may ask, if you have migraines, if you smoke, or if there is an indication of elevated cholesterol or high blood pressure. In most cases, a well performed anamnesis can also discover and exclude genetic preloads such as blood clotting disorders.

It therefore makes sense to investigate, especially before the first prescription of the birth control pill, if any cases of diseases such as breast cancer, heart attack, stroke or thrombosis are known in your family.

Menstruation

The monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue is also called period or monthly. When being on the pill it is referred to as withdrawal bleeding which is caused by decreasing hormone levels.

Libido

sexual drive, sexual desire or lust