How Mercilon works ? Mercilon contains the female hormones estrogen and progesterone that act to prevent ovulation—the release of an egg from the ovary.
The hormones also lead to changes in the mucus of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to enter into the uterus. In addition, they cause changes in the lining of the uterus, lowering the chances that an embryo will attach to the uterus and develop into a baby. When taken correctly, pills like Mercilon are over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Keep in mind, however, that they do not offer protection against AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. Other benefits Through the years, doctors have found that birth control pills offer health benefits not related to the prevention of pregnancy. When birth control pills are taken, menstrual cycles tend to become more regular, cramps may occur less often, and blood flow may be lighter, so less iron is lost from the body. The pill also lowers the chances of cysts forming on the ovaries, noncancerous lumps from occurring on the breasts, and acute pelvic inflammatory disease from happening. The pill may even guard against cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the lining of the uterus. How mercilon/Mercilon differs from other pills Estrogen and Progestin s a nique dosing schedule.* The first 21 white pills contain estrogen and progesterone. Unlike other 28-day pills that have 7 green inactive pills at the end of the cycle pack, mercilon/Mercilon has only 2 green inactive pills followed by 5 yellow pills that contain estrogen. To achieve maximum benefits from mercilon/Mercilon, it is important for you to take all 28 pills. Do not discard any of them. Also, remember to take the pills at the same time each day. What to expect when taking birth control pills When you begin to take birth control pills, you may feel sick to your stomach or have spotting or light bleeding in between your periods. This is common during the first 3 months of use, and it is normal. In time, these side effects will disappear. DO NOT stop taking the pills for the above reasons. If you stop taking the pills or if you forget to take them, you may get pregnant. The more pills you don’t take or forget, the more likely you are to get pregnant. If that happens, you and your partner must use a back-up method of birth control, such as foam or condoms. Talk with your doctor Most women can take the pill safely. However, serious complications may occur if you: - Smoke - Have a history of heart attack or stroke
- Have had blood clots in your lungs, eyes, legs, or in the deep veins of your legs
Do not use birth control pills if you are pregnant. Also, the pill may not be the right choice for you if you have other conditions not listed here. Therefore, be sure to talk to your doctor about your medical history. For complete information on the risks and benefits of all birth control pills, please see the Detailed Patient Package Insert. In addition, it is important to have regular check-ups when taking the pill. Getting started You have a choice of which day to start taking your first pack of pills. You may begin taking the pill on the first day of your period (Day 1 Start) or on the first Sunday after your period begins (Sunday Start). Decide with your doctor or health care provider which is the best day for you. Breast self-examination It is important for you to examine your breasts every month. The best time for this is 2 to 3 days after your period ends. As a reminder, a breast self-examination label is provided with each pack of Mercilon. Ask your doctor to show you how to do a breast self-exam correctly. Use these instructions for reference. - Stand in front of a mirror and look at both breasts. Check for anything unusual such as puckered, dimpled, or scaly skin, or any fluid coming from the nipples.
- Hold your hands behind your head and press your hands against your head. Look to see if there is any change in the shape of your breasts.
- Place your hands on your hips and continue to look for changes in the shape of your breasts. Bend slightly toward the mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward.
- The next steps may be done in the shower, so your fingers can glide more easily over the skin:
- Raise your left arm and use the pads (not the tips) of the first 3 fingers of your right hand, and begin pressing on your left breast.
- Make small circular movements as you slowly move your right hand counter-clockwise from the outside ofthe breast toward the nipple.
- Vary the pressure in each spot from heavy to light and look for changes in how your skin feels, changes below the surface, and changes closer to your ribs.
- Without lifting your hand, squeeze the nipple to check for fluid.
- Repeat the entire process with the other breast.
- Now raise your left arm and again use the pads of your first 3 fingers of your right hand to feel the area in and around your armpits for any unusual lumps. Repeat under the other arm.
- After towel drying, repeat step # 4 while lying flat on your back. Place a pillow or your towel under your left shoulder to flatten your left breast, then raise your left arm over your head. Touch your left breast using the circular motions described above. Check the nipple and the underarm area as before. Repeat on your right side.
Call your doctor if you see any change in size, shape, feel, color, or appearance of either breast; unusual sensation or fluid from the nipples; burning or pain in the chest area; stiffness in the chest, shoulder, or upper arm; or lumps in the breast or underarm area. Serious as well as minor side effects have been reported with the use of birth control pills. Most Women Who Start With Mercilon Stay With Mercilon Ask your doctor if Mercilon is right for you. Mercilon was designed to give you effective birth control with a low incidence of problems like spotting between periods or other annoyances such as bloating, breast tenderness, or nausea. No wonder most women who start with Mercilon stay with Mercilon1. OCs do not protect against HIV (AIDS) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. The use of OCs is associated with increased risks of several serious side effects, including thromboembolic diseases. Some studies suggest that this risk is slightly increased by OCs containing desogestrel; additional studies do not support this finding. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects; women who take OCs are strongly advised not to smoke. |
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