"Contraception" literally means to avoid pregnancy. Sexual intercourse can be irresistibly sweet. But why is sex designed to be so pleasurable? It's so the species can survive. It's the same principle as why we feel hunger. The hormone that makes us hungry (ghrelin) isn't released so you can enjoy delicious food; it's a signal to keep you alive, to prevent you from dying. Sexual pleasure ultimately evolved to encourage reproduction. It's like, "Homo sapiens, survive and don't go extinct!"

So why do people consider oral contraceptives? To be frank, going condom-free feels much better.

- For men: They feel the direct friction, temperature, and pressure on the skin, increasing sensitivity.

- For women: The direct friction and psychological sense of liberation enhance pleasure.

Ultimately, the immediate pleasure of going condom-free is overwhelmingly preferred, so people are tempted despite knowing the risks. Methods like withdrawal and oral contraceptives are considered to escape the "shackles" of condoms.

What Happens Inside Your Body When You Take Oral Contraceptives?

A Pill that Suppresses Ovulation

You know that menstruation stops when you're pregnant, right? Once a month, a woman prepares a "baby bed" (endometrium) inside her uterus. If an egg is released (ovulation) but fertilization fails, that bed is no longer needed, so it's shed as blood, which is menstruation.

When you take oral contraceptives, your body "thinks" it's already pregnant.

- No egg released → Ovulation suppressed

- Endometrium thins → Implantation becomes difficult

Simply put, your body enters a state where it's not preparing to receive a seed. So, even if sperm are introduced, they won't find their match, and pregnancy won't occur.

The Role of Estrogen and Progestin

• Estrogen: Suppresses ovulation, stabilizes the uterine lining.
• Progestin: Makes cervical mucus sticky → blocks sperm entry.

Even if sperm enter, there's no egg and the path is blocked, making it a futile effort.

Effectiveness and Cycle Changes

Success Rates and Reality

Theoretically over 99% effective, but in reality, due to human error, it's 91-93%. Forgetting to take the pill creates an immediate window for pregnancy.

Menstrual Cycle and Spotting

• The first 2-3 months are an adjustment period for hormones → spotting (small, dot-like bleeding) is common.
• Continuous use of the pill makes the cycle regular → a clean 28-day pattern.
• It may take 1-2 months for your cycle to return to normal after stopping.

Spotting occurs because the uterine lining thins and slightly sheds.

Sweet Benefits and Bitter Side Effects

Benefits

• Reliable contraception
• Relief from menstrual pain, stable cycles
• Prevention of acne and ovarian cysts

Drawbacks and Side Effects (Skin, Blood Clots, Cancer)

• Skin: Some may see improvement in acne, while others may experience worsening due to hormonal influence.
• Blood Clots: Especially increased risk for smokers, obese individuals, and those over 40.
• Breast Cancer: A very slight increase in risk (some research suggests this) / Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
• Initial nausea, breast tenderness, and a possible weight gain of 1-2 kg.

Practical Considerations and Usage Tips

Honestly, taking this pill consistently is quite bothersome and burdensome for women. It requires taking it at the same time every day, and missing even a few pills can cause anxiety. Some women therefore think, "I'd rather just use condoms."

Practical coping methods for this include:

• Setting alarms to make it a habit
• Getting regular check-ups to monitor your health before long-term use
• If you smoke or are older, avoid long-term use and consider other contraceptive methods

So, sharing a more intimate warmth with your beloved partner requires an additional effort. That's what being an adult is all about, I guess. Rather than just giving in to desire and suddenly having a child, it's much wiser to make an effort to enjoy pleasure safely. You got this! (?)