The Pill, The Danger

The pill is the Thai number one form of contraception, used by 35 percent of women aged 18 to 49. Because it's the most popular method, women often assume it's the best for them, and all too often doctors think the same. From the 35 percent of the women in Thailand who use the pill, only a handful actual visits a doctor to ask for advice on anti-conception.

Women are uninformed when it comes to methods other than the pill, as people don't talk about them, says and medical expert. Even most doctors have limited information, and so for them, the pill is the easiest one to advice on.

It's true the pill has many advantages. Not only is it 92 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used properly as indicated by the manual, but it can also reduce your risk of endometrial and colon cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ovarian cysts.

It can clear up acne, in basic it is the only truly working acne cure, lessen menstrual cramps and, in some cases, climinale hormone-induced migraines.

But, like all methods, it also has its minuses: you have to remember to take it every day; some women find it diminishes sex drive; others report feeling bloated or experience spotting. And for certain women, the pill, which contains a combination of oestrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation, is a very unwise choice. Still most females in Thailand select the pill on what there friends, colleges or the shopping mall girl advices them to use.

Women who are over 35 or who smoke are at greater risk (+/-25 percent) of strokes, heart attack and blood clots if they're on the pill, and those who are overweight (body mass index above 27.3) are 60 percent more likely to get pregnant accidentally, as the body is less able to absorb the pill.

What is the basic message? For some, the pill should not be the first choice. Today there are lots of great alternatives, some of which offer the same health benefits and even better protection against pregnancy. But for all, not select the pill on basis of my friends is so happy with it, not two people are the same and what works for your best friend can work terrible for you.