Centuries ago, women really did not have a say about whether they want to have a baby or not. Nowadays, however, women have the capacity to plan their lives, careers and family with the help of contraceptives, particularly birth control pills -- which is considered as a contraceptive that is around 92% to 99.75% effective. Statistics show that this oral contraceptive is still the number one choice of women. However, birth control pills do not work to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, reproductive tract infections and AIDS/HIV.

Although The Pill can be considered as an effective way to control birth, a lot of women are still afraid to use it because of perceived side effects. Moreover, oral contraceptives are not for everyone. Women who are above 35 years old, smokers, and have liver diseases, heart problems, inexplicable vaginal bleeding, history of stroke or heart disease and cancer should not take pills. And of course, women who think that they are pregnant should absolutely not take contraceptive pills.

Side Effects

As mentioned earlier, there are quite a number of women who are afraid to take oral contraceptives because of side effects. They feel that their protection against unwanted pregnancy does not outweigh possible adverse effects that may be brought about by using The Pill. If there is one thing that really prevents a lot of ladies out there to try taking pills, it is the fear of increasing their risk of having cancer, particularly in the breasts, ovaries and other reproductive organs.

Birth Control Pill Myths

Women who are sexually active sometimes get confused about the use of family planning pills. One minute they are convinced that the pills are a good way of reducing the normally heavy flow during periods the next minute they are being made to believe that the pills lower the sex drive and makes a woman add a lot of weight. The much dreaded weight gain makes the woman swear never to use the pills again but the health advantage of lowering ovarian cancer makes her change her mind. There are several birth-control pill myths which are very misleading in some instances. Sometimes it becomes hard to separate reality of birth control from the myths.

One of the myths involved is that it is not a good idea to stop menstrual flow as it might expose a risk to your health. Studies have been conducted to show the truth. It has been revealed that it is perfectly safe to suppress your menses but it is advisable to use tested and medically approved methods. Examples of such recommended pills are seasonique and Depo-Provera injection.

Birth Control Tips

Well, you do not need to panic as you have solution in the form of birth control pills, condoms and other birth control products, which will help you to enjoy your vacation or travel. First, you will need to know when your "days" are coming in. If you do not wish to have period, you can avoid it by continuing the birth control pills once you have consulted with your doctor.

If you plan for long vacation (more than two weeks), you will need to take personal hygiene products, specially birth control pills, condoms, spermicidal creams, sponges, patch etc., which may not be easily available at all places whenever you need them in short period of time. If you encounter with unprotected sex, you will need emergency contraceptive pill like Plan B ready with you to avoid unwanted pregnancy, but Plan B might not easily available in the area where you stay.

Following list of birth control products you may consider taking with you always whenever you travel or go for vacation.