What are Birth Control Pills?
The Pill (oral contraceptives) is the most popular type of birth control.
There are many different brands and they come in packs of 21 or 28 pills.
One pill is taken every day. The first 21 pills have a combination of synthetic
estrogen and progesterone hormones. The Pill stops ovulation, preventing
the ovaries from releasing eggs. The Pill also thickens cervical mucus,
making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. The hormones in the Pill
prevent fertilization. The last 7 pills of a 28-day pack have no hormones
and are called spacer pills. The Pill is 92-99.7% effective as birth control.
It does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Use
When started within 6 days of the start of a period or within 6 days after
an abortion, The Pill is effective immediately. If the Pill is started at
other times, it will be effective after one month. To lower the risk of
pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, can be used while taking
The Pill.
Starting The Pill:
There are several ways to begin taking The Pill. One common way is to start
on the first day of your period or the first day after an abortion. Some
women prefer to start on the first Sunday after they begin their period
or the first Sunday after an abortion.
Continuing:
Take one pill every day until you finish an entire pack. Try to link taking
The Pill with a regular activity that you do at the same time every day,
like eating a meal or brushing your teeth. If you have a 28-day pack, start
a new pack immediately after you finish the old one. If you have a 21-day
pack, take one pill every day for 21 days, no pills for 7 days, then start
the new pack immediately.
Cautions
Some women may not be able to take The Pill because of the risk of serious
health problems. Women who are over 35 and smoke or who have any of the
following conditions should not take The Pill:
- History of heart attack or stroke
- Blood clots
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Known or suspected cancer
- Known or suspected pregnancy
- Liver disease
Women who are under 35 and smoke, have migraines, gallbladder disease,
hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, elective surgery,
a history of blood clots, liver or heart disease may not be able to take
The Pill. Your clinician or doctor can decide.
Women who use The Pill have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The
effects of The Pill on breast cancer are still unknown. The Pill lowers
a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and pelvic
inflammatory disease.
Side Effects
As the body adjusts to hormonal changes created by The Pill, women often
experience some minor side effects, including:
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain and/or water retention
- Spotty darkening of the skin
- Mood changes
Side effects usually disappear after 2-3 cycles. If your side effects are
bothersome after 2-3 cycles or if heavy bleeding occurs, continue taking
your pills and call the clinic for an appointment to talk about your prescription.
Drug Interactions
The effectiveness of the oral contraceptives are lowered when taken with
certain medications, including antibiotics, anti-seizure, tuberculosis,
and migraine medications. If you are taking any medications, tell your clinician.
When taking medications that may interfere with The Pill, consider adding
a backup method of birth control, like condoms and spermicide. As with all
drugs, it is useful to inform all your medical providers if you are using
hormonal birth control.
Danger Signs
Women who experience any of the following symptoms while taking The Pill
should call the clinic immediately:
- Abdominal pains (severe)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Headaches (severe)
- Eye problems, such as blurred vision
- Severe leg or arm pain or numbness
Missed Pills: Late Start
The most common way women get pregnant while using The Pill is starting
late.
- 1 day late starting the next package: Take 2 pills as soon as you remember
and one pill each day after. Use a backup form of birth control for two
weeks.
- 2 days late starting the next package: Take 2 pills per day for 2 days,
then continue as usual. Use a backup form of birth control for two weeks.
- 3 or more days late starting the next package: Call the clinic for instructions.
Missed Pills: During the Cycle
- 1 pill missed: Take it as soon as you remember and take your next pill
at your usual time. This may mean taking two pills in one day.
- 2 pills missed in a row in the first two weeks: Take two pills on the
day you remember and two pills the next day. Finish the rest of the pack
as usual. Use a backup form of birth control for one week.
- 2 pills missed in a row in the third week: Keep taking one pill every
day until Sunday. On Sunday, set aside the rest of the pack, including
the spacers, and start taking a new pack of pills. Use a backup form of
birth control for one week.
- 3 or more pills missed in a row anytime: Keep taking one pill every
day until Sunday. On Sunday, set aside the rest of the pack and start
taking a new pack of pills. Use a backup form of birth control for two
weeks.
Missing any of the last 7 pills of a 28-day package will not raise your
risk of pregnancy. Skip the pills you missed, but be sure you start your
next pack on time.
Missed Periods
Missing a period does not always mean that you are pregnant. If you do
miss a period, think about how likely a pregnancy is. Also consider the
risks related to continuing birth control pills. Pregnancy is more likely:
- in the first few months of Pill use
- if you missed taking any Pills
- if you are taking another medication (especially antibiotics)
- if you have been sick (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
If you forgot one or more pills and do not have a period that month, we
recommend that you have a sensitive pregnancy test done at a clinic.
If you miss two periods in a row, it could either be normal or a sign of
pregnancy. Pregnancy tests are recommended right away. If you become pregnant
while on The Pill, there is probably no risk of birth defects.
Future Fertility
Women who want to become pregnant may stop using The Pill at any time.
Fertility may return immediately or after a few months.
Advantages
- Periods may be lighter or more regular.
- Easy to use.
- Does not harm future fertility.
- Does not interrupt sex play.
- May protect against uterine and ovarian cancers.
- May reduce acne.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect including HIV/AIDS.
- Must be taken every day.
- Less effective when taken with some drugs.
- Raised risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Requires a prescription.