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The
Birth Control Pill
How
does it work? |
The
hormones in the pill work by preventing ovulation. If
a woman doesn't ovulate, she can't get pregnant. |
How
do I use it? |
There
are a number of ways to start oral contraceptives. We
usually have you start the pills on the Sunday after your
normal menstrual period begins. If your period begins
on Sunday, then start the pills on that Sunday. Take one
pill at the same time of day, each day so you won't forget
them, even if you are not going to have sex. NEVER take
a friend's pill or someone else's pill. If you forget
one pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not
remember until the next day, then take two pills that
day. If you miss two pills, take two pills a day for two
days. If you miss three or more pills, call your health
care provider or clinic for instructions. |
Pros |
Highly
effective method. Often reduces menstrual cramps. You
may have lighter periods. The pill may protect against
uterine, ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts. Some pills
clear up acne. The pill might possible help prevent endometriosis
-- still being debated. |
Cons |
Condoms must be used along with the pill to offer protection from
STDs. Some antibiotics interfere with the pill's effectiveness.
Always tell a health care provider that you are taking
them if you are given any prescription medication. Use
a back up method like condoms if you take an antibiotic
while taking the pill. Ask the pharmacist if the antibiotic
will interfere with the effectiveness of your pill --
they know, that is their job to know about drug interactions. Don't be afraid to ask, they are very knowledgeable. |
Effectiveness |
Perfect-use
failure rate 0.5%
Typical failure rate 2% (due to human error) |
Side
Effects |
Sometimes:
Weight gain, nausea, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding or 'spotting'. |
If you develop
spotting while starting the pill for the first time. Tell the
health care provider that prescribed them. You might just need
a different pill or dose.
More than
eighty-five percent of women in the United States have taken
the pill at one time in lives. It is the most frequently used
form of birth control in the United States. It’s an excellent
choice of birth control despite many myths that circulate about
this form of contraception. If you have any questions the pharmacist or your health care provider.
Important Safety Information
Oral contraceptives are not for everybody. Most side effects of
the Pill are not serious. And those that are occur infrequently.
Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots,
stroke and heart attacks, and are increased if you smoke cigarettes.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular
side effects, especially if you're over 35. Women who use oral
contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke.You should speak
to your doctor or healthcare professional about how this risk
relates to your use of the Pill.
Some women should not use
the pill, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers,
a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are
or may be pregnant.
 The pill does not protect against HIV or sexually
transmitted diseases.
The pill is often used to control acne and it does work for many young women. Read more on this...
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