The most common form of female birth control is birth control pills (BCPs, oral contraceptives, the pill) which help prevent pregnancy when taken correctly. Oral contraceptives do this by changing hormone levels to prevent ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. The sperm is not able to join with the egg (conception) thus pregnancy is prevented. Oral contraceptives are a reversible form of birth control. In other words, you can take BCPs for a long time but will still be able to become pregnant after you stop taking them. When properly taken, the risk of pregnancy is under 1%. Skipping or taking pills late increases the risk of pregnancy. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia, herpes, and AIDS, are not prevented with this form of birth control.
What your doctor can do:
Get a detailed medical history.
Order lab tests and complete a pelvic exam prior to providing prescription.
Your doctor, a physician’s assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP) must prescribe birth control pills.
What you can do:
The first month on BCPs should also include another form of birth control.
When asked if taking any medication by a health care professional, list the type of BCP you are taking since other medicines may interfere with them, decreasing their effectiveness, which may result in pregnancy.
What you can expect:
BCPs are available in 21-day packs and 28-day packs.
With the 21-day packs, you take a pill every day about the same time of day. After you finish the pack, you will get your period within a day or two. Wait 7 days after taking the pills and then begin with a new pack.
The 28-day packs are similar to the 21-day packs except the last 7 days are non-medication pills just so you are used to taking a pill every day. You will get your period while you are taking the non-medication pills.
It is important to take the pills about the same time every day and a missed pill must be taken as soon as remembered, then continue taking the pills at the usual time.
Spotting or bleeding may be seen after a missed pill. Two missed pills require two to be taken as soon as remembered followed by two the next day as well. Then continue taking one daily for the rest of the month and use an additional form of birth control, like condoms, since the risk of pregnancy increases with missed pills.
If an illness causes vomiting or severe diarrhea within two hours of taking the pill, take another one. Also, use an additional kind of contraception.
Spotting or slight bleeding between periods is common in the first three months on BCPs.
Side effects of BCPs may include nausea, headaches, and an increase in the frequency of vaginal yeast infections; higher blood pressure, water retention, bloating, and depression. These symptoms may disappear after a few months.
Some risks, such as developing blood clots, are greater if you smoke; and especially if you are also over age 35 and have high blood pressure.
Blood clots can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
Beneficial effects of the pill include shorter, lighter and more regular periods with less cramping. Some women have less premenstrual bloating and less tension.
A lower risk of cancer of the uterus and the ovaries and pelvic infections has been associated with women who use oral contraceptives.
Contact your doctor if a period is missed completely, if significant side effects occur, or if any questions or problems arise.
