Birth control

Oral contraceptives: the Pill

Some women may argue that the Pill is unhealthy. This statement is based on myth and misconception. While one of the most researched and prescribed drugs in the world—used by over 100 million women worldwide—the Pill is still one of the most misunderstood medications.

For instance, some women may claim that the Pill is only suitable for women in a stable relationship and that it's no longer needed once the relationship ends. This isn't necessarily so: a woman's body needs time to adjust to the hormones in the Pill. What's more, there is still a risk she may become pregnant for the first little while when first starting birth control pills.

Another common myth is that women who stop taking the Pill may find it difficult to become pregnant. This is untrue, as is the myth that the Pill causes cancer. It's actually quite the opposite: the Pill actually reduces the risk of certain cancers, including endometrial and ovarian cancer.

The reality is that the Pill is used safely by millions of women worldwide. It's suitable for use is all healthy women, regardless of age, and it should be used over a long period—several months in a row. Nevertheless, Women's Web recommends that you consult your doctor or other trained healthcare provider to get the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date information.

How do birth control pills work?

Oral contraceptives contain small amounts of hormones that prevent a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs. Naturally, if an egg isn't released, it cannot become fertilized and pregnancy cannot occur. In addition, birth control pills also cause other physical changes in a woman's body that make it difficult for male sperm to reach an unfertilized egg. For instance, the Pill thickens the mucus of the cervix, thereby making it more difficult for sperm to travel into the uterus and up into the fallopian tubes. Oral contraceptives also alter the lining of the uterus, making it thinner and therefore more difficult for an egg to implant itself in the endometrium.

How do I get them?

The Pill is available through prescription. Before deciding whether he or she can safely prescribe the Pill for you, your doctor will want to ask you some questions about your general health and examine you to ensure taking the Pill won't pose any health risks. Some women's bodies don't cope well with hormones. Your doctor may also want to perform a pelvic exam, a Pap test and possibly a test for sexually transmitted infections.

Are there different kinds?

There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills are so named because they contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones found naturally in women. Most women who take birth control pills take combination pills. When taken properly, combination pills are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Progestin-only pills, on the other hand, contain only one hormone: progesterone. Progestin-only pills are prescribed to women who cannot take estrogen for medical reasons. If taken properly, progestin-only pills are 95% effective in preventing pregnancy.

How do I take them?

Taking birth control pills is very straightforward, but there are a few guidelines should know if using the Pill.

First, combination pills come in packs of 21 or 28. Your doctor or pharmacist will explain how to use your pack. He or she may have you start the pills either on a Sunday or on the first day of your menstrual period.

If prescribed a 21-day pack, take one pill each day for 21 days. The 7 days during which you don't take any pills coincide with your menstrual period. If, on the other hand, you are prescribed a 28-day pack, take one pill each day for 28 days. The first 21 pills in the pack have hormones in them. The last 7 pills do not and therefore don't affect the Pill's overall success rate if you happen to miss a pill during week 3 of the pack.

For pills to be most effective, it's best to take them at the same time every day. By taking the Pill at the same time each day, it becomes a habit. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills in one day. If you miss two pills in a row during the first or second week of a pack, take two pills the day you remember and two the next day. Missed pills may increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Therefore, if you aren't already, you should consider a backup method of birth control (such as condoms) until your next cycle.

If you miss two pills in a row during week 3 of the pack, or if you've missed three pills in a row (regardless of the week) throw out the remainder of that pack and start a new one the day you remember. As a result of having missed pills, you may not have a period this month, or it may come early.

How effective are birth control pills?

The pills are not effective immediately. You must complete one entire menstrual cycle—that is, one pack of pills—before you can consider yourself safer from unplanned pregnancy. If, while taking your first pack of pills, you choose to be sexually active, you should consider a backup method of birth control such as a male condom, female condom, spermicide, or sponge.

Does the Pill have any side effects?

The Pill may cause such side effects as irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches and nausea. These side effects usually disappear after a few months. If these symptoms do not disappear, consult your doctor. The Pill has also been shown to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. It is not recommended for women over 35 who smoke, women with a history of gestational diabetes, women with benign breast disease or a history of breast cancer, women with liver problems, or women with a history of deep vein thrombosis or embolisms. Similarly, the Pill may not be the best choice for women who tend to forget to take their pill each day.

If it's difficult for you to remember to take your pill each day, despite setting a watch or an alarm, posting reminder notes, or having a friend remind you, you may wish to consider an alternative form of birth control, such as injectable contraceptives ("the Shot"), the birth control patch, or a vaginal ring.

Are there any health benefits from taking the Pill?

Birth control pills have many advantages. They help regulate a woman's menstrual cycles and may reduce menstrual flow and alleviate cramping. The Pill is also known to reduce acne and protect against certain cancers, including endometrial and ovarian cancers. The Pill doesn't interrupt the spontaneity of sex, nor does it depend on the reliance of your partner: you and you alone are responsible for remembering to take your pills. Finally, the Pill is also completely reversible: once you stop taking it, your body resumes its normal menstrual cycle.

Does the Pill offer any protection from STIs?

The Pill cannot protect against sexually transmitted infections. It's important to use both condoms and the Pill in order to safeguard against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Knowing your partner or believing you're in a monogamous relationship is not enough. You may have chosen to have sex only with your partner, but do not assume your partner feels the same way. Do not assume you're in a monogamous relationship. If you wish to stop using condoms, be sure to see your doctor for regular HIV testing and tests for sexually transmitted infections. Following that, talk with your partner and make sure you both agree to be strictly monogamous.