Answers to Your Questions About Oral Contraceptives
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO USE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES. Follow your instructions carefully and read all materials provided to you. Discuss any question you may have with your healthcare provider.
The birth control pill is considered a medication, so be sure to know the name of your pill, as well as the risks and benefits of taking it.
Q. Is the Pill effective?
A. Of the temporary methods of birth control, the pill is one of the most effective. If taken properly, 2-8 women per 100 will become pregnant in one year. Only IUD's, monthly injections(Depo Provera) and implants are more effective (failure rate 1-3%).
Q. How do I start the Pill?
A. Many clinicians recommend the "Quick Start" method, giving you the first dose of the oral contraceptive right in the office, after first doing a pregnancy test. If you do not start your Pill in the office, you can start the combination pill (estrogen plus progestin) at any time in your cycle. If you take your first Pill within five days of starting your menstrual period, you are protected from pregnancy right away. You do not need to use a back-up method of birth control.
If you start the Pill at any other time in your cycle, you are protected after seven days of being on the Pill. During that time, you will need to use another method of birth control as a back-up.
You may start the progestin-only oral contraceptive any time in your cycle and should use a back-up birth control method such as condoms with spermicide, a diaphragm or a sponge for 48 hours.
Q. What time should I take my pill?
A. You should be taking the pill at the same time each day. This will keep the proper amount of hormone in your system and give you the best results. You may find that you need to take your pill after a meal to prevent nausea. Take all pills in the pack before starting a new pack.
Q. What if I miss a pill?
A. It is important to take a missed pill as soon as it is remembered; then take the next pill at your regular time. Do this even if it means taking two pills in one day.
If two consecutive pills are missed, take them as soon as you remember; then, take your next pill at your usual time (even it it means taking two pills in one day). If you miss 2 or more pills at the beginning of the pill pack, you must use additional protection for the rest of the pill pack. If you miss three or more pills, consult your health care provider for instructions. Any missed pills may cause you to bleed between periods. Keep a thorough pill schedule.
If you miss taking your progestin-only Pill for more than 3 hours past the usual time, you must use a back-up method of birth control for 48 hours to avoid getting pregnant.
Q. Can I get pregnant if I miss a pill?
A. When taken properly, the pill is generally very effective in preventing pregnancy. If you miss a pill there is a chance of your getting pregnant, and that chance increases with each additional pill you miss.
Q. What if I miss a period?
A. A missed period does not always mean you are pregnant. If you miss a period but know that you have taken all of your pills exactly as you are supposed to, you may continue to take your next pill pack. If you have not taken them properly or if you miss two consecutive periods, you should contact your clinic or physician for further instructions.
Q. Can I take other medications while taking the pill?
A. Many medications may be taken with the pill without problems. If you are taking any antibiotics or antidepressants, the effectiveness of the pill may be decreased. You should continue taking your birth control pill, but also use an additional method of birth control for the rest of the pill pack. If you have any concerns about medications and the pill, you should call your clinic or physician.
Q. Can I take the pill if I smoke?
A. Smoking and taking the pill may increase your chance of heart attack, cancer, high blood pressure, blood clots and stroke. You should not smoke; if you cannot quit, you should smoke less than 1 pack per day. If you are a smoker, you may not be able to stay on the pill as long as a nonsmoker. Most doctors will not prescribe the Pill to smokers age 35 and older.
Q. What side effects can I expect from the pill?
A. Some people have no side effects. The most common complaints are "breakthrough bleeding" or spotting. This usually goes away after three cycles of pill use. Taking your pill properly also reduces the chance of this happening. Do not be alarmed if this bleeding occurs during the first three months of pill use. It is a normal adjustment to using the pill.
Other complaints are nausea, bloating, some breast swelling or tenderness and lighter periods with decreased cramping.
Q. Are pills safe?
A. Pills are generally a safe method of birth control. However, you must be aware of the danger signs that may indicate a serious problem:
A Abdominal pain (severe, persistent)
C Chest pain/shortness of breath
H Headaches (not relieved with analgesics)
E Eye problems (blurred vision, vision loss)
S Severe leg pain in calves or thighs
** REPORT ANY OF THESE DANGER SIGNS TO YOUR CLINIC OR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY**
Q. How long can I stay on the pill?
A. With regular check-ups, the pill can be taken indefinitely. Unless your clinician recommends it, you do not need to take a "break" from the pill.
Generally, there is no decrease in fertility once the pill is stopped. If you want to become pregnant, you should be off the pill (using another method) for one cycle before trying to conceive.
Last Updated: September 27, 2009