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The Pill

Birth Control Pills are a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones stop a woman from ovulating (releasing an egg into the fallopian tube,) prevent an egg from implanting in the wall of the uterus and cause the cervical mucus to thicken, blocking sperm.

Perfect Use: 99.9% effective Typical Use: 95% effective

To make the pills most effective, swallow one pill at the same time every day. At the very least, you should always take your pill within a 3–hour window every day. Being on a schedule and taking your pill at the same time every day will also prevent you from forgetting.

Are birth control pills safe?

Yes, the pill is very safe and has been used for over 30 years by millions of women.

Advantages:

  • May make periods lighter and less painful
  • May improve acne
  • Does not interfere with sex
  • Can stop taking at any time if you wish to become pregnant
  • Decreases risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer

Disadvantages:

  • Does NOT protect against STIs
  • May increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure for some women (especially for smokers over 35 years old)
  • Risk pregnancy if you forget to take your pill at the same time every day
  • Need to have a prescription

Warnings: Use a backup birth control method (ex. Condom):

  • If it’s the first month you are on the pill
  • To protect yourself from STDs/HIV
  • If you take a pill late
  • If you miss taking any pills
  • If you stop taking the pills
  • If you are taking other mediations or herbal supplements (talk to your doctor).

If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember if it’s the same day. If you skip one day or more, consult your doctor and use alternative birth control every time you have sex.

There are two other types of birth control pills; extended–cycle pills and progestin–only pills. Both types prevent pregnancy in the same way as traditional birth control pills. If a woman is on extended–cycle pills she gets her period 4 times a year (every 3 months) rather than once a month. Progestin–only pills, also known as the Minipill, do not contain any estrogen and are often prescribed to women that are breastfeeding. Both types of pills are completely safe.