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Oral Contraceptives (The Pill)
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The Pill is a medication that is taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It contains two types of hormones called estrogen and progesterone. The hormones in the Pill are similar to those naturally made in women`s bodies.
The Pill needs to be taken daily for it to be fully effective. By taking the Pill at the same time each day, you can best maintain the level of hormones in the body necessary to prevent pregnancy.
There are several ways to begin the Pill. One way is to take your first Pill on the first Sunday after your period starts. If your period starts on Sunday, take your first pill that day. Another way to start your pills on the first day of your period. If the nurse believes you are unlikely to be pregnant, she may tell you to start right away.
After finishing your first pack of pills immediately start the next pack. Do not skip any days between packages. You may be on your period when you start your next pack.
After finishing your first pack of pills immediately start the next pack. Do not skip any days between packages. You may be on your period when you start your next pack.
If the Pill is started on the first day of the period, it is effective immediately. If the Pill is not started on the first day of the period, another method of birth control (like condoms) is needed for one week (7 days).
The primary way in which the hormones in the Pill work is to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. They can also cause the cervical mucus to become thick so that it is hard for sperm to reach an egg, and can prevent implantation.
The Pill is most effective when it is taken exactly as directed (taken every day at about the same time). Approximately 3 out of every 100 women who take the Pill for one year will become pregnant while using it.
After stopping the Pill, it normally takes women two months before they can get pregnant, although some women get pregnant right away.
The Pill is usually not recommended for nursing mothers. A similar medication referred to as the “Minipill” is like the Pill, but has less hormones. It is recommended for use while breastfeeding.
- One missed pill – take the pill as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at your regular time (this means that you may have to take 2 pills in one day). * Use a back up method (like condoms) for 7 days if you miss the first pill of package.
- Two missed pills – Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day. After that continue to take pills as normal (one each day). * Use a back up method (like condoms) for 7 days
- If you miss two or more pills in the third week of the pack, or three pills at any time of the month call the clinic. Until you talk to a nurse continue to take your pills and use a back-up method of birth control (like condoms).
In addition to being very effective and convenient, it may provide other benefits such as:
- Decreasing your risk of ovarian and uterine cancer
- Regular periods with less bleeding and cramping
- Less anemia (low iron level in the blood)
- Improvement in skin (less acne)
Side effects include breast tenderness, headache, nausea, dizziness, eye problems (difficulty with contact lenses), and a delay in having your period after you stop taking the Pill.
You may also have spotting between periods, very light or missed periods.
Weight changes may occur (increase or decrease in weight).
The Pill may cause dark patches on the skin of your face. These patches may continue even after you stop using the Pill and may become worse with sun exposure.
Other side effects are possible. Talk with your nurse for more information.
You may also have spotting between periods, very light or missed periods.
Weight changes may occur (increase or decrease in weight).
The Pill may cause dark patches on the skin of your face. These patches may continue even after you stop using the Pill and may become worse with sun exposure.
Other side effects are possible. Talk with your nurse for more information.
Women who use contraceptives with hormones (like the Pill) have an increased risk of blood clots or stroke. This risk is higher if you smoke and are over 35 years old.
Other risks of using the Pill include high blood pressure, liver problems (including liver tumors), and gall bladder disease.
Other risks of using the Pill include high blood pressure, liver problems (including liver tumors), and gall bladder disease.
- Rifampin
- St. John’s Wort
- Possibly some antibiotics and anticonvulsants
Any woman who:
- Is pregnant or suspects pregnancy
- Heart disease or clotting disorders
- Has serious liver disease or tumor
- Has ever had breast cancer
- Has had blood clots in the legs
- Has undiagnosed, irregular vaginal bleeding
- Migraine headaches with certain symptoms
- Diabetes with involvement of the blood vessels
- Disease of the heart valves with complications
- Jaundice (yellowing) in pregnancy or when using hormones in the past