The Pill

The pill is a hormonal method.

It’s also known as “oral contraception.” You take it once a day, at the same time every day. There are lots of different kinds of pills on the market, and new ones come out all the time. They all work by releasing hormones that keep your ovaries from releasing eggs. The hormones also thicken your cervical mucus, which helps to block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place. Just remember, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Types of Pills!

COMBINATION
These use an estrogen/progestin combo that works with your body to prevent ovulation. A monthly combination pill pack contains 3 consecutive weeks of hormone-based pills and a week of placebos that’ll bring on your period.

PROGESTIN-ONLY
Better known as the mini-pill, these have no estrogen in them and are often prescribed if you’re sensitive to combination pills and having side effects. These release a small amount of progestin every day of the month and don’t give you a period during a set week.

How Well Does it Work?

How Do I Use It?

IF YOU CAN SWALLOW AN ASPIRIN, YOU CAN TAKE THE PILL.
But here’s the thing: You have to remember to take it every day, at roughly the same time, no matter what.
Some pills come in 21-day packs. Others come in 28-day packs. Some give you a regular period every month. Others let you have your period once every three months. And some even let you skip your period for an entire year. There are so many different pills available that it can be a bit confusing. Talk to your health care provider to learn more and remember, any birth control decision such as the pill should be a fully informed decision free of coercion.

TIPS AND TRICKS
Try taking your pill at the same time you always do something else in your daily routine—like brushing your teeth. Have a box of emergency contraception on hand, just in case you forget your pill sometime during the month and then have sex without a condom or other barrier method.

Side Effects?

THERE ARE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE THINGS TO SAY about each and every method. And everyone’s different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.

THE POSITIVE
Positive “side effects”? You bet. There are actually lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life.

Easy to use—just swallow with water

Doesn’t interrupt the heat of the moment

Might give you lighter periods

Gives you control over when you have your period

Some pills clear up acne

Can reduce menstrual cramps and PMS

Some pills may offer protection against some health problems, like endometrial and ovarian cancer, iron deficiency anemia, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease

THE NEGATIVE
Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for many people, they’re not a problem. And if you do experience side effects, they’ll probably go away. Remember, you’re introducing hormones into your body, so it can take a few months to adjust. Give it time.
Things that will probably go away after two or three months but if not talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns:

Bleeding in between periods

Sore breasts

Nausea and vomiting

Things that may last longer:
A change in your sex drive If you still feel uncomfortable after three months, talk to your provider about trying different formulations (brands) of pills to try to correct the side effects. If you can’t find a brand you feel good on, switch methods and stay protected. You’re worth it.
*For a very small number of women there are risks of more serious side effects.

More Important Details!

IT TAKES DISCIPLINE
You’ve got to remember to take your pill at the same time every day. Even on weekends. Even on vacation. So, ask yourself: how good are you with stuff like that? There are also apps and tricks like setting an alarm on your phone to help pill users remember.

UNINTERRUPTED SEX
Some pills allow you to skip your period all together. Consider the possibilities!

PREDICTABLE PERIODS
If you’re the type of person who feels comforted by getting their period every month—and by not having random spotting in between—then this might just be the choice for you.

SMOKERS OVER 35, BEWARE
For those over 35 years old, smoking while on the pill increases the risk of certain side effects to your health. And if you’re younger, why not quit smoking now and save yourself the trouble in the future?

THE PREGNANCY QUESTION
You will return to fertility (which just means that you go back to being able to get pregnant) just a few days after stopping the pill. So if you don’t want to get pregnant right away, make sure you start using an alternate method as soon as you stop taking the pill.

The pill is a hormonal method.

helpful tips.

Here are some helpful ways to start a conversation.