The Birth Control Pill: "The Pill"

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The Birth Control Pill
A comprehensive guide to using birth control.
What you should know about the pills you currently, or plan to take.

What is it?

The birth control pill excretes the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation. Without ovulation, no egg is sent through the falopian tubes into the uterus. Without an egg in the uterus, even if sperm are present, means that fertalization cannot occur (for fertalization to occur there must be an egg and a sperm). Therefore, pregnancy is prevented. The pill also creates a thicker mucus around the cervix, creating more of a barrier that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The hormones in the pill can also create a different uterus lining that is harder for an egg to attach to, making it harder to get pregnant. The birth control pill, however, does not protect against STIs.

Who can or should take the pill?

Any women who want to prevent pregnancy (and who can regularly take the pill each day) can take the pill. Some women with medical conditions should not take the pill. This is why talking to your doctor before taking the pill is a necessity. Those who wish to reduce painful cramps and regulate their cycle can also be prescribed birth control.

How effective is the pill?

The pill is only about 92%- 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, which is why using another type of contraception is important. Using a condom while taking the pill creates a very safe method of prevention of both STI's and pregnancy. Roughly 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year who take the pill each day as directed while 8 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year who do not take the pill each day as directed.

Taking the pill:

When a doctor prescribes you a pill it will either come in a 21-day pack, or a 28-day pack. If you are on the 21-day pack, you are to take one pill each day (at roughly the same time), for 21 days. After 21 days, you take a 7 day break from taking any hormone pills. This is when you will have your period. If you are taking the 28-day pack, you are to take one hormone pill each day (at roughly the same time), for 21 days, and then 7 pills without hormones. The 7 days where you do not take pills containing hormones is when you will have your period. Some women prefer the 28-day pack to the 21-day pack because they can create more regularity with taking a pill each day. It is important to follow the instructions in order to keep your body healthy and achieve the proper results.

There is another type of pill pack that is used, but instead of having a period each month, it allows you to have a period every 3 months. It is taken in the same manner as the other pills (once a day), but instead of just 21-days of hormone pills, it is 12 weeks of hormone pills, with a 7 day break to allow for a period.

The last major type of birth control pill is the "mini pill." The mini pill is different from the others because it only excretes progestin, which increases mucus and changes the uterus lining. Progesterone is not reliable for ovulation prevention, which is why the mini pill is less effective than the other types of pills. The mini pill is taken every day with no breaks, meaning that your periods might never occur, or will be irregular.

The first 7 days:

During the first seven days while you are on the pill, you should use another type of contraception to ensure you do not get pregnant. After seven days, the pill should work alone in preventing pregnancy, but using a condom is still a good idea seeing as the pill is not 100% effective and there is no protection against STI's.

Skipping a pill or taking the pill at a different time:

If you accidentally forget to take a pill, you will no longer be protected against pregnancy and therefore, another type of contraception should be used. Return to taking the pill the next day and use another type of contraception for 7 days before using the pill alone. Do not take a relative's or friend's pill.

It's important to note that taking the pill at the same time each day is important, so pick a time a day that is convenient for you. This could be before school, or before bed. If you take the pill within 1-2 hours of the same time each day, the effectiveness is not compromised. Anything more than about 1-2 hours could affect the effectiveness and should be treated as a missed day to ensure protection.

Side effects:

Sadly, like other medication, there can be side effects. Some women experience a lot, while others experience none! If you find that the side effects are overwhelming, talk to your doctor about switching pills. Smoking has been known to increase risk of side effects while taking the pill. Usually side effects improve after the first 3 months while your body adjusts to the new medication.

Some negative side effects include:

• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Mood changes [More emotional in general]
• Irritability
• Tender breasts
• Blood clots (uncommon)
• Change in sexual desire
• Potentially makes depression more severe (Talk to your doctor if you are depressed)
• Could increase risk of breast cancer
• High blood pressure

Some positive side effects include:

• Lighter periods
• Cramp reduction
• Decreased acne
• Possibly prevention against breast disease, anemia, ovarian cysts, and ovaria and endometrial cancers.

Some neutral side effects include:

• Slight growth of breasts
• Weight gain

People with an increased chance of side effects:

• Age 35+
• Overweight
• Have a pre-existing blood-clot disorder
• Have diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoke

If you experience any of the below, talk to a doctor immediately:

• New lumps in your breasts
• Sudden bad headaches
• Soreness in a leg
• Seeing bright flashing lights (before a headache)
• Very bad pains in abdomen/chest
• Different types of headaches
• No period after having a period once a month
• Trouble breathing
• Yellow skin or eyes

Communicating with your doctor:

The birth control pill is medication, as with any other type of medication, you and your doctor must communicate to make sure it is working properly, and that you are taking the right kind. When your doctor asks you questions, do not lie to him/her about depressed feelings or other health issues. It is important that your doctor knows what is going on so that he/she can prescribe the right medication for you. If you are not honest with your doctor, the pill could cause serious negative side effects. It is also important to note that if you are experiencing an overwhelming combination of side effects to talk to your doctor and perhaps change your pill type to better suit your body and needs.

Where can I get the pill and how much does it cost?

First of all, you must get a prescription for the pill, which can be obtained through a doctor or nurse practitioner. From there, you can buy the pill between $15-$50 a month at health and family planning clinics or at a drugstore or pharmacy. In the UK, birth control is free!

How to get off the pill:

As always, talk to your doctor before making changes in your medication. You can stop taking the pill any time you want. Remember that coming off the pill means you are no longer protected against pregnancy, and your period will return. At first they might be irregular, but they should regulate after a short while. Common side effects after coming off the pill include:

• Feeling tired
• Feeling on-edge
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Tender breasts
• Weight loss/ gain

What if I want a baby?

If you would like to have a baby, taking birth control will not decrease your chances of conception in the least. If you have been on the pill for a long time, talk to your doctor before stopping the medication. He or she will most likely have some advice. In general, stopping the pills about 2-3 months before trying for a baby will be fine. Wear contraception before the 2-3 months have elapsed to ensure that the hormones have been regulated and that your body is ready. Your periods might start out irregular, but should soon fall into a regular pattern. You will be able to get pregnant just as you would have before going on the pill.

Miscellaneous:

If you are on the pill, you do not ever need to take the "morning after pill" or "plan B".

Different types of pills are used to treat different things. For instance, some pills are better at alleviating menstrual cramps, while others might be better at treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This is why having a conversation with your doctor and having an open dialogue with him/her is important.

Sources:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_he...ion_birth.html
http://www.plannedparenthood.org
http://womenshealth.about.com/od/the...-pill-4228.htm
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/femalehormone1.html
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/2964.html