USF-COM
Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
What is the birth control or oral contraceptive
pill?
The birth control pill is a combination of synthetic (man-made) hormones
similar to the naturally occurring hormones, estrogen and progesterone,
in your body.
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How does the pill work?
These synthetic hormones work to prevent the monthly release of an egg.
If there is no release of an egg there can be no union of egg and sperm
and therefore NO PREGNANCY. They also change the secretions within
the uterus (womb) and structure of the cells lining the uterus. These
changes make the womb not welcoming for the egg.
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How do my natural hormones work?
Your monthly menstrual cycle is under the control of the natural hormones,
estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the release of an
egg and prepare your uterus (womb) for pregnancy. When you have intercourse
the sperm unites with the egg and attaches to the prepared uterus and a
baby develops. The hormones continue to work by preventing the release
of another egg until pregnancy is over. If no pregnancy occurs, the
prepared layer of the uterus sheds and the egg is passed out of the body
each month. This is commonly known as your period or menstrual flow.
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How do I get the pill?
The pill is a prescription medication that can be acquired from your health
care provider after a complete personal history, family history, and physical
exam with pelvic and Pap smear is done. If no contraindications are
discovered, a prescription or samples are given at that time and a follow
up evaluation is recommended in 3-6 months.
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How do I take the pill?
The oral contraceptive pill may be taken according to several different
schedules. However, prior to choosing a schedule one must remember
to take the pill everyday at about the same time each day until the pack
is finished.
The pill is available in 28 day and 21 day packets. The last 7
pills of the 28 day packets contain ‘inactive pills’ also known as spacers
and are designed to allow you to take the pill without interruption.
While you take the inactive pills you will begin your monthly menstruation.
When taking the 21 day packet, you will menstruate on the days in which
you are taking no pills.
The two most common schedule options are as follows:
-
Sunday start method: this is the most commonly suggested method
and it requires you to start taking the first pill of the packet the first
Sunday after your menstrual period. Then take 1 pill daily until
you finish the packet.
-
Day 1 start method: with this method you take the first pill of
the packet within 24 hours of the start of your menstrual period, and continue
daily until the packet is completed.
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How soon am I protected from becoming pregnant?
It is recommended that you use a back up method- condoms, foam, or the
sponge- until completion of the first packet of pills.
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What should I do if I forget to take my pill?
If you miss 1 pill - take it as soon as you remember and then take
the next pill at the regularly scheduled time. This means you may
end up taking 2 pills in 1 day. You should use a back up method for
7 days after the missed pill.
If you miss 2 pills - take the 2 pills as soon as you remember
and take 2 pills the next day. Continue your regular schedule but
use a back up method for up to 7 days after the 2 missed pills.
If you miss 3 pills-you may begin to bleed, so throw away the
rest of the packet, use another method of birth control because you are
no longer protected against pregnancy, and begin a new pack of pills as
you did when you started taking the pills (Sunday method or day 1 start
method).
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How effective is the pill anyway?
If the pill is taken as directed-each day at the same time- only about
1 in 1000 women become pregnant within the first year. But don’t
forget, the pill is only as reliable and effective as you are!
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What are the benefits of taking the pill?
-
Decreased menstrual flow, shorter periods, less cramping
-
Decreased risk of anemia
-
Protection against developing cancer of the ovaries and lining of the uterus
(endometrium)
-
Improvement of acne
-
Decreased risk of tubal pregnancies
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What are the side effects of taking the pill?
Serious side effects are rare, but it is important to be aware of them
so you can notify your physician if they occur. They can be remembered
by the acronym ACHES.
A=abdominal pain, severe
C=chest pain (severe), shortness of breath
H=headache (severe), dizziness, weakness
E=eye problems, speech problems
S=severe leg pain
Less serious side effects include:
-
Spotting between periods
-
Breast changes/tenderness
-
Mood changes
-
Minor headaches
-
Acne
-
Slight weight gain/loss or bloating
Most of the side effects occur within the first month and resolve spontaneously.
Sometimes changing brands is also helpful if side effects don’t resolve
on their own.
In addition to side effects, it is important to know that the pill is
not
recommended for women with a history of the following:
-
Blood clots also called thromboembolic disorders or thrombophlebitis
-
Stroke or cerebrovascular accident
-
Coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease also called
angina, heart attack or congestive heart failure
-
Cancer of the breast, other reproductive organs, liver, kidney
-
Known pregnancy
CAUTION is advised in women:
-
35 years or older who smoke
-
who begin having migraines after starting the pill
-
who have high blood pressure or diabetes
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So, if I
take the pill everyday at the same time as instructed, am I guaranteed
the 99% efficacy rate?
Yes, if you use a back up method when
pills are missed, when taking other medications, or when you experience
diarrhea or vomiting.
Be aware that both prescription and
non-prescription medications can decrease the effectiveness of the pill.
As a result it is safe practice to consult your physician before starting
any medications, and/or remind your physician that you are taking the pill
when he prescribes any new medications for you.
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Does the pill
protect me against AIDS or any other sexually transmitted diseases?
NO! the pill is designed to prevent
against pregnancy. Condoms should be used if there is any risk of
becoming infected
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References