The Pill

What is the pill?

• A prescription method of birth control.


• A month-long series of pills containing synthetic hormones, estrogen and/or progesterone that are taken every day to:


• Prevent ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries)


• Thicken the cervical mucus to make it harder for the sperm and egg to meet


• Hinder egg implantation in the uterus if egg fertilization occurs

How is it used?

• A pill must be taken every day. Generally, the pills taken during the first three weeks of the month contain hormones, while the pills taken during the fourth week contain no hormones, allowing you to have a menstrual period.


• For most effective use, it is best to take each pill at the same time of day, such as each morning when you wake up.

Does it protect against STIs?

No.

Does it protect against pregnancy?

Yes, as long as the pill is taken every day. Pregnancy can occur if the pill is not taken correctly. For example:

• If pills are begun too late in the course of the menstrual cycle


• If two or more pills are missed in a row


• If pills are not taken in the correct order

What are the chances of getting pregnant while using the pill?

• Typical use: 5%


• Perfect use: 0.1%

Advantages to women when using the pill?

• Makes periods more regular


• Decreases the amount of menstrual flow


• Decreases the severity of cramps


• Decreases acne.


• Helps prevent serious health risks such as:
  
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (a major cause of infertility in women)
  
  
  • Ovarian and endometrial cancer
  
  
  • Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)

Disadvantages to women when using the pill?

• You must remember to take it every day without fail or it will not be effective.


• Does not protect against STIs.


• Has some health risks such as:


• Weight gain or loss


• Spotting between periods.


• Breast tenderness and/or growth


• Nausea or vomiting


• Depression


• Decreased or increased sexual drive

Things you should know:

• The pill must be obtained from a medical clinician, and an examination is required.


• The costs of the examination and pill vary, but are usually lower at a clinic such as Planned Parenthood (link at end of page). The cost is covered by Medicaid.


• The pill should not be used by smokers who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day.


• Use of the pill in addition to condoms is a more effective way to protect yourself against pregnancy as well as STIs.


• If you are breast feeding or suffer adverse side effects from estrogen, such as severe headaches and high blood pressure, a pill without estrogen is available and is known as the mini pill.

What if I miss a pill?
Although you should take the pill at roughly the same time of day, it is not considered missing the pill unless you forget to take the pill for the whole day.

• If you miss one hormone pill: take it with current day's pill (2 total) as soon as you remember.
• If you miss 2 hormone pills: take 2 pills as soon as you remember, and 2 the next day, then back to normal.
• If you miss three pills, that's it! you will get your period. Throw away the package and start over with a new package.
• If you miss a sugar pill, don't worry about it.
• If you miss any hormone pills, you need a backup method of birth control (such as condom) for the rest of the month.

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Additional Outside Sources

Below is additional information and resources. Some are links to other Internet pages, which might have information on health topics of interest to you. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them. In addition, PAMF has no control over the privacy practices of external Web sites. The user should read and understand the policies of all Web sites with respect to their privacy practices. These links are provided for your general information and education only, and should NOT be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have questions, please contact your health care provider.

Planned Parenthood. Birth Control [Online]. Accessed September 2007.

The National Women's Health Information Center . Birth Control Methods [Online]. Accessed September 2007.

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