reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Use
When started within 6 days of the start of a period or within 6 days after an abortion, The Pill is effective immediately. If the Pill is started at other times, it will be effective after one month. To lower the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, condoms can be used while taking The Pill.
Starting The Pill:
There are several ways to begin taking The Pill. One common way is to start on the first day of your period or the first day after an abortion. Some women prefer to start on the first Sunday after they begin their period or the first Sunday after an abortion.
Continuing:
Take one pill every day until you finish an entire pack. Try to link taking The Pill with a regular activity that you do at the same time every day, like eating a meal or brushing your teeth. If you have a 28-day pack, start a new pack immediately after you finish the old one. If you have a 21-day pack, take one pill every day for 21 days, no pills for 7 days, then start the new pack immediately.
Cautions
Some women may not be able to take The Pill because of the risk of serious health problems. Women who are over 35 and smoke or who have any of the following conditions should not take The Pill:
* History of heart attack or stroke
* Blood clots
* Unexplained vaginal bleeding
* Known or suspected cancer
* Known or suspected pregnancy
* Liver disease
Women who are under 35 and smoke, have migraines, gallbladder disease, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, elective surgery, a history of blood clots, liver or heart disease may not be able to take The Pill. Your clinician or doctor can decide.
Women who use The Pill have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The effects of The Pill on breast cancer are still unknown. The Pill lowers a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
omen who experience any of the following symptoms while taking The Pill should call the clinic immediately:
- Abdominal pains (severe)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Headaches (severe)
- Eye problems, such as blurred vision
- Severe leg or arm pain or numbness
Missed Pills: Late Start
The most common way women get pregnant while using The Pill is starting late.
- 1 day late starting the next package: Take 2 pills as soon as you remember and one pill each day after. Use a backup form of birth control for two weeks.
- 2 days late starting the next package: Take 2 pills per day for 2 days, then continue as usual. Use a backup form of birth control for two weeks.
- 3 or more days late starting the next package: Call the clinic for instructions.
Missed Pills: During the Cycle
- 1 pill missed: Take it as soon as you remember and take your next pill at your usual time. This may mean taking two pills in one day.
- 2 pills missed in a row in the first two weeks: Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day. Finish the rest of the pack as usual. Use a backup form of birth control for one week.
- 2 pills missed in a row in the third week: Keep taking one pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, set aside the rest of the pack, including the spacers, and start taking a new pack of pills. Use a backup form of birth control for one week.
- 3 or more pills missed in a row anytime: Keep taking one pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, set aside the rest of the pack and start taking a new pack of pills. Use a backup form of birth control for two weeks.
Missing any of the last 7 pills of a 28-day package will not raise your risk of pregnancy. Skip the pills you missed, but be sure you start your next pack on time.
Missing a period does not always mean that you are pregnant. If you do miss a period, think about how likely a pregnancy is. Also consider the risks related to continuing birth control pills. Pregnancy is more likely:
- in the first few months of Pill use
- if you missed taking any Pills
- if you are taking another medication (especially antibiotics)
- if you have been sick (vomiting and/or diarrhea)
If you forgot one or more pills and do not have a period that month, we recommend that you have a sensitive pregnancy test done at a clinic.
If you miss two periods in a row, it could either be normal or a sign of pregnancy. Pregnancy tests are recommended right away. If you become pregnant while on The Pill, there is probably no risk of birth defects.
Future Fertility
Women who want to become pregnant may stop using The Pill at any time. Fertility may return immediately or after a few months.
- Periods may be lighter or more regular.
- Easy to use.
- Does not harm future fertility.
- Does not interrupt sex play.
- May protect against uterine and ovarian cancers.
- May reduce acne.
- Can be used for Emergency Contraception.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
- Must be taken every day.
- Less effective when taken with some drugs.
- Raised risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Requires a prescription.
