| The Pill |
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"The pill" is the common name for oral contraception. There are two basic types ? combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both are made of hormones like those made by a woman's ovaries. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin. Both types require a medical evaluation and prescription. Both can prevent pregnancy. Combination pills usually work by preventing a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs (ovulation). They also thicken the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from joining with an egg. Progestin-only pills usually work by thickening the cervical mucus. Less often, they prevent ovulation. Taking the pill daily maintains the level of hormone that is needed to prevent pregnancy. EffectivenessThe pill is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control. Of 100 women who use the pill, only eight will become pregnant during the first year of typical use.* Fewer than one will become pregnant with perfect use.**Certain medicines may make the pill less effective. These include
Talk to your clinician about the medicines you already take before you get a prescription for any prescription method of birth control. Vomiting and diarrhea may also keep the pill from working. Ask your clinician for advice. Until you are sure, use an additional method of birth control. It is very important to remember that the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom along with the pill to reduce the risk of infection.
* Typical use refers to failure rates for use that is not consistent or always correct. AdvantagesTaking the pill is simple, safe, and convenient. Many women who take the pill have fewer menstrual cramps and lighter periods. The pill also offers some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, which often leads to infertility when left untreated.The pill does not interfere with having sex. Many women say it has improved their sex lives. They say it helps them feel more spontaneous. The combination pill offers many other benefits, including some protection against
In fact, protection against developing cancer of the ovary or the lining of the uterus (endometrium) can last up to 30 years after stopping the combination pill. Protection against both of these types of cancer increases with each year of use:
Timing Your Period Possible Side EffectsAs with all drugs, there may be some undesirable side effects for some women taking the pill.Side effects that usually clear up after two or three months include
Other possible side effects of combination pills include
Irregular spotting and bleeding happen more frequently with progestin-only pills than with combination pills. Nausea and vomiting may be reduced by taking the pill with the evening meal or at bedtime. (Do not stop taking the pill if you feel sick to your stomach.) If you continue to experience side effects after three months, your clinician will adjust the prescription. Women with a history of depression may not be able to continue to take the pill if their depression worsens. Once in a while, menstruation is irregular or absent for as long as six months after stopping the pill. This generally occurs if periods were irregular before starting the pill. See the pill pack insert for more detailed information about the use and risks of the pill.
YASMIN Unlike other combined pills, YASMIN contains the progestin drospirenone. It may increase potassium levels that could cause serious heart and other problems. Possible ComplicationsSerious problems do not occur very often. In general, using the pill is much safer than pregnancy and childbirth. Combination pill users have a slightly greater chance of certain major disorders than nonusers. The risk is increased by being age 35 or older, smoking, and by having conditions associated with heart attack, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, and certain inherited conditions that increase the risk of blood clotting.The most serious complication of combination pill use is having a blood clot in the legs, lungs, heart, or brain. Women on the combination pill who have major surgery or who have a leg immobilized ? because they are confined to bed or have a cast ? seem to have a greater chance of having blood clots. It is important to tell your surgeon that you are using the combination pill when planning a major operation. Follow your clinician's advice about when you can take the pill again. Rarely, women who take the combination pill develop high blood pressure. Very rarely, they develop liver tumors, gallstones, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
The pill and breast cancer Serious problems usually have warning signs. Report any of these signs to your clinician as soon as possible.
Who Can Use the PillMost healthy women can take the pill.You should not take the pill if you
You should not take the combination pill if you
Some combination pill users will need close medical supervision if they have
Some progestin-only pill users will need close medical supervision if they have
Getting the Right PillYou must consult a clinician to tell whether you can take the pill and what dose is right for you. The clinician will discuss your medical history with you, check your blood pressure, and give you any other medical exam that may be needed.If the pill is right for you, you likely will be given the lowest amount of hormone needed to protect you against pregnancy. Be sure to have regular checkups. Your prescription may need to be changed as your health needs change. Remember to tell any other clinician you may see that you take the pill. Pills come in monthly packs. Combination pills come in 28-day or 21-day packs. Both types have 21 "active" pills ? they contain hormones that prevent pregnancy. The last seven pills in 28-day packs of combination pills are called "reminder" pills. They do not contain hormones. They are taken during the fourth week. In 21-day packs, the pills are taken for three weeks. A new pack of pills is started eight days after the last pack is completed. The hormones in the active pills prevent pregnancy throughout the month ? even during the fourth week when taking either no pills or reminder pills. Progestin-only pills come only in 28-day packs. All progestin-only pills are "active." Menstruation usually occurs during the fourth week, no matter what type of pill is used ? unless a woman decides to avoid menstruation by using active combination pills during the fourth week, as well. For more information about taking the pill, visit plannedparenthood.orgSM or ask for the Planned Parenthood? brochure, The Pill ? Staying on Schedule Matters. Starting the PillYour clinician will explain when you should start taking the pill. Taking the pill at the same time each day makes it more effective ? pick a time of day that is easy to remember.If you start the combination pill within five days after the start of your period, take the first active pill of the first pack. You will not need to use a back up method of birth control. You are protected against pregnancy immediately. If you start the combination pill at any other time during your menstrual cycle, take the first active pill of the first pack. Use another method of birth control if you have vaginal intercourse during the first week of combination pill use ? protection will begin after seven days. You may start the progestin-only pill at any time. Use another method of birth control if you have vaginal intercourse during the first 48 hours of progestin-pill use ? protection will begin after two days. Taking the progestin-only pill at the same time each day is essential ? if you take it more than three hours past the regular time, you need to use a back up method of birth control for 48 hours after taking the late pill. Be sure to follow the instructions on your pill package.
A chewable pill Pregnancy and the PillThere is a very slight chance that you will become pregnant even if you take the pill.However, a missed period does not always mean you are pregnant, especially if you have not skipped any pills. But see your clinician if you miss a second period. It is unlikely that taking the pill during early pregnancy will increase the risk of defects in the fetus. However, the likelihood of tubal pregnancy is greater if you become pregnant while taking the progestin-only pill. If you want to become pregnant, stop taking the pill. If you want to plan the timing of your pregnancy, use another form of birth control until your period becomes regular. It usually takes about one to three months for your period to return to the cycle you had before taking the pill. Starting the Pill After Pregnancy, you can start taking the combination pill
You can start taking the progestin-only pill
Progestin-only pills will not affect your milk during nursing. Combination pills may reduce the amount and quality of milk in the first six weeks of breastfeeding. Also, the milk will contain traces of the pill's hormones. It is unlikely that these hormones will have any effect on your child. Where to Get the Pill and What It CostsThe pill may be purchased at a drugstore or clinic. An examination, if needed, costs from $35 to $175. A prescription costs about $15?$35 a month. Medicaid may cover these costs. Private health insurance coverage for birth control varies. Family planning clinics usually charge less than private health care providers.             |
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