Birth Control Pill
Health Services > Birth Control Methods > Birth Control Pill                                                                      

Benefits of Pill Use

• Less cramping and bleeding with periods
• Protects against ovarian cysts
• Protects against anemia
• Protects against cancer of the lining of the uterus
• Protects against cancer of the ovary

How to Take the Pill

Begin your first pack of pills by taking the first pill on the first Sunday after your next menstrual period starts. It doesn't matter if you are still bleeding. If your period starts on Sunday, then take your pill that day. You will always start each new pack of pills on a Sunday.

Swallow one pill a day until you finish the pack. Then:

1. If you are using a 28-day pack, begin a new pack immediately. Skip no days between packages. Your period will come sometime during the last 7 days. 
2. If you are using a 21-day pack, you will take no pills for 7 days and then start your new pack. Your period will come sometime during the week you are not taking the pill. You are still protected from pregnancy during the week you are not taking the pill.

Take your pill at the same time every day. This keeps hormone level steady and prevents ovulation. If you take your pill late, you may have spotting (bleeding). The best time to take the pill is after a meal. If you ever vomit within two hours after taking your pill, take another pill. You will then be missing one pill from your pack and should call the clinic for a replacement.

If you forget to take a Pill

Complete instructions for making up a missed pill can be found in every pill package. Please check the instruction sheet found in each pill pack for advice about your pill. In general, we advise clients to follow these recommendations after missing pills:

• If you miss 1 pill, take it as soon as you remember. Take your regular pill at the usual time, even if it means taking 2 pills in one day. Continue taking your pills, but use another effective method of birth control (in addition to your pill) for 10 days, even if you begin a new pill pack or have your period.
• If you miss 2 pills, take two pills at once, then 2 pills the next day. Continue taking your pills, but use another method of birth control for 10 days.
• If you miss 2 or more pills at the start of a new pack of pills and have had sex, you are at risk for pregnancy. Call the clinic within 72 hours about the possibility of taking the morning-after-pill.
• If you miss more than 2 pills, stop taking pills. Start a new pill pack the Sunday after you missed three or more pills, even if you are bleeding. Use another method of birth control while you are off pills AND for 10 days on your new pill pack.

When Am I Protected?

For the first 10 days of your first pack of pills, you must use another method of birth control. After that you are protected from pregnancy every day.

If you miss a period and have not taken your pills every day or you have missed 2 periods in a row, call the clinic for advice.

Using some drugs along with the pills may make the pills less effective, especially antibiotics. If you are taking other medication, ask the clinic whether they may make your birth control pill less effective. Whenever you see a health care provider, let them know that you are taking the pill.

Stopping the Pill

If you want to stop taking the pill, stop at the end of the pack. Do not go "off and on" the pill for short periods of time because it may make it difficult to calculate when your period is due. As soon as you stop taking the pill you may become pregnant.

Recent studies show that the pill does not change a woman's ability to get pregnant. If you decide to have a baby, we suggest that you wait 3 months after going off the pill before you try to get pregnant. When you stop your pills, your period may not come for a month or two. If you are concerned about being pregnant, call the clinic.

Minor Side Effects

Although most women have no side effects, for some women the pill can cause side effects. These side effects are usually temporary changes and are not serious of life threatening. If you notice nuisance-type side effects, a change in your pill may help. Ask your Clinician if you would like to try a different pill formula. Some possible side effects are:

• Nausea
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Headaches
• Slight weight gain or loss
• Breast Tenderness
• Dark spots on the skin
• Breakthrough bleeding or "spotting"*
• Depression, irritability, or mood changes

* Breakthrough bleeding (spotting) is bleeding between periods. When you have this spotting, you might not have a normal period. Spotting usually happens when you first start taking the pill. It can also happen after years on the pill. The spotting can be as little as a few drops, or as much as a heavy period. Spotting is not serious. Do not stop taking your pills. If the bleeding is more than your regular period, or if it happens more often than 2 months in a row, call the clinic; you may need a different kind of birth control pill.

Serious Side Effects

A few women who take the pill may have complications that are more serious. These are:

• High blood pressure
• Blood clots in the veins
• Gall bladder disease
• Heart attacks
• Rare liver tumors
• Strokes

We know that a woman on the pill has a greater chance of having problems if she:

• Has high blood pressure, migraine headaches, diabetes, or a high cholesterol level.
• Is a heavy smoker (more than 15 per day).
• Is over 35, especially if she smokes or is obese (very overweight).

A woman with any of these conditions may not be able to use the pill.

**IMPORTANT**
If you experience any of the following symptoms while you are taking the pill, do not take any more pills and call the clinic immediately.

• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain or coughing up blood
• Severe headaches
• Blurred vision or loss of vision
• Pain, numbness or tingling in the legs