Know the Pill

An Oral Contraceptive is also known as "The Pill". These pills are 97-99.9% effective as birth control.

•  How many types of Oral Contraceptives are available?
Oral contraceptives can either be combined oral contraceptives which contain both estrogen and progesterone or contraceptives which contain only progestrin. Some popular Oral Pills are Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Tri-Phasil, Estradiol and Nordette 28, and Ortho Evra Patch.

•  How are pills taken?
There are a number of ways to start oral contraceptives. 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 within 6 days of the start of a period or within 6 days after an abortion.The pills are taken once in a day. If you forget one pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, then take two pills that day. If you miss two pills, take two pills a day for two days. If you miss three or more pills, call the clinic for instructions.

•  benign ovarian cysts,
•  ectopic pregnancy,
•  pelvic inflammatory disease,
•  anemia, rheumatoid arthritis,
•  most importantly, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.

Menstrual Cycle:
Periods are usually lighter, shorter, and occur every 28 days. Decreased menstrual cramping is another benefit of the pill.

•  Side effects
Some women occasionally experience side effects which are annoying, but will not damage their health. These changes are usually temporary and may disappear in the first three to four cycles. If symptoms persist longer than three months, consult your medical practitioner who may be able to solve the problem by changing your pill.

•  Nausea : Some women experience slight nausea which may be relieved by taking the pill along with a snack just before going to sleep or with a meal.

•  Weight gain or weight loss

•  Difficulty wearing contact lenses

•  Painful or missed periods

•  Spotting : Breakthrough bleeding (spotting between periods) may occur while taking the three weeks of active hormone pills and is not serious. If this bleeding is heavier than light flow or lasts more than a few days, you should contact your practitioner.

•  Emotional changes: In some cases depression or loss of interest in sex may occur. Exercise and a healthy diet and lifestyle can be helpful, but sometimes a change of pills may be needed.

•  Skin Problems: A few women may develop freckling of the skin or acne, although in most cases pre-existing acne is improved by oral contraceptives.

•  Breasts may enlarge or become somewhat tender .

•  Hair growth in unusual places.

•  Swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs ( fluid retention )

•  Danger Signs
Women who experience any of the following symptoms while taking The Pill should call the clinic immediately:

• Severe Abdominal pain
• C hest pain or shortness of breath
• Severe H eadaches
• E ye problems, such as blurred vision
• S evere leg or arm pain or numbness

•  Special Health Problems
Consult your doctor if you have special health problems such as such as fibrous growths of the uterus, heart or kidney disease, depression, diabetes, thyroid disease, migraine headaches, or epilepsy.

If you have a history of blood clots anywhere in your body, cancer of the breast or uterus, or liver disease, you may not be able to use the pill.

There is a small risk of benign liver tumors which can be serious among pill users. The pill slightly increases the incidence of gallbladder disease. If you are prescribed antibiotics like Rifampin for a serious infection, there is a possible risk of reduced effectiveness of birth control pills.Certain medications to treat seizure disorders and sedatives may also reduce effectiveness slightly.

Most commonly start the pills are started on the Sunday after your normal menstrual period begins. If your period begins on Sunday, then start the pills on that Sunday. Keeping the pills with your toothbrush is one way to remember. They are least likely to cause nausea if taken with dinner or along with a snack before going to bed. Take one pill at about the same time each day so you will not forget them.

•  Storage Conditions
The medication should be kept in the packet it comes, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.It should be stored at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

P.S: Birth control pills do not decrease a woman's chance of getting pregnant once she has stopped them.

Click here to know about Birth Control Choices