Birth Control Pills

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Women, who use the “birth control pill” or oral contraceptives, swallow a pill each day to prevent pregnancy.

§         Most birth control pills contain two hormones similar to the natural hormones in a woman’s body – an estrogen and a progestin.

§         There are two types of pill packets. Some packets have 28 pills. These contain 21 “active” pills, which contain hormones, followed by 7 “reminder” pills of a different regular color that do not contain hormones. Other packets have only the 21 “active” pills.

How Do They Work?

§         The birth control pill works by stopping ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries).

§         It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it hard for sperm to pass through and reach the egg.

§         The birth control pill will not stop an existing pregnancy.

§         The birth control pill is very effective.

Advantages

Disadvantages

 

§         Only take one pill per day.

§         For most, the monthly periods are regular, lighter monthly bleeding and fewer days of bleeding; milder and fewer menstrual cramps.

§         Can be used as long as a woman wants to prevent pregnancy. No rest period needed.

§         User can stop taking pills at any time. Fertility returns soon after stopping.

§         Can be used as an emergency contraceptive after unprotected sex.

§         Can prevent iron deficiency anemia.

 

Common side effects:

§         Nausea (most common in first 3 mos)

§         Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods

§         Mild headaches, breast tenderness, slight weight gain, amenorrhea

§         Mood changes; decreased interest in sex

The pill is not effective unless taken daily.

Not recommended for breastfeeding women.

The pill will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs or AIDS).

 

 

4Before starting any birth control method, be sure to have a complete physical exam by your doctor or nurse practitioner. The Eastern Student Health will give you a physical exam and educate you about birth control methods.

Emergency Oral Contraceptives: 

 


 

What is Emergency Oral Contraceptive?

§         After unprotected sex, emergency oral contraception (EOC) can prevent pregnancy. This is sometimes called postcoital or “morning after” contraception.

How Does It Work?

§         It works by stopping ovulation (release of egg from ovaries) but perhaps also works in other ways. Does not disrupt existing pregnancy.

Who Can Use The EOC?

§         Any woman can use EOC if she is not already pregnant:

§         Any woman who has had sex against her will or has been forced to have sex (rape).

§         A condom has broken.

§         Whenever sex takes place without contraception, and the woman wants to avoid pregnancy.

When Should You Use Emergency Oral Contraceptives?

§         EOC may be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

§         You should take the prescribed pill dosage and then take another equal dose 12 hours later.

What Are The Side Effects?

§         Nausea : the most common side effect. Eat something soon after the pills to reduce any nausea.

§         Vomiting: If you vomit within 2 hours after taking the pills, take another dose. Otherwise, you should NOT take any extra pills. Extra pills will not make the method more effective and they may increase nausea.

§         The next monthly period may start a few days earlier or later than expected. This is not a bad sign.