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Birth Control Methods

The Pill

Lo-Loestrin, Yaz, Estarilla
Emergency Contraception
External Condoms
Hormonal IUD
Implant
Internal Condoms
Non-Hormonal IUD
Patch
Ring
Shot/Injection
Sterilization – Female
Sterilization – Male
The Pill
About

The birth control pill, also known as the oral contraceptive pill, is a pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones, typically estrogen and progestin, that work mainly by blocking the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Effectiveness
91%
91% effective and must be taken at the same time of day, every day, for effectiveness
Mechanism of Action

The birth control pill works to prevent pregnancy through a couple of key actions:

  • Thicken cervical mucus: The pill makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, which helps block sperm from entering the uterus.
  • Thins lining of uterus: It also makes the lining of the uterus thinner, which reduces the likelihood of a fertilized egg attaching to the uterus.

Common Usage Options:

  1. Take an active pill for 21 days and then have seven days of taking no pill or an inactive pill.
  2. You take an active pill for 24 days, followed by four days of no pill or an inactive pill.

For both regimens, taking the pill at the same time of day every day is important for keeping hormone levels steady and ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Benefits
Improves cycle symptoms
Improves cycle symptoms
May reduce risk of ovarian cancer
May reduce risk of ovarian cancer
Helps manage symptoms of endometriosis
Helps manage symptoms of endometriosis

Using the pill has several benefits besides preventing pregnancy, and here’s how they can be helpful:

  • Treatment of endometriosis: Helps manage the symptoms of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it.
  • Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers: Reduces the chances of developing cancer in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus.
  • Shorter, more regular periods: Makes menstrual cycles more predictable and often shortens the length of periods.
  • Lighter flow and decreased anemia: Reduces the amount of menstrual bleeding, which can help prevent anemia (a condition where you have fewer red blood cells than normal).
  • Less painful periods: Helps ease menstrual cramps, making periods more comfortable.
  • Decreased number of periods per year: Allows for fewer menstrual cycles each year, which can be especially beneficial for those with very painful or heavy periods.
  • Improvement of acne: Can help clear up skin and reduce acne.
  • Prevention of functional ovarian cysts: Reduces the likelihood of developing cysts on the ovaries that can cause pain and other complications.
Start Method
Backup required
Backup required

You may need to use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for the first seven days.

Potential Side Effects and Concerns

When using the birth control pill, here are some potential side effects to consider:

  • Breakthrough bleeding: Sometimes you might experience light bleeding or spotting between periods.
  • Nausea: You may feel queasy or nauseous, especially when you first start taking the pill.
  • Breast tenderness: Your breasts might feel tender or sore.
  • Weight gain: You might notice some weight gain.
  • Headaches: The pill can cause headaches in some people.
  • Mood changes/decreased sex drive: You may experience changes in your mood or a lower interest in sexual activity.
  • High blood pressure: The pill can increase your blood pressure, so it’s monitored by your doctor.
Who Should Not Use This?

The birth control pill should not be used by people with the following health conditions:

  • Personal history of blood clots: If you’ve had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack, or stroke.
  • Complicated diabetes: Especially if it’s associated with organ damage.
  • Migraine with aura: This type of headache can increase the risk of stroke when combined with the pill.
  • Any migraine if you are 35 years or older: The risk of stroke increases with age and migraines.
  • Smoker 35 years or older: Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular issues, which are further exacerbated by the pill.
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure): The pill can raise blood pressure, making pre-existing conditions worse.
  • Coronary artery disease: The pill can increase the risk of heart problems.
  • Active liver disease: The pill can affect liver function, making existing liver conditions worse.
  • Breast cancer: Hormones in the pill can affect breast cancer, making it riskier for those with current or past breast cancer.