FAQ: BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
The oral contraceptive is an effective birth control method. Taken correctly, the pill is 97 to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Start your first pack of pills on the day your menses begins. Take one pill at the same time each day with no more than a two hour time difference. Associate taking it with a daily activity, such as brushing your teeth or eating dinner. Use a backup method of birth control, such as, condoms and spermicide for the first two weeks after beginning the pill.
MISSED PILLS
If you miss one (1) pill, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next pill at the regular time.
If you miss two (2) pills in a row, take two (2) pills as soon as you remember and two (2) pills the next day. You will not be as well protected from pregnancy and will need to use a backup method until you finish that package of pills. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding may occur.
If you miss three (3) or more pills in a row you will probably begin your period. Throw away the rest of your pack. Start on another form of birth control. Begin a new cycle of pills immediately even if you are bleeding. Use a birth control backup method for the first two weeks that you are on this new package of pills. You may want to consider another form of birth control, one more suitable to your lifestyle.
Any missed hormone pills may reduce the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive. Use a backup method such as condoms and spermicide if any pills are missed.
SOME IMPORTANT FACTS
You may experience mid-cycle spotting called "breakthrough bleeding" during the first two to three months of use. Continue taking your pills and call us if you have any questions.
Other possible side effects of taking oral contraceptives include: lighter periods, less cramping during periods, nausea, breast tenderness or enlargement, minor weight gain, mood swings, darkening of the skin, breast lump, elevated cholesterol levels, elevated blood pressure, or jaundice.
If you decide to become pregnant, stop taking the pill and use another method of birth control for two to three cycles. If you miss even one period, even if you have taken your pills regularly, take a pregnancy test before restarting your pills. If the pregnancy test is negative you may restart your next pill packet on schedule.
In the event of illness, which prevents you from absorbing the pill, such as diarrhea or vomiting, use a birth control backup method until the end of that cycle of pills. Certain antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss this possible drug interaction with your health care provider each time you get a prescription for antibiotics. If this interaction is possible, use a birth control backup method while you are taking the antibiotic and for the remainder of your cycle. Remember to list oral contraceptives as a medication that you take when you come into the clinic or see your physician.
EARLY PILL WARNING SIGNS
C A U T I 0 N A * Abdominal Pain (severe)
C A U T I 0 N C * Chest pain (severe, cough, shortness of breath or sharp pain on
C A U T I 0 N breathing in)
C A U T I 0 N H * Headache (severe), dizziness, weakness, or numbness especially if
C A U T I 0 N one-sided
C A U T I 0 N E * Eye problems (vision loss or blurring), speech problems
C A U T I 0 N S * Severe leg pain (calf or thigh)
Call the Student Health Center or your family physician immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Tell them you are taking birth control pills. CSUB Student Health Services (661) 654-2394
FAQ: PILLS AND FERTILITY
Pills are a good option for women who want to become pregnant in the future.
By preventing causes of infertility such as pelvic infections, uterine fibroids, ectopic regnancies, ovarian cysts, endometrial cancer and possible endometriosis, OCs may improve a woman’s future ability to become pregnant.
If your periods are irregular prior to taking pills, they may again become irregular after you stop taking pills.
Return of fertility is not improved by periodically taking a break from pills.
You may experience some delay (and average of 2-3 months) in becoming pregnant compared to the amount of time it would have taken if you had not taken the pills.
Between 1% and 2% of women will not menstruate for 6 months or more after taking pills. However, it is not certain that this lack of menses is caused by oral contraceptive pills.
Because most women conceive soon after stopping pills, you should use another method of contraception right away if you don’t want to become pregnant.
Resource: Contraceptive Technology,17th Revised Edition, 1998