Contraceptive pills are one of the most popular methods of birth control. They are easy to use, highly effective (when used correctly), and available through a prescription from a healthcare provider.

However, there is often a lot of confusion surrounding contraceptive pills, particularly with regards to how they work, their side effects, and how effective they are. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions about contraceptive pills, in order to clear up some of the confusion.

What are Contraceptive Pills?

Contraceptive pills are a type of hormonal birth control. They contain synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are naturally produced by the body.

There are two main types of contraceptive pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills.

Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin, and work in three ways: they prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries), thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation.

Progestin-only pills, on the other hand, only contain progestin and work primarily by thickening cervical mucus.

How Effective are Contraceptive Pills?

When used correctly, contraceptive pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. The typical failure rate for combination pills is less than 1%, meaning that less than 1 out of 100 women who use the pill as directed will become pregnant in a year.

The failure rate for progestin-only pills is slightly higher, at around 1-2%.

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of contraceptive pills depends on several factors. These include how consistently and correctly the pills are taken, as well as individual factors such as weight, age, and medical history.

For example, certain medications (such as antibiotics) can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, so it is important to discuss these issues with a healthcare provider.

What are the Side Effects of Contraceptive Pills?

Like all medications, contraceptive pills can have side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:.

Nausea
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Irritability and mood swings
Weight gain

Most of these side effects are mild and go away on their own after a few weeks. However, some women may experience more serious side effects, such as blood clots, liver damage, and high blood pressure.

These risks are generally higher for women who smoke, are over the age of 35, or have certain medical conditions.

Are Contraceptive Pills Safe?

Overall, contraceptive pills are considered to be safe for most women. However, as with any medication, there are risks associated with their use.

In addition to the side effects mentioned above, contraceptive pills can also increase the risk of certain serious health conditions, such as stroke, heart attack, and breast cancer.

That being said, the risks associated with contraceptive pill use are generally low, and for most women, the benefits of using the pill (such as preventing unwanted pregnancies and improving menstrual symptoms) outweigh the risks.

Do Contraceptive Pills Protect Against STIs?

No, contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, no hormonal birth control method (including the pill) provides protection against STIs.

The only way to protect against STIs is to use a barrier method of birth control (such as condoms) consistently and correctly.

How Do I Get Contraceptive Pills?

Contraceptive pills are available by prescription only. This means that in order to get a prescription for birth control pills, you will need to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider (such as a gynecologist or primary care physician).

During your appointment, your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. They may also perform a physical exam.

Based on this information, they will be able to recommend the best type of birth control pill for you, and provide you with a prescription.

Can I Use Contraceptive Pills While Breastfeeding?

Yes, many women can safely use contraceptive pills while breastfeeding. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options, as some types of hormonal birth control can affect milk supply.

What Should I Do if I Miss a Pill?

If you miss a combination pill, it is important to take it as soon as you remember (even if that means taking two pills in one day).

If you miss two or more pills in a row, you may need to use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms) for the next seven days, and talk to your healthcare provider about how to proceed.

If you miss a progestin-only pill, the rules are slightly different. If you miss a pill by more than three hours, you will need to use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms) for the next two days.

Conclusion

Contraceptive pills are a safe and effective method of birth control. However, like all medications, they do have risks and potential side effects.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options before starting a new type of birth control, and to use the pills as directed in order to maximize their effectiveness.