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How They Work
Most birth control pills use a combination of two hormones, estrogen
and progesterone, to prevent conception. Estrogen prevents ovulation
by suppressing the levels of hormones that normally incite ovulation.
Progesterone thickens the cervical mucus so that sperm cannot fertilize
an egg. It also prevents a fertilized egg from implanting itself in
the womb. Birth control pills also raise the pH of the vagina so that
it is inhospitable to sperm.
How to Use Them
With the 21-day packets, take one pill a day for 21 days and then stop
for 7 days, during which you will menstruate. With the 28-day packets,
take 21 hormone pills and then 7 placebo pills, which have no hormones.
During that 7-day period, you will menstruate. The 28-day packet is
beneficial for women who believe they will have difficulty remembering
the on-and-off schedule. Both systems are equally effective. It is important
to take the pill at the same time every day.
What to Do If I Miss a Pill
Take it as soon you remember, and then take the next one at the correct
time. If two pills are forgotten, take both as soon as you remember,
then two pills the next day to catch up, but use an alternative method
of birth control for the rest of the cycle. If three or more pills are
missed, stop taking the pill completely, use a back-up method of birth
control for the rest of that cycle, and start anew the next month.
Side Effects
The potential side effects of birth control pills are too numerous to
list here. Some of the more common side effects include headaches, nausea,
fatigue, moodiness, weight gain, and breakthrough bleeding. These should
subside after a month or so. If problems persist, see a doctor; the
dosage could be incorrect or a new brand may be necessary. Some side
effects may actually be considered beneficial to a woman. Some of these
include less menstrual flow, regularity for women who have very light
or irregular periods, decreased change of ovarian cycle, relief for
many women of cramps, backaches, etc, sexual spontaneity, and decreased
anxiety over pregnancy.
Effectiveness
Theoretically, birth control pills have an effectiveness rate greater
than 99%. Yet due to human error, such as missed pills or incorrect
dosage, the actual rate is 97%. This means that out of 100 women, three
became pregnant while on the pill over a one-year period. To insure
your own protection and the pill's effectiveness, use a back-up method
of birth control during your first month using the pill.
Important! If you are taking any medication or antibiotics, check
with a physician. Some medications render the pill ineffective.
How to Get the Pill
In order to get the pill prescription, a gynecological exam is necessary
to see if you are a good candidate for the pill. This method is not
for everyone. Women who smoke, have diabetes, highly irregular periods,
or any form of circulatory disease should probably not take the pill.
An evaluation with a gynecologist will determine candidacy.
Note: Birth control pills do not protect against STIs or HIV. Condoms
should still be used for STI and HIV protection.
Sources:
"How do birth control pills work?"
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/healthwise/0663.html, 11/13/97.
"Antibiotics and the pill," http://www.columbia.edu/cu/healthwise/0630.html,
11/13/97.
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