What are oral contraceptives?
Oral contraceptives are taken orally by women on a daily basis to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives contain progesterone and estrogen or progesterone only pills. Both are highly effective in preventing pregnancy if they are taken at the same time every day within.
Progesterone only pills can be used safely by women who are breastfeeding. Oral contraceptives are sometimes taken for other reasons to, such as regulating a woman’s menstrual period or treating acne.
Progesterone only pills can be used safely by women who are breastfeeding. Oral contraceptives are sometimes taken for other reasons to, such as regulating a woman’s menstrual period or treating acne.
Oral contraceptives come in either 21 day pill packs or 28 day pill packs. The former, contains 21 pills with hormones in them. The 28 day pill packs also contain 21 pills that have hormones in them and the remaining 7 pills are sugar / folic acid pills designed to help you remember to take your pill every day.
How do oral contraceptives work?
Oral contraceptives work in 3 ways
• They stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
• They change the lining of your uterus, making it thinner and more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant
• It changes the composition of your cervical mucous, which makes it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus.
How effective are oral contraceptives?
Typical use: Approximately 92% effective in preventing pregnancy
Perfect use: Approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy
Oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
How do you I use oral contraceptives?
For a 21 day pill pack
• Take 1 pill every day at the same time within a 1 hour window for 21 days. For example, if you normally take the pill at 8:00 am, make sure you take it daily between 7:00 am and 9:00 am. If you do not take the pill within a 1 hour window every day its effectiveness will decrease.
• After 21 days, do not start a new pack of pills for the next 7 days. During these 7 days you will have your period.
• After 7 days open up a new 21 day pill pack and start a new pill cycle.
For a 28 day pill pack
• Take 1 pill every day at the same time within a 1 hour window for 28 days.
• After 21 days, you can take 1 sugar / Folic acid pill a day witch are usually coloured differently from the other pills in the pack and are only designed to help you remember to take your pill on time everyday.
• After 7 days ( Total 28 days) open up a new 28 day pill pack and start a new cycle.
During the first month of taking the pill, it is recommended that you use a backup method of contraception such as condom. Your body takes a bit of time to adjust to the hormones and it also takes some time for the hormones to take effect. During the first month, there is some possibility of getting pregnant.
What if I miss a Pill?
If you miss 1 pill at any time throughout your cycle
• As soon as you remember, take the missed pill and take your next pill at the usual scheduled time.
• For the next 7 days use a backup method of contraception such as condoms.
If you miss 2 pills during the first 2 weeks of your cycle
• Double up and take 2 pills for the next 2 days and then continue take 1 pill a day at the same time for the rest of the cycle.
• For the next 7 days use a backup method of contraception such as condoms.
If you miss 2 pills during the third week of your cycle…..
• Throw the current pack of pills out and start a new cycle of pills as soon as you remember
• Use a backup method of contraception such as condoms 7 days.
• You may not experience a period this month because you are taking the pill continuously for longer than usual.
Advantages of using oral contraceptives?
• Highly effective in preventing pregnancy
• Allows a woman to take control over her fertility
• It is fairly discrete and no one needs to know you are using them
• Can help control acne and improve the condition of your skin
• Can help regulate your period
• Can reduce cramping and bleeding during your period
• There are many different brands and variations of the pill that you can try. If you experience side effects from one type of pill you can always switch to another kind.
Disadvantages of using oral contraceptives?
• You need to remember to take the pill at the same time every day within a one hour window or the effectiveness will decline.
• You may experience side effects such as: headache, breast tenderness and breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods). Most side effects go away after a couple of months but if they persist, you can try switching to another pill or a different method of contraception entirely.
• In rare cases the pill can lead to certain complications. If at any time you experience shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, dizziness or any other unusual symptom, stop taking the pill right away and seek immediate medical attention.
• Some women are sensitive to hormones and can experience mood swings while on the pill.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI)
