The Pill (birth control pills or oral contraceptives)

What Is It?

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs) contain the hormone progestin. Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) are pills which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin.

How Does It Work?

Thickens cervical mucus, blocking sperm. Prevents ovulation. Prevents implantation of fertilized egg.

How Is It Used?

Birth control pills are prescribed for woman. A pill must be taken by mouth every day for 21 or 28 days each cycle. The pill should be taken at the same time each day. Pills must be taken on schedule, month after month.

How Well Does It Work?

Typical use: 95%. Perfect use: 99.9%. Failure rate increased when combined with some medications, missed pills or taking pills late. Use back-up method for: first cycle, any missed pills, discontinuing pill or if taking some medications, such as antibiotics. (Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a medication you are prescribed may interfere with how well the pill works.)

What Are Its Main Advantages?

Reversible. Does not interfere with sex. Medically safe for most women. Regulates periods, lighter periods. Decreases menstrual pain and PMS. May improve acne. Decreases risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer.

What Are Some Possible Problems?

Side effects include nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, breast tenderness, break-through bleeding (spotting between periods). More serious complications include depression, liver tumors. May increase risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots and high blood pressure for some women (especially women over 35 who smoke). Possible increased risk for breast cancer and cervical cancer.

What are the warning signs?

Abdominal pain (severe),chest pain (severe) or shortness of breath, headaches (severe), eye problems such as blurred vision or loss vision, severe leg pain (calf or thigh)